Summary
Date Posted: 4th May 2019 , Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
Background
The Government of Ireland represented by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has provided assistance to Zambia since 1983. Ireland’s current strategy (2018-2022) for Zambia is guided by our foreign policy, ‘The Global Island, Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World’, and Ireland’s policy for international development, ‘One World One Future’. Aligned with Government of Zambia’s National Growth and Development Strategy, Ireland’s programme of development cooperation aims to increase the resilience of poor households to economic, social and environmental shocks.
Working with a range of partner organisations in Zambia, the Embassy works with several implementing partners, including government and non-governmental organisations. The country strategy also seeks to further Ireland’s aid effectiveness commitment in promoting collaboration and joint programming with other development partners.
Role of the Audit and Risk Specialist
The Audit and Risk Specialist will be a key member of the Internal Audit Function of the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and will be based in Lusaka with a dual reporting line to the Ambassador to Zambia and the Director of Evaluation and Audit Unit in headquarters in Ireland. The Audit and Risk Specialist will provide independent and objective audit assurance and advice on the effectiveness of the Embassy’s systems of governance, risk management and internal control on Embassy operations and Irish Aid’s programmes in Zambia. The Specialist will work with Embassy colleagues, advising on financial and other risks, and on the monitoring and follow-up of these. The Specialist will have regular communication and interaction with the Evaluation and Audit Unit at headquarters who provide support and direction for the role. Communication and interaction with other colleagues in the Irish Aid programmes in other countries will also be encouraged to enhance the role. .

Responsibilities of the Audit and Risk Specialist
The primary responsibility of this post will be to support Management at the Embassy and headquarters with advice on effective audit and risk management, and in particular as it relates to Government of Ireland strategy and use of resources in Zambia.
Specifically the Audit and Risk Specialist will be required to:
• Develop and implement an annual work plan, using a risk based audit approach, which provides assurance to management at Embassy and headquarters on the effectiveness of systems of internal control.
• Meet regularly with, and provide technical advice to, the Embassy Management team on risk management, accountability, incidences of fraud and value for money relating to the management of grant partnerships.
• Meet regularly (e.g. monthly) with the Ambassador and with Evaluation and Audit Unit (headquarters) staff to provide updates on work plan and significant risk issues.
Job Description
• As part of the annual work plan, monitor compliance with Irish Aid’s Standard Approach to Grant Management, financial procedures and standards of financial oversight and management.
• Advise programme staff regarding audit reports received from grant partners and follow on audit issues identified.
• Provide advice and support on fraud prevention and management.
• Where necessary, undertake or commission specific audit and value-for-money type assignments and special investigations.
• Oversee the annual external audit of the Embassy.
• Maintain effective working relationships with external auditors, the Office of the Auditor General and other donor organisations
• Participate, when appropriate, in donor meetings and working groups, such as Public Finance Management and Audit committees, and ensure the Embassy team are fully apprised of developments relevant to the country strategy.
• Participate, if required, in Public Finance Management assessment missions and provide input on reports and recommendations.
• Provide support, as required, for official visits and other activities included in the Embassy Business Plans.
• Provide regular updates to the Ambassador/ Head of Mission, in his/her role as accounting office. This will include updates and advice on suspected cases of fraud and follow up on audit reports and issues raised.

Job Skills: Not Specified

Qualifications, Skills, Experience and Competencies Required
• An internationally recognised accounting qualification – for example, CIMA or ACCA – is essential
• An internationally recognised professional qualification in internal audit would be an advantage
• A very high level of personal integrity
• A minimum of 4 years post-qualification experience.
• Senior level experience in an audit/finance role would be an advantage.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the analysis, management and synthesis of varied quantitative and qualitative data
• Excellent computer skills in a range of accounting packages to interrogate systems and produce information and reports
• Excellent written and verbal skills in English and local languages
Good interpersonal skills, including negotiation skills, to work with senior members of staff at the Embassy as well as with partners on audit issues

Job Education Requirements: Not Specified

Job Experience Requirements: 4 years post-qualification experience

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Job application procedure
Candidates should submit the following via email only to RecruitmentLusaka@dfa.ie by 17.00HRS on 15th May, 2019:
No applications will be accepted after this deadline
A CV of not more than two pages and a covering letter of not more than 500 words either by email to RecruitmentLusaka@dfa.ie. All applications should include an e-mail address and a phone number.
• In their applications, candidates should highlight relevant professional experience that clearly demonstrates the competencies outlined in above.
• Please note the word count limits in application form
• The submission of non-requested information (photographs, certificates or any other large files) will disqualify.
Conditions of employment
This successful applicant will be offered a 2-year contract following an initial probationary period of six months. The contract will include a requirement for regular performance assessment. The successful candidate must have the right to live and work in Zambia.
The successful candidate will be based in the Irish Embassy, Lusaka and will report directly to the Head of Mission/Ambassador. Based at the Embassy in Lusaka, the role will involve regular travel throughout Zambia and occasional international travel. While travelling, subsistence will be paid in line with Mission rates.
The starting salary is currently K29,862.83 per month. Salary is paid net of PAYE and will be subject to regular competitive and performance based review. Employment at the embassy carries no entitlement to established status in the Irish Civil Service. On accepting employment in this Embassy, you should understand that such employment does not affect in any way, the fiscal or other obligations you may have towards federal, state, or local authorities.
Selection Process
The selection proves may include:
• Shortlisting of candidates on the basis of the information contained in their application;
• Presentation or other exercises;
• One or more competitive interview; and
• Any other tests or exercises that may be deemed appropriate.
• Costs associated with attendance at any interviews must be met by the candidate.
• Candidates should note that canvassing will disqualify and will result in a candidate’s exclusion from the recruitment process. By submitting information electronically, parties accept that data may not be fully secure.
Security Clearance
Police vetting will be sought in respect of individuals who come under consideration for appointment.
Enquiries may also be made with the police force of any country in which the applicant under consideration for appointment resided. If unsuccessful this information will be destroyed. If the applicant subsequently comes under consideration for another position, they will be required to supply this information again.
Data Protection Acts
When your application form is received, we create a record in your name, which contains much of the personal information you have supplied. This personal record is used solely in processing your candidature. Such information held is subject to the rights and obligations set out in the Data Protection Acts, 1988 and 2003 and The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (commencing 25th May 2018).
To make a request under the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003 and the GDPR, please submit your request in writing to FOI Unit, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. As per the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1988 and 2003 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2014 applications will be treated in strict confidence.
By submitting information electronically, parties accept that data may not be fully secure. Any personal information submitted to us will only be used for its intended purposes and will be destroyed when no longer needed. Any other processing or disclosure of personal data is not allowed other than in the exceptional circumstances provided for under the Data Protection Acts.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is an equal opportunities employer.

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