Audit Consultants

Job Posting Organization:
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 197

• Its mission is to eradicate rural poverty in developing countries by providing financial and technical assistance to improve agricultural productivity and rural development. IFAD operates in over 90 countries and has a workforce of approximately 400 employees. The organization focuses on empowering rural people to overcome poverty and achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, thereby contributing to sustainable development and economic growth.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position is aimed at recruiting qualified consultants to assist in audit engagements for the Internal Audit section of the Office of Audit and Oversight (AUO) at IFAD. The consultants will be part of a roster from which AUO will draw as needed for specific short-term audit assignments. The primary purpose of the internal auditing activity is to enhance IFAD's ability to create, protect, and sustain value by providing independent, risk-based, and objective assurance and advice to IFAD's governing bodies and management. The consultants are expected to deliver relevant activities on a timely basis, ensuring reliability and accuracy throughout the consultancy period. The role involves conducting audit planning, fieldwork, and reporting, with assignments potentially covering a wide range of internal audit engagements, including audits of IFAD Country Offices and Headquarters divisions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for various audit-related tasks, including: conducting assigned audit work, performing audit planning at Headquarters, and executing audit fieldwork at IFAD field offices or remotely. The consultant will engage in the following phases of the audit process:

• Engagement Planning Phase: Obtain and analyze information on the audited business unit and develop a risk-based audit engagement plan.
• Engagement Fieldwork Phase: Build, document, and analyze evidence related to risk areas identified in the planning phase, document work performed, and formulate recommendations addressing audit findings.
• Engagement Reporting Phase: Prepare and present draft and final internal audit reports, coordinating with management for feedback on findings and recommendations. The consultant must ensure that all deliverables are written in English and maintain independence from the activities audited, free from any conflict of interest.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree in accounting, auditing, finance, business administration, IT, commerce, or any other business-related field. A first-level university degree may be accepted if combined with additional relevant experience. Professional accounting or auditing designations such as ACCA, CA, CPA, CIA, or CISA are desirable. Candidates should have at least 2 years of professional experience in internal audit or related areas, with experience in international audit or consulting firms being advantageous. A solid understanding of internal auditing standards, risk assessment methodologies, and internal controls is essential. Experience in auditing donor- or IFI-financed operations, public procurement audit, and advising on Non-Sovereign Private Sector Operations is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as accounting, auditing, finance, or business administration. A first-level university degree may be acceptable if combined with significant relevant experience. Professional certifications in accounting or auditing are highly regarded, and additional certifications will be considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in internal audit or related fields. Experience in international audit or consulting firms is preferred, along with a solid understanding of internal auditing standards and practices. Experience in auditing donor-funded operations and public procurement is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, with a proven ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Working proficiency in additional languages such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, Russian, or Chinese is desirable and should be indicated in the application.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be on a short-term basis, with consultants being remunerated daily per assignment. The role may require travel as needed, and candidates must declare any potential conflicts of interest. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.