Internal Audit Professional

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, is a non-profit, international organization that focuses on improving agricultural production systems, particularly for basic cereals like maize and wheat. Established to address global security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security challenges, CIMMYT operates in various countries, primarily in the Global South, and aims to enhance the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers through applied agricultural science and strong partnerships. The organization is a core CGIAR Research Center, dedicated to reducing poverty and improving nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security while ensuring sustainable natural resource management. CIMMYT's mission is to foster a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries, impacting millions of farmers worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.cimmyt.org/

Job Overview:
The Internal Audit Professional at CIMMYT is expected to independently lead comprehensive audit engagements from planning through to reporting and follow-up. This role is strategic, requiring close collaboration with the Head of Internal Audit to refine the organization's risk-based audit plan. The professional will contribute to enterprise-wide risk assessments across various domains, including operations, finance, compliance, IT, governance, and research programs. The position demands a proactive approach to identifying risks and control weaknesses, preparing impactful audit reports, and providing advisory support to management on governance and risk management. The successful candidate will leverage data analytics and technology to enhance audit effectiveness and maintain compliance with Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Internal Audit Professional will be responsible for leading and delivering end-to-end internal audit engagements, ensuring adherence to GIAS and achieving high-quality audit outcomes. Key responsibilities include:

• Independently managing the full audit cycle, including planning, fieldwork, execution, reporting, and follow-up.
• Supporting the Head of Internal Audit in developing and updating CIMMYT's risk-based internal audit plan.
• Conducting risk assessments and advisory reviews to identify emerging risks and control weaknesses.
• Preparing clear and impactful audit reports with practical recommendations for senior management.
• Managing the tracking and reporting of management action plans and assessing remediation adequacy.
• Supporting governance reporting and preparing presentations for leadership and governance bodies.
• Providing independent advisory support on governance and internal controls.
• Utilizing data analytics to enhance audit effectiveness.
• Ensuring compliance with GIAS and maintaining complete audit documentation. 1
• Building strong relationships with stakeholders and providing guidance to junior audit staff. 1
• Coordinating co-sourced or outsourced audit engagements as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess 7-10 years of progressive internal audit experience, demonstrating the ability to manage full audit cycles in complex organizations. A strong understanding of GIAS and risk-based auditing methodologies is essential, along with experience in developing risk-based audit plans and conducting risk assessments. Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and report-writing skills are required, as well as the ability to communicate complex issues effectively to senior stakeholders. Candidates should demonstrate sound professional judgment and the ability to navigate ambiguity and shifting priorities. Strong interpersonal skills are necessary for building trust and engaging with diverse stakeholders while maintaining independence and objectivity.

Educational Background:
A professional certification such as CIA, CPA, ACCA, or equivalent is strongly preferred. Candidates should have a solid educational background in finance, accounting, or a related field, which supports their understanding of internal audit practices and methodologies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7-10 years of relevant experience in internal audit, with a proven track record of managing audit engagements independently. Experience in international or matrixed organizations is highly desirable, as is the ability to operate autonomously in resource-constrained environments.

Languages:
Professional proficiency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an advantage, particularly in a multicultural work environment.

Additional Notes:
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package, including benefits such as a year-end bonus, vacation premium, life and medical insurance, and support for continuous professional development. The position is based in Mexico, and foreign candidates must have legal documents to work in the country. This role is open until filled, and CIMMYT is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.