Audit and Risk Advisor

Job Description

Audit and Risk Advisor  

Embassy of Ireland, Sierra Leone 

The Embassy of Ireland, Sierra Leone is seeking to recruit an experienced Audit and Risk Advisor to  support the efficient operation of the systems of accountability, oversight and risk management.  

Roles and Responsibilities: 

The role will support effective compliance with standards of financial oversight and management  both within the Embassy and by partners.  

The Audit and Risk Advisor will be required to: 

∙ Ensure compliance with the standards and requirements the Embassy and partners; ∙

Manage the annual external audit process for the Embassy and programmes;

∙ Assess the risk and internal controls in operation within the Embassy and provide  advisory support to management; 

∙ Prepare and implement annual risk-based annual audit plans, and follow up on  management implementation of recommendations; 

∙ Provide input into Embassy guidelines on partner reporting. 

∙ Provide a critical appraisal of the quality and content of partner reports with programme  managers. 

∙ Provide support to Development Co-operation Interventions by the Embassy of Ireland and its partners 

∙ Contribute to wider Embassy of Ireland strategic planning and implementation

Essential Requirements: 

∙ Candidates must be a qualified accountant with full internationally recognised accounting  qualification such as CPA/ACCA, CA or CIMA  

∙ A minimum of five years’ post qualification experience of which three years should have  been in a development agency or NGO at a senior level. Specific expertise and  qualification in internal and/or external audit; 

∙ Proficiency in the main, internationally recognised, accountancy software packages and a  high level of computer literacy 

∙ Knowledge of international accounting and auditing standards 

∙ A proven ability to collate and distil large amounts of information, summarising findings  to be used for management decisions and planning; 

∙ Proven planning and monitoring skills and an advanced understanding of risk  management and internal control assessments; 

∙ Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) and credibility in  dealing with senior members of staff over financial and risk issues; 

∙ Familiarity with the key principles and practice of effective aid delivery. 

∙ Excellent verbal and written English language skills; a language test will apply ∙ The successful candidate must have a legal entitlement to live and work in  Sierra Leone prior to recruitment. 

Desirable Skills and Experience: 

∙ A strong understanding of the role of a development cooperation organisation or previous  experience in this or a similar development cooperation role; 

∙ Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

Terms and conditions of employment: 

∙ The successful candidates will be hired on a permanent contractual basis with a three month  probation period and will be based in Freetown 

∙ Working hours are full time, or not less than 39 hours per week; hours of work are generally  08:30-17:30 Monday to Thursday and 08:30-13:45 on Friday. Occasional late working or  attendance at work-related events outside of working hours is required.  

∙ Annual Leave entitlement of 21 days per annum exclusive of public holidays, adjusted pro  rata. 

∙ The gross salary for the position is €41,368 (inclusive of all allowances) per annum, salary is  paid on a monthly basis.  

∙ The successful candidate will be based in the Irish Embassy, Freetown and will be expected  to undertake regular in-country travel. Occasional international travel will be required. 

How to apply

Selection Process: 

∙ Depending on the number of applications received, a short-listing of candidates to be called  for a competency-based interview may be undertaken based on the Essential/Key  Requirements above.  

∙ A skills test may be included in the recruitment process; 

∙ Additional interviews may be included in the recruitment process; and 

∙ A panel may be set up depending on the calibre of candidates; 

General Data Protection Regulation: 

All personal information received will be kept in line with GDPR guidelines. 

Police security clearance will be sought in respect of individuals who come under consideration for  appointment. Enquiries may also be made with the police force of any country in which the applicant  under consideration for appointment resided. If unsuccessful, this information will be destroyed. If  the applicant subsequently comes under consideration for another position, they will be required to  supply this information again. 

Please note that canvassing will disqualify applicants. 

The Embassy of Ireland, Sierra Leone is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity.