Internal Auditor

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT (Re-ADVERT)

SOS Sahel Ethiopia is a humanitarian and development entity started work in Ethiopia since 1989 as a country program of SOS Sahel International/UK. Since 2005, the organization is registered and licensed as a Local Organization and currently operating in Oromia, Sidama, South & Central Ethiopia Regional States of the country in close collaboration and partnership with relevant government offices, community institution and other civil society organizations.

SOS Sahel Ethiopia is dedicated to improve living standards of smallholder farmers and herders pastoralists through actions that enable them exercise their right, create fair access to resources and service, and reduce the inequalities and power imbalance they experience and enhance the sustainability of the fragile environment on which they depend. Its primary mandate and major operational focuses are enhancing food security, improving livelihoods, sustaining the environment, strengthening access to market, reducing vulnerability to disaster, saving lives, and influencing policy and practice.

Accordingly, SOS Sahel Ethiopia is accepting applications from skilled, experienced and interested individuals for the position mentioned here under:

Job Position: Internal Auditor

Duty Station: At the organization Head Office in Addis Ababa

Reports to: The Executive Director of the organization

Contract Type: Full-time

1. Job Purpose

The Internal Auditor provides independent and objective assurance designed to improve the Organization’s operations and strengthen accountability. The role evaluates the adequacy and effectiveness of the organization’s systems of internal control, risk management, and governance processes.

The Internal Auditor ensures that the Organization’s financial resources, assets, and donor funds are used in compliance with regulations and that program activities are executed efficiently, ethically, and transparently. This position plays a key advisory role to the senior management in promoting a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.

2. Key Duties and Responsibilities

A. Planning and Audit Preparation

• Lead the development of the annual internal audit plan using a risk-based approach, aligned with strategic priorities, donor requirements, and emerging risks.
• Conduct organization-wide risk assessments to identify key operational, financial, and compliance risks.
• Develop detailed audit programs, including audit scope, objectives, methodologies, timelines, and resource requirements.
• Coordinate with senior management to validate the audit plan and secure approval.

B. Audit Fieldwork and Execution

• Conduct audits across all functional areas — finance, procurement, human resources, logistics, program management, and field operations.
• Perform tests of internal controls, financial transactions, and operational procedures to assess their adequacy and effectiveness.
• Evaluate the accuracy and reliability of financial reports, budget monitoring processes, and donor fund utilization.
• Assess the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of operations and make recommendations for process improvement.
• Ensure that audit work is properly documented, evidence-based, and compliant with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (IPPF).

C. Reporting and Communication

• Prepare comprehensive audit reports summarizing findings, implications, and actionable recommendations.
• Present audit results to senior management and the Board, highlighting key risks and control deficiencies.
• Discuss audit findings with responsible managers and agree on realistic corrective action plans and deadlines.
• Track the implementation status of audit recommendations and prepare periodic follow-up reports.
• Support the preparation of quarterly and annual reports to the Executive Director.

D. Risk Management and Internal Control

• Continuously evaluate and improve the Organization’s risk management framework.
• Identify emerging risks in operational, financial, and programmatic areas, and propose mitigation measures.
• Support management in integrating risk management into strategic and operational decision-making.
• Review policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure they are adequate and up to date.
• Conduct special audits or investigations in response to suspected fraud, waste, or abuse of resources, and document findings objectively.

E. Compliance and Donor Accountability

• Review donor-funded projects to ensure compliance with grant agreements, donor guidelines, and local laws.
• Verify that expenditures are allowable, allocable, reasonable, and properly documented.
• Ensure that procurement and contracting activities comply with both donor and organizational policies.
• Support the organization’s anti-fraud and anti-corruption initiatives by identifying risk indicators and recommending control measures.
• Coordinate with external auditors during statutory, donor, or project-specific audits to ensure smooth information sharing and follow-up on audit observations.

F. Capacity Building and Advisory Support

• Provide training and coaching to staff on internal control, risk management, and compliance best practices.
• Offer advisory support to management in developing and revising policies and procedures to strengthen internal controls.
• Contribute to promoting a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical behavior throughout the organization.
• Participate in organizational committees (e.g., Risk Management, Procurement) as an independent advisor when needed.

Remuneration & Benefits: As per SOS Sahel Ethiopia salary scale and benefit packages.

3. Required Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• Advanced qualification preferred (e.g., Master’s in Accounting, Auditing, or Risk Management).

Professional Certification (Optional):

• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

Experience:

• Minimum 7–10 years of relevant experience in internal auditing, external auditing, or financial management, with at least 3 years in a senior audit role.
• Demonstrated experience working in NGOs, international development agencies, or donor-funded projects.
• Proven knowledge of international donor rules and regulations (e.g., USAID, EU, UN, DFID, etc).
• Experience conducting audits in field or head offices, including travel to project sites.

4. Skills and Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Strong understanding of internal audit methodologies and standards (IPPF, COSO).
• Proficiency in financial analysis, risk assessment, and control evaluation.
• Knowledge of donor compliance frameworks and cost principles.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and experience with accounting or ERP systems (e.g., QuickBooks, SunSystems).
• Report writing and data visualization skills (Power BI or similar tools desirable).

Behavioral Competencies

• High integrity, independence, and professional ethics.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple audits simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Willingness to travel to project and field offices, sometimes in challenging environments.