Internal Auditor –SAMOUD AF Project
Description
Location Gadaref, Sudan
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps Europe is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.
Program / Department Summary
The role of the Internal Audit Department (IAD) is to provide objective assurance that Mercy Corps' business risks are being managed appropriately and that the agency's risk management and internal control framework is operating effectively. The IAD actively reviews the reliability and integrity of financial and operating information as well as the systems established by the agency to ensure compliance with MC policies and procedures, donor policies and regulations and US and host country laws and regulations.
General Position Summary
Internal Auditor working under the World Bank funded Somoud AF project will ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), international accounting standards (IAS), World Bank regulations and requirements, and Mercy Corps financial policies and procedures in order to safeguard MC assets, verify the accuracy and reliability of accounting data and documentation and promote organizational and operational integrity. Internal Auditor will provide objective assurance that Mercy Corps’ business risks are being managed appropriately and that the agency’s risk management and internal control framework is operating effectively to enable the project’s objectives and goals to be met.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Internal Audit Services
- Plan, organize and carry out internal audits for Somoud AF project thorough out the life of the project, based upon systematic risk assessments, including preparation of audit plans.
- Maintain an expert knowledge of Mercy Corps' internal policies and procedures, as well as stay abreast of donor rules and regulations.
- Evaluate internal controls and report to the), Director of Internal Audit (DIA), Senior Management Team staff regarding organizational compliance with established financial; Procurement, Administration, Logistics Management (PALM); & other operational Mercy Corps' and World Bank policies & procedures, as well as recognized best practice.
- Provide detailed assessments of how internal controls might be improved, taking into consideration the specific circumstances and environment of the project. It is expected that the IA will provide value-added advice, based on their expert knowledge and experience.
- Conduct project site visits and identify or explore systemic or contextual factors that might impact implementation of the project.
- Prepare comprehensive project audit reports for submission to the World Bank on quarterly basis providing clear recommendations for improvements to internal controls.
- Perform grant or other special financial, compliance or investigation audits or assignments, as required.
- Assist and coordinate with external auditors on the annual audits, as required.
- Using appropriate channels, alert senior management, the DIA to any significant internal control or compliance issues.
- Discuss findings & recommendations with senior management, the DIA and other staff as required.
- Physically verify material aid/gifts-in-kind inventories as required and review and confirm valuation of the same, as required.
Strategy & Vision
- Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment of empowerment.
- Set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions and resources to achieve objectives and contribute to country-wide strategy development.
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
- Fulfill Mercy Corps’ Program Management Minimum Standards based on the organization-wide guide.
- Ensure all interventions adhere to Mercy Corps’ Gender Policy, Do No Harm principles, and beneficiary accountability standards.
Team Management
- Develop the capacity of the team, deepen understanding of their roles and assist with career development.
- Assist team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance & reach objectives.
- Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one on ones and performance reviews.
- Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
- Hire, orient and lead team members as necessary.
Influence & Representation
- Interface with the (donor) representatives to convey information about programs as appropriate.
- Communicate with our partners (name), as well as (name any sub-grantees), to verify their systems and that they understand and follow all appropriate procedures and archiving.
- Participate in sharing best practices with NGOs and governmental agencies.
- Consistently demonstrate flexibility, resilience and ability to maintain positive relationships and composure, even under difficult circumstances.
- Maintain high ethical standards and treat people with respect and dignity.
- Demonstrate an awareness of his/her own strengths and development needs.
Security
- Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
- Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.
Organizational Learning
- As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
Accountability to Beneficiaries
- Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically
to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Supervisory Responsibility
None
Accountability
Reports Directly To: Finance Director
Technical reporting to: Senior Director Internal Auditor:
Works Directly With: Chief of Party – World Bank, Finance Manager WB Project, members of Operations, Program Managers,
Knowledge and Experience
- A bachelor's or master's degree in fields such as accounting, finance, business, or economics is typically required. Professional credentials like Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Certified Risk Manager (CRM) are highly desirable
- A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in risk management, internal controls, compliance, or governance is essential. This experience is often gained in environments such as Big 4 firms, financial institutions, or international organizations.
- Proficiency in risk assessment methodologies and internal control frameworks is fundamental. Auditors must be adept at identifying risks and documenting key internal controls.
- Strong analytical skills are necessary for conducting data analytics and preparing detailed reports that meet professional standards.
- Audit Planning and Execution: Internal auditors are responsible for developing and executing audit plans that assess the effectiveness of governance processes. This includes conducting fieldwork, process walkthroughs, and client interviews to gather relevant information
- Reporting: They must summarize findings clearly and communicate results effectively to stakeholders, ensuring that recommendations for improvements are actionable
- Advanced computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel.
- Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational and prioritization skills.
- Excellent oral and written English skills required; proficiency in Arabic is preferred.
- Ability to work effectively with an ethnically diverse team in a sensitive environment.
- Previous experience in insecure environment
Success Factors
The successful candidate will have an ability to interact effectively across international and national program and finance teams successfully, both in a managerial as well as training capacity. S/he will be able to support programmatic objectives with timely and meaningful financial information, have a demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities. An impeccable professional standard of finance and procurement ethics and the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential. The Finance Manager must be willing to travel regularly to Mercy Corps field offices and project sites. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The Internal Auditor is based in Gadaref. The location is unaccompanied and secure). Housing is shared accommodation with limited freedom of movement beyond the house/office. Staff have (degree of) access to (services – medical, electricity, water, etc). This position requires (25 % of time) of travel by road transportation with in Gadaref state.
Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps’ vision. Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment.
Ongoing Learning
In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and professional growth and development
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving Mercy Corps mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
Mercy Corps recognizes that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact. We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.