Back Internal Auditor, AKAH and AKHS Tajikistan

The Branch of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat in the Republic of Tajikistan, works to ensure that people live in physical settings that are as safe as possible from the effects of natural disasters, that residents who do live in such high risk areas are able to cope with disasters in terms of preparedness and response, and that these settings provide access to social and financial services that lead to greater opportunities and a better quality of life. AKAH merges the activities of the Aga Khan Planning and Building Services (AKPBS), with its prize-winning water and sanitation programmes and low-cost habitat products, such as smoke-free stoves; the humanitarian arm of AKDN, FOCUS, which promotes disaster mitigation and resiliency and intervenes after disasters; the AKDN’s Disaster Risk Management Initiative (DRMI), which focuses on disaster preparedness in remote areas; and the environment- and habitat-related activities of the Aga Khan Foundation, including the Prince Sadruddin Fund for the Environment and the Foundation’s highly regarded rural support programs.

The Branch of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat in the Republic of Tajikistan is looking for high qualified candidate for the position of Internal Auditor for the Branch of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat in the Republic of Tajikistan and the Aga Khan Health Services in Tajikistan.

The major tasks and responsibilities are as following.

JOB SCOPE

Effectively manages the general and internal audit management practices for two agencies and establishes and continuously improves internal controls. Provides complete, reliable, timely, and consistent internal audit services, information, reports and recommendations to the defined stakeholders for Aga Khan Health Services and Aga Khan Agency for Habitat in Tajikistan.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

I. Performs audits and other assigned auditing services (such as investigations) in accordance with professional standards.

II. Under the guidance of the Audit Committee, plans the scope of audits and the audit procedures to be used on an annual basis.

III. Develop and use audit programs, techniques and internal control questionnaires under guidance and after approval of the Audit Committee of AKHS and AKAH Central Asia

IV. Perform the preliminary survey of operations, functions or activities and gather information on key business risks. Evaluates the adequacy of the controls designed to manage those risks and recommend improvements when needed.

V. Plans, organizes, schedules and conducts operational, financial, and compliance audits and other special projects as directed by Head of Audit Committee

VI. Conducts interviews, reviews documents, develops and administers surveys (where applicable), and composes summary reports/ minutes.

VII. Discusses strengths and opportunities for improvement with management and develops recommendations for improvement.

VIII. Prioritize work so resources are devoted to areas of highest risk. Manages the audit so that time is efficiently used, deadlines and budgets are met, and departmental quality assurance standards are maintained.

IX. Maintains positive team relationships by demonstrating and supporting initiative, willingness to learn, flexibility, respect, cooperation and commitment to the success of Audit Services.

X. Use of standard audit techniques to analyze and appraise data, transactions and records as a basis for providing an objective opinion on the performance of the business activity and the effectiveness of key risk management activities.

XI. Prepare and organize, accurate and competent working papers, ensuring that documentation clearly supports the conclusions regarding each audit objective

XII. Evaluate audit results, weighing the relevancy, accuracy, and perspective of conclusions against the accumulated audit evidence.

XIII. Provides information and sound recommendations to management throughout the engagement. Provide support for improvement to management, as needed.

XIV. Builds relationships through professionalism, facilitative communications and constructive responses to unit needs.

XV. Develop risk assessment and flexible annual audit plans using an appropriate risk based methodology, including any risk or control concerns identified by management, and submit annually the plan to the Audit Committee for review and approval.

XVI. Exercise due professional care in carrying out audit assignments.

XVII. Ensure the confidentiality of all information and records accessed in the course of its work.

XVIII. Assist in the investigation of significant suspected fraudulent activities and notify the Audit Committee and CEO of the results.

XIX. Ensure that the quality of the Internal Audit work is consistently at a high standard. In order to fulfill this responsibility the Internal Auditor shall:

· develop and maintain comprehensive work reporting systems; and

· maintain a regular review of audit plans, reports and working papers;

XX. Keep the Audit Committee informed of emerging trends and successful practices in internal auditing and recommend best practices to foster AKHS control process.

Initiate special audits without prior Committee approval if the Internal Auditor has sufficient evidence to believe that there is a break down in the established systems and organization’s assets are at risk. In all cases, the Chair of the Audit Committee and CEO shall be notified in writing within 24 hours of the circumstances requiring the initiation of a special audit

SPECIFICATIONS (MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS)

Education:

• University degree and a recognized professional accounting designation such as Chartered Accountant (CA), Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified General Accountant (CGA), or Certified Management Accountant (ACMA)

Experience:

• Five year’s post qualification experience and background in compliance and internal audit function within AKDN or NGO sector as well as experience in a senior management position in developed and/or developing world settings.

Skills:

• Expert-level skill in using computerized accounting systems especially iScala FIS.

• Expert-level skill in using MS Office packages.

• Knowledge of major donors’ grant processes, conditions, procedures and guidelines.

Technical Skills:

Excellent deductive reasoning skills, investigative interview techniques, report writing.

Other Skills:

• Must be an energetic, self-starter, ready-to-take challenges and work with strict deadlines with high level of professionalism and confidentiality.

Personal Characteristics:

• Maintains even under pressure the highest ethical standards and demonstrates integrity in all work

• Maintains without question, high level of confidential even under pressure

• Self- motivated and able to work under pressure over long hours if required

• Outstanding English language communication skills (oral, written, working knowledge of a local Russian, Tajik and/or Persian language, very good interpersonal skills, excellent computing skills, and very good presentation skills.

• Effective management and leadership skills with the ability to work independently, as a team member, under pressure, and multi-tasking,

• Organized and able to deliver quality work within strict timelines.

• Knowledge of AKDN as a group of private, international, nondenominational agencies, its purpose and various mandates, and its economic, social and cultural activities.

• Ability to regularly report on the implementation of compliance related action plans and escalating issues, and commanding respect at all levels of management and the governing body. Ability and willingness to travel on a regular basis, to cover all projects and operations sites often working in hard conditions.