About the position

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The main objective of this position is to lead the development and implementation of a Center-specific Internal Audit function that operates independently and in alignment with international professional standards, the CGIAR Integrated Assurance Model, and donor compliance requirements. The role ensures the delivery of risk-based assurance and advisory services to the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee (AFRC) and Board of Trustees, enhancing the Alliance’s governance, risk management, and internal control frameworks. The position also contributes to system-wide audit coordination through the Integrated Partnership, while upholding the independence, objectivity, and quality of the internal audit activity.

The position will be based in Palmira, Colombia

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a Center-specific, risk-based audit plan in consultation with the IP-Internal Audit function, comprising the Center audit plan and any cross-cutting thematic engagements involving the Center.

• Deliver Center-level assurance and advisory services in conformance with the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS), while maintaining independence and objectivity.

• Conduct audits, compliance reviews, and special assignments in accordance with the AFRC-approved audit plan, as required.

• Contribute to Partnership-level assurance and advisory activities, including cross-cutting thematic audits led by the IP, and coordinate external providers for specific assignments where relevant.

• Implement and maintain a Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP) for the Center internal audit activity.

• Periodically review and update the Internal Audit Charter and manual.

• Coordinate and collaborate with the Internal Audit Function to support the development of the Integrated Partnership audit universe and internal audit plans, alongside other internal and external assurance providers.

• Escalate risk appetite or risk tolerance breaches, including cases where management accepts a level of risk above the Center’s risk appetite or tolerance, by engaging the Director General and, if unresolved, escalating to the Center AFRC.

• Lead audit start-up and closing meetings, and coordinate with Center management to introduce Function auditors and confirm the scope of cross-cutting thematic engagements.

• Report to the Internal Audit Function on the status of the Center audit plan and the implementation of audit recommendations, enabling trend and systemic risk analysis at Partnership level.

• Present audit reports, findings, and recommendations directly to the AFRC and to the Board or other governance bodies, when requested.

• Manage, supervise, and mentor supporting officers, upon recruitment.

• Perform administrative reporting to the Center Director General, limited to employment-related matters.

• Provide secondary functional reporting to the IP-Internal Audit Executive (IAE) to support cross-Integrated Partnership scoping, planning, delivery, and reporting, including endorsement of the Center audit plan for alignment with Partnership coverage and GIAS conformance.

• Support governance arrangements whereby the MIA reports functionally to the Center Board through the AFRC, including compliance with requirements related to performance review, audit plan approval, and budget oversight.

• Seek and incorporate input from the IP-IAE as part of the MIA performance review process and selection activities, as applicable.

• Submit the Center annual audit plan to the IP-IAE for endorsement prior to AFRC approval, and support resolution processes in cases of disagreement involving the IP-IAE, IPB-AFRC, and the Center AFRC.

• Prepare and maintain an annual risk-based internal audit plan.

• Produce audit reports containing findings, recommendations, and agreed management actions.

• Provide periodic progress updates to the AFRC on audit activities and implementation status.

• Prepare follow-up reports on the implementation of Internal Audit recommendations, to be presented to internal stakeholders, including the AFRC, SMT, and Director General.

• Provide inputs to the Alliance risk register and risk management framework, as appropriate.

• Coordinate and report on engagements with external and donor auditors for specific audit assignments.

• Conclude, at Center level, on the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control processes, in line with expectations set by the Center AFRC.

• Ensure ongoing follow-up and monitoring of Internal Audit recommendations.

Qualifications and requirements

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field with relevant audit experience.

• Full membership of a recognized professional accountancy or risk body (e.g. CPA, CA, CISA, CRMA or equivalent).

• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation.

• Professional experience in senior leadership roles in internal audit, external audit, risk management, or compliance.

• Experience in international, non-profit, or donor-funded organizations.

• Demonstrated experience presenting to Audit Committees and/or Boards.

• Strong working knowledge of IIA Standards, COSO/ERM frameworks, IFRS, risk-based auditing, and donor compliance requirements.

• Demonstrated experience leveraging audit technologies, data analytics, and digital tools, with solid understanding of IT controls, cybersecurity, and technology-related risks

• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Spanish or French is considered an advantage.

Competences

• Internal Audit Leadership and Governance.

• Strategic Risk Management

• People Leadership and Change Management

• Internal Controls, Risk & Compliance Expertise

• Executive Communication and Influence

• Ethics and Organizational Integrity

Terms of employment 

This is a national recruited position placed at a BG011, in a scale of 14 levels, with level 14 being the highest.

This is a Colombian national search and will be managed through a fixed term contract of a one (1) year period, subject to a probationary period in accordance with local legislation, and renewable based on performance and resource availability. The Alliance of Bioversity International - CIAT offers a multicultural and academic research environment, with competitive salaries and excellent benefits.

We are an institution that believes diversity contributes to excellence, advocates for equal employment opportunities, and therefore does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, identity, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnicity, age, marital status, or any other personal characteristic of its employees or candidates for a position.

Applications

Applicants are invited to send a detailed curriculum vitae, including the names and addresses of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience and the cover letter. All correspondence should be addressed to the following link: https://forms.gle/y5Qr7xaaaVhMMCXd7