Regional Internal Auditor - IITA

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit Regional Internal Auditor III on behalf of The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to support the internal audit function in playing an influential role at the hubs in strengthening IITA's control environment through broadening the understanding of risk, controls, oversight, and accountability. Specifically, he/she will be expected to: Work on his/her own and be part of a team to carry out audits, reviews, and investigations across IITA and CGIAR. Maintain strong relationships across the hubs, IITA and keep abreast with changes and events that significantly impact the risk profile of IITA and CGIAR.

ILRI is an international organisation working for better lives and better planet through livestock. ILRI’s mission emphasises the interconnections between people, animals, and the environment, aiming to improve the lives of more than 300 million people in low- and middle-income countries through livestock science that supports equitable and resilient livestock systems, ultimately contributing to food systems transformation with climate and environmental benefits. This mission is delivered through two core strategic objectives: co-designing and deploying sustainable, science-based livestock solutions, and leveraging science to inform and influence policy and investment decisions.

ILRI is a member of the CGIAR, a global research alliance that works to transform food, land and water systems in a climate crisis and is the only CGIAR centre dedicated to addressing multiple development challenges through sustainable livestock solutions.

IITA is a non-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we IITA improves livelihoods, enhances food and nutrition security, increases employment, and preserves natural resource integrity. For more information, please visit https://www.iita.org/about/

Key Responsibilities

Providing Assurance and Advisory Services- planning, monitoring, and quality review

• Actively participate in developing IITA’s risk-based annual internal audit plan with specific insights covering the hubs.
• Lead all aspects of the planning of assigned audits and advisory engagements, including engagement-level risk assessments, determination of engagement objectives, scope and criteria.
• Prepare risk-based audit programs for assigned engagements for review and approval.
• Perform engagement procedures and prepare documentation of work done, ensuring they are of high quality and adequately support the achievement of the relevant audit objectives.
• Prepare high-quality draft engagement reports, reflecting input and feedback from clients.
• Follow up agreed action based on audit recommendations as and when they are due.
• Assist in preparing reports for the Senior Management Team or the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee.
• Providing independent advisory services on approved requests.
• Participate /conduct special investigations as may be required.

Maintaining a high-performing Internal Audit – improvement and innovation

• Ensure consistent development and implementation of the assurance approach and strategy.
• Act as a lead on various projects or actions to implement the Internal Audit improvement plan.
• Maintain high-quality work standards and remain current with the evolution of standards and practices.

Management support and learning

• Ensure that relationships with all clients/ auditees across hubs remain strong through effective networking.
• Make effective recommendations to management on improving the control environment and the management of risks.
• Facilitate the sharing of knowledge and good practices.
• Liaise and work with external auditors and other assurance providers.
• Perform any other assigned duties.

Requirements

The ideal candidate should hold:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Economics or other relevant fields of study.
• Professional Internal Audit Certification i.e. CIA, CRMA, CISA, CFE or accounting certification CPA, ACCA or other related professional qualifications.
• At least 10 years’ progressively responsible experience in leading and delivering internal audit engagements of wide nature, including IT audits preferably in a comparable international organization.
• Experience in another directly relevant field such as enterprise risk management, assurance, evaluation of risks and internal control, IT will also be considered in lieu of audit experience.
• Experience in managing and developing staff.
• Experience in designing processes in conformance with IIA Standards.
• Knowledge of professional standards of internal auditing and recognized frameworks in relation to risk, control, and governance.
• Experience in using electronic audit work papers.
• Highly developed judgment and interpersonal skills to build trust, influence and collaborate with different stakeholders professionally and courteously regarding difficult and sensitive areas.
• Versatility to conduct a variety of audits for multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure, to strict deadlines, and to undertake numerous tasks simultaneously.
• Uphold the highest ethical standards, inspiring trust and treating all people with respect and personal integrity, shaping an inclusive, diverse and open organizational culture.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely and to communicate and present effectively and confidently in English.
• Working knowledge of French will be an added advantage.

Terms of Appointment

This position is at job level HG16 and it is only open to Kenyan nationals.

The position is a 3-year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes pension, medical and other insurances.

How to apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Head of People and Culture through our recruitment portal by clicking on "Apply Now" on or before 16 June 2026. The position title and reference number REF: IITA/05/2026 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.

We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.

To find out more about ILRI, visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org/

ILRI is an equal-opportunity employer.

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