INTERNAL CONTROL OFFICER

Reports to (role)

• Head of the Global Compliance Office

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and at the same time promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. 

Purpose

The Internal Control Officer serves as a focal point for managers and all functions working on the implementation of a sound control environment enabling ICRC organizational and operational efficiency, reliability of financial reporting and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. He/she will play a strategic role in liaising with ICRC stakeholders to provide guidance and ensure appropriate oversight in this domain. He/she is accountable for consistently enhancing awareness and embedding internal controls consistently throughout the organisation. He/she is responsible for guiding, advising, monitoring and harmonizing internal control processes across all areas of activities, in order to mitigate identified risks and strengthen the ICRC's lines of defence, in close cooperation with the Internal Audit and the Compliance Group. The Internal Control Officer is a key member of the Global Compliance Office and will work closely with the Risk Management Officer and the Code of Conduct Compliance Officer on the detailed design of the global Compliance Architecture.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Exercises oversight over the design, implementation and documentation of the internal control system for financial reporting (established by different divisions, e.g. Finance and Administration, Human Resources, Logistics, and Information and Communication Technologies), including entity-wide controls, and advises on measures for harmonization and continuous improvement.
• Provides guidance to departments in designing, implementing and monitoring internal controls over their non-financial processes and systems. Assists departments, including the Department of Operations, in identifying risks and related controls, and advises on selecting the right control activities, owners and timing.
• Monitors recommendations from external audits and coordinates remediation of deficiencies with the departments concerned.
• Takes stock of findings from other audits (internal audits, internal control assignments, donor audits, etc.) and identifies areas for improvement and risk mitigation.
• Contributes to the annual identification of major, organization-wide risks, evaluating them based on the results of various audits and investigations.
• Reports to the Directorate annually on the assessment of existing internal controls, lessons learnt and improvement measures to cover major organization-wide risks.
• Participates in selected field assignments to help design, implement and/or evaluate internal control systems for field processes.
• Holds training/information sessions for control owners on best practices in terms of compliance and internal controls.
• Provides access to reference methodology and tools for designing, implementing and monitoring internal controls.
• Clarifies and streamlines internal control activities across departments and provides guidance on related roles and responsibilities.

Scope & Impact

• Geographic remit: Global.

Relationships

• Internally, interacts with Finance and Administration Division compliance officers, Internal Control Officers, Project Managers, Directors, Heads of Division, the Project Management Office, Performance Management Office, and Internal Audit Unit.
• Externally, interacts with external auditors and donors.

Education and experience required

• Master's degree or equivalent professional certification in accounting, finance, business administration or economics.
• Membership of an internationally recognized professional accounting body e.g. Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or expert-compatible (chartered accountant).
• Minimum of 10 years´ professional experience.
• At least 6 years of relevant experience in either compliance or audit (preferably a combination of the lead audit firms and in international organisations).
• Knowledge of Swiss regulatory frameworks and of compliance standards (ISO, COSO, FCPA, IDW, SOX).
• Fluent command of English, knowledge of French is an asset.
• Computer proficiency.

Desired profile and skills

• Experience within the ICRC or other humanitarian entities is an asset.
• Experience in handling financial reporting issues; familiarity with IFRS is an asset.
• Experience in project implementation in a collaborative team-oriented approach (knowledge of project management is an asset).
• Strong analytical and planning skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, persuasive communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to use appropriate analysis, judgment, and logic when solving issues, providing recommendations, and making decisions.
• Good stakeholder management and the ability to interact collaboratively with internal customers and external partners.
• Displaying a commitment to the continuous improvement of the business environment.

Additional information

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• Location:                           Geneva
• Activity rate:                      100%
• Length of assignment:      12 months
• Estimated start date:         ASAP
• Application deadline:     Sunday, 5 May 2019