Internal Auditor (m/w/d)

Job Description

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is a lead global intergovernmental agency for energy transformation that serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, supports countries in their energy transitions, and provides state of the art data and analysis on technology, innovation, policy, finance and investment. IRENA drives the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy, including bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar and wind energy in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, and energy security, for economic and social resilience and prosperity and a climate-proof future. Today, the Agency’s membership base stands at 170 Members (169 States and the European Union) with an additional 14 States in the process of accession.

The Director-General has overall responsibility for providing leadership to carry out the Agency’s mandate and is also responsible for the efficient and effective management of the Agency’s mandate and its Work Programme. As part of the Internal Oversight Function, the Internal Auditor is responsible for providing assurance that programmes, activities and work of different units and divisions are delivered effectively and that continuous improvements are fostered in methods and procedures so as to enhance the quality of the Agency’s operations. The Internal Auditor is also responsible for identifying major risks for the Agency, supporting the development of risk management and internal control frameworks, providing objective assurances that they are operating effectively, and proposing remedial action to minimize such risks.

The position is located in the Office of the Director-General at IRENA Secretariat and the incumbent reports directly to the Director-General.

Duties and Responsibilities

With operational independence, the Internal Auditor will be responsible for the formulation and achievement of audit objectives. The duties and responsibilities of the internal auditor include:

• Conduct of routine internal audit and investigations necessary to maintain transparency and accountability;
• Evaluation and monitoring of the Agency’s risk management processes;
• Evaluation of the relevance, security, reliability and integrity of statistical and financial data/information;
• Evaluation of compliance of financial transactions with Assembly decisions, resolutions, approved programmes and other legislative mandates, regulations, procedure and related administrative directives;
• Review of economy, efficiency and effectiveness of financial, physical and human resources management and utilization and of programme delivery;
• Review of operations and programmes to ascertain the extent to which results are consistent with established goals and objectives;
• Examination of the structure of the Agency and its responsiveness to the requirements of programmes and legislative mandates and by conducting management audits;
• Making recommendations on matters arising from audits and monitoring programme manager’s response;
• Following up of action taken on the external and internal audit recommendations and approved recommendations of external oversight bodies;
• Rendering advice on appropriate systems of controls and other accounting and operational matters in a consulting capacity;
• Assessment and conduct of special investigations on alleged misconduct such as fraud, theft, embezzlement, corruption and other financial irregularities; and
• Carrying out special audits that may be requested by the Director‐General

The internal auditor will also provide technical inputs to internal controls and risk management, including:

• Assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls and risk management;
• Documenting findings and communicating orally and/or in writing to the audited offices on their compliance, performance and potential for improvement.
• Recommending actions to address shortcomings identified, strengthening internal controls and improving business processes.
• Conducting special assignments including management reviews, advisory services, special audits.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of auditing standards and practices, knowledge of generally applicable financial rules and procedures, demonstrate familiarity with appropriate computer database applications, data mining, interview techniques and presentation techniques, ability to identify issues, formulate opinions and present conclusions and recommendations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional objectivity, competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Communication: Strong inter-personal skills; speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience.

Teamwork: Demonstrate team leadership and strategic management skills; works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Qualifications

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, accounting or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Certification as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent is desirable.

Experience: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in audit, finance, accounting, administration, statistics, computer science or related area. Internal and/or external audit experience with international organizations is desirable.

Language: Excellent command of written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other languages is desirable.

IRENA reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.

Qualified candidates must apply for the above mentioned vacancy on-line, through IRENA’s recruitment platform, ORC by submitting a complete and comprehensive CV and a letter of interest, including details of three professional references who will be contacted if their application is shortlisted.

Applications from qualified women, especially from nationals of developing countries, are highly encouraged.

Please note that only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted for an interview and will receive notice of the outcome of the selection process.