Internal Control (Audit) Officer

Job Summary:

The Internal Control Officer (ICO) will perform internal audits (post-transaction) of all aspects on AREDP operations to ensure compliance with approved AREDP policies and procedures (in accordance with the framework documents - Grant Agreements, Financial Management Manual, Operations Manual, HR Manual, Procurement Manual, and other GoA regulations. The ICO will report findings of all audit work to the AREDP Executive Director (ED). The purpose of this position is to ascertain and provide assurance to the ED and Senior Management that AREDP Operations are being implemented in accordance with the applicable policies and procedures and adequate control mechanisms are being implemented.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Internal Control Officer will:
• Be responsible for ensuring that all the policies and procedures as mandated by the approved framework documents for AREDP, as well as the normal financial management, procurement and HR protocols and other GoA regulations, are correctly followed.
• Obtain and understand all the AREDP framework documents which are in place;
• Develop a risk analysis framework, including risk mitigation strategies, relating to the AREDP financial, administrative, procurement and personnel/HR aspects. The internal audit work plan/program (as mentioned below) should be developed in line with the risk analysis and risk mitigation strategies;
• Prepare, update and manage a monthly, quarterly and annual work plan/program for internal auditing, for approval by the Executive Director;
• Perform internal audits of all aspects of AREDP operations including but not limited to the following:
 Organizational processes
 Financial transactions (e.g. payments, accounting and financial reporting, petty cash, etc.)
 Personnel/human resources
 Fixed assets
 Procurement actions
 Stocks and supplies
 Field operations
 Project site visits
 Other relevant areas
The internal audits will be focused on (i) reviewing the systems and procedures which are in place and making recommendations to address gaps or outdated systems and procedures; and (ii) Undertaking sampling checks relating to financial transactions and administrative, procurement and personnel activities to determine the efficiency and accountability of these transactions and activities;
• Prepare brief and concise monthly reports, in an agreed format, for Senior Management on auditing activities, identifying areas of concern and discrepancies, and proposing remedial actions with timelines and responsibility for the implementation of corrective action. Follow up the required remedial actions to ensure they are properly completed, and report to the Senior Management accordingly. In addition to the regular reporting, immediately report to the ED any significant issues which come to light during the course of the carrying out of the internal audit program
• Take part in meetings to present findings and issues, and discuss remedial actions;
• Build and maintain productive working relationships across AREDP at both the PMO and PO level, and with the relevant departments of the MRRD with which AREDP has a work interface;
• Make regular field trips (at least once per quarter) to audit the operations of each Provincial Offices (POs);
• Prepare recommendations for the modification of AREDP policies and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations based on the findings of audits;


• Act as the focal point for external auditors and facilitate them in the performance of external audits;
• Review previous and current external audit reports and ensure that any audit findings and observations are addressed;
• Ensure that records of the internal audit program carried out are maintained in a logical and efficient way;
Other tasks as assigned by the ED.

Job Requirement:

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
The successful candidate will be able to work without direct supervision, pay attention to detail and will exhibit personal commitment, drive for results, efficiency, flexibility, respect for diversity, creative thinking and problem solving.
4.1 Knowledge/Experience
• At least 3 years of relevant work experience in auditing activities;
• Familiarity with the activities/operations of organizations to implement development projects;
• Knowledge of GoA policies and procedures and WB guidelines;

4.2 Qualifications/Skills
• Qualification: A bachelor’s degree in a related field (Business Administration, Finance, etc.);
• Planning and Organizing - Ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities;
• Communications - Good communication (spoken and written) skills, including ability to prepare written documents/communications/reports etc;
• Technology Awareness – Good computer skills using Word, Excel, PowerPoint and the Internet,
• Teamwork - Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
• Fluency in English (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) required;
• Fluency in written and spoken Dari/Pashto;

4.3 Abilities
• Ability to work in an independent and objective manner, in terms of the professional integrity requirements of the position;
• Ability to work independently, in terms of this being a sole position for the Unit;
• Ability to build and sustain effective work relationships with a diverse range of clients, partners, peers and subordinates to achieve common goals;
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure;
• Professionalism in appearance and demeanour;
• Willingness to enhance knowledge through training and personal initiative.
• Willingness and ability to travel in rural Afghanistan.

Job Location: