Vacancies at The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional group of fifteen West African countries. Founded on 28 May 1975, with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos, its mission is to promote economic integration across the region.

1). Auditor

Location: Abuja

Employment Type: Full Time

Institution: Office of the Auditor General of ECOWAS Institutions

Grade: P3/P4
Line Supervisor: Principal Auditor
Slot: 4 Openings

Mandate of OAG

• The Office of the Auditor General of ECOWAS Institutions (OAG) is an independent assurance office established to assist the ECOWAS Governance Bodies, in particular, the Council of Ministers and Audit Committee to carry out their oversight functions and promote good corporate governance, accountability, and value for money in all Community Institutions, Specialized Agencies and Offices.
• The OAG is mandated to conduct Community-wide financial audits, compliance audits, performance audits, and Investigations and other Special Audits.
• The Audit function is discharged through the Directorate of Audit.

Role Overview

• Under the supervision of the Principal Auditors, the incumbent will be responsible for comprehensive operations audit assignments across all ECOWAS Institutions, Specialized Agencies and Offices covering all risks relating to the applicable areas of intervention and in line with the Audit Charter, and applicable professional auditing standards & guidelines.
• S/he shall also perform any related official assignment, other duties and special projects as assigned by the OAG leadership.

Role and Responsibilities

• Work in a team to carry out operations (Procurement, Human Resources, Finance, and Travels) audit assignments in designated areas in line with the approved OAG Strategic and Annual Work Plan or as may be directed.
• Contribute towards the identification and selection of prospective audit areas/topics through area watch, audit/environmental scan, literature review, and other means/criteria adopted for this purpose.
• Assist in the planning and design of operations audit assignments by carrying out necessary tasks as assigned to build knowledge, assess risks, and obtain relevant information to effectively design and execute the audit assignment.
• Assist in the elaboration and implementation of a detailed audit program for the audit team.
• Execute assigned tasks in a timely and result-oriented manner through practical application of the principles & techniques of auditing standards, risk management, research methodology, project management and reporting.
• Apply appropriate audit procedures to research, gather and validate audit information and related data.
• Identify findings and supporting conclusions based on analysis and develop recommendations that are fair, meaningful, and timely, following appropriate methodology and meeting applicable quality assurance and professional standards.
• Collect and document sufficient appropriate audit evidence to support conclusions and recommendations.
• Draft components of the audit report, incorporating where necessary graphic illustrations and visual aids to best communicate audit findings, describe conditions, summarize information/data, and report noteworthy achievements.
• Contribute towards reasonable and objective recommendations on the systems and procedures being reviewed and monitor management’s response and implementation.
• Maintain proper records of working papers and audit evidence collected for review by a Supervisor and Quality Assurance in line with applicable auditing standards and charter.
• Ensure the timely completion of the audit assignments by completing all assigned tasks on time.
• Manage work efficiently and contribute to a competent, committed, and professional team that upholds mutual respect, trust, and synergy.
• Maintain confidentiality of information gathered, and ensure against inadvertent, premature, and unauthorized communication of audit findings and conclusions.
• Prepare and maintain a compendium of Directives, Rules, and Regulations applicable to all Community Institutions, Specialized Agencies and Offices.
• Assist in the monitoring and review of transactions and operations in key business areas (budget, procurements, contracts, recruitments, assets management, etc.) to assess compliance with extant regulations and procedures, and that internal control mechanisms are adequate and functioning as intended.
• Analyze operational practice, databases & records, periodic reports, and other forms of documentation to identify deficiencies and areas for improvement and coordinate with stakeholders to strategize remediation and/or mitigation methods and timelines for implementation and closure.
• Document risks and mitigating controls through risk-control matrices, regularly evaluate the design and adequacy of controls to ensure that key risks are properly managed and ensure proper rationalization of controls.
• Investigate and report violations of processes, procedures, and regulatory standards across the operations of the organization including but not limited to finance with effective action plans in response to discoveries and compliance violations.
• Make useful input for improvement of audit procedures and programs where necessary, in line with the OAG Charter and applicable auditing standards.
• Engage in continuous knowledge development regarding sector’s rules, regulations, best practices, tools, techniques, and performance standards.
• Maintain healthy working relationships with managers and staff at all levels.
• Serve on a variety of teams, committees and task forces as may be needed or assigned.
• Ensure compliance with all extant regulations and texts (ECOWAS Staff Regulations, OAG Code of Ethics, Management directives, Laws of the host country, etc.)
• Perform any other task as assigned by the Supervisor.

Academic Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent from an accredited university in Commerce, Procurement, Human Resources Management, Finance, Accounting, Auditing, Business Administration, or related field. An additional qualification (Masters or Post-graduate degree) will be an added advantage.
• Relevant professional certification in Procurement, Human Resources, Audit, Risk Management, or Information Technology such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), etc. from an accredited institution will be an added advantage.
• Priority will be given to candidates with Procurement or Human Resources Audit experience, Certification, and additional qualification.
• 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in Procurement, Human Resources Management, audit, finance, accounting, administration, statistics, or related area.
• Recent experience (minimum of 2 years) in compliance or internal audit assignments is desirable.
• Hands on experience in using enterprise risk management tools and applications such as SAP Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) will be an added advantage.
• Experience using audit management software (e.g TEAM-MATE, ACL, IDEA, etc.) will be an added advantage.

Age Limit:

• Be below 50 years old. This provision does not apply to internal candidates.

ECOWAS Key Competencies:

• Knowledge of performance audit standards and program evaluation principles and practices.
• Knowledge of auditing standards, practices, procedures, and methodologies with an emphasis on performance audit.
• Demonstrated cognitive knowledge of specialized audit applications in a variety of disciplines and of best practices regarding performance standards.
• Knowledge of risk assessment and applicable financial rules and procedures particularly Governance, Risk, Compliance (GRC) tools.
• Knowledge of Internal and operational control concepts, techniques, and relationships.
• High level research and analytical skills including reviewing organizational systems, financial and economic analysis and/or process, program, and project evaluation.
• Ability to analyze program operations, policies, procedures, and control mechanisms, identify deficiencies and problem areas, and prepare appropriate recommendations for remedial action.
• Ability to apply variety of tools to identify, gather, and analyze project data; evaluate evidence and draw appropriate conclusions.
• Ability to identify, collect and assess indicators to monitor performance and to take proactive remedial action as required.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and reasoning in problem solving and decision making.
• Ability to use a variety of software applications including graphics and/or desk top publishing.
• Ability to maintain required records and respond with appropriate explanations/justification during reviews of work by Supervisor / Quality Assurance Reviewer.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and carry out assigned tasks in a tactful, professional, and confidential manner; read, interpret, and apply relevant standards, principles, and regulations.
• Ability to build knowledge and understanding of the OAG’s business and of ECOWAS sectoral areas.
• Ability to study data/information from a variety of sources, identify anomalies, trends and issues, present findings, and make recommendations.
• Ability to break down problems or processes into key parts to identify and solve gaps in service, quality assurance, compliance, and performance targets.
• Ability to analyze a situation by using indicators to assess the costs, benefits, risks, and chances for success in making decisions.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply techniques to generate creative ideas and new approaches to meeting goals.
• Ability to use evidence and research to inform policies and programs and identify relevant and appropriate sources of information, including stakeholders, regional institutions and/or internal committees.
• Ability to build knowledge of Auditee, research best practices and trends, and benchmark to bring about the best recommendations for the development and improvement of organizational capacity and service delivery.
• Ability to proactively interact with clients and build strong trusting relationships based on mutual respect and regular discussions.
• Ability to establish and sustain professional credibility with clients/stakeholders in a manner that anticipates their need, mitigates issues and that carefully balances professional obligations with the need to be sensitive and responsive to their needs.
• Ability to counsel, advise, consult, and guide others on matters pertaining to assigned client service responsibilities and established client service standards.
• Demonstrate respect for cultural differences, fairness, and ability to relate well with people from varied backgrounds, nationality, gender, ethnicity, race, and religion.
• Understanding of diverse cultural views especially within West Africa, with sensitivity to group differences; ability to challenge bias and to practice tolerance and empathy.
• Ability to listen actively, consider people’s concerns and apply judgement, tact, and diplomacy.
• Ability to work in a diverse and inclusive interactive environment that benefits from diverse strengths.
• Ability and responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Ability to encourage, empower, and advocate for people in an unbiased and transparent manner.
• Ability to articulate thoughts clearly, concisely, and express ideas effectively using oral, written, visual and non-verbal communication skills, as well as listening skills to gain understanding.
• Ability to understand and manage your emotions to avoid stress and communicate effectively, confidently, respectfully and empathize with others.
• Ability to listen intently and correctly interpret messages from others and respond appropriately.
• Ability to make sound use of graphics and tables to effectively present numerical data to write technical reports, presentations, briefings, proposals, and other official documents. etc.
• Exhibit active listening skills to encourage stronger communication amongst team members and to drive employee engagement in all institutions and agencies.
• Ability to give constructive feedback, provide recognition, address shortcomings, and motivate staff to work at peak performance.
• Proficiency in Information Communication Technology (ICT).
• Fluency in oral and written expressions in one of the ECOWAS official languages of the Community (English, French & Portuguese). Knowledge of an additional one will be an added advantage.
• Ability to develop and implement an individual action plan for achieving specific work goals.
• Ability to identify, organize and monitor tasks throughout to facilitate execution.
• Ability to contribute to team tasks or projects as per applicable standards and techniques and collaborate with meet deadlines.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, and work within timelines, giving attention to details.
• Ability to identify, collect and assess indicators to monitor performance and to take proactive remedial action as required.
• Honest, encourages openness and transparency; demonstrates highest levels of Integrity.
• Holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling the OAG values.
• Holds team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities without compromising on quality, and good customer relations, initiative, and independence.
• Proactive and take necessary initiatives to improve performance and apply appropriate consequences when results are not achieved.
• Knowledge of ECOWAS vision, mission, goals, institutions, sectors, programmes, projects, and activities.
• Understanding of organizational structures, management systems, strategic plans, business processes, operating procedures, and dynamics as to collaborate, participate, lead, and contribute effectively to achieve work assignments and meet performance goals.
• Knowledge of ECOWAS laws, rules, regulations, policies, culture, and operating environment and appropriately interpreting and apply same to work, coach others and collaborate with partners.
• Knowledge of internal and external factors, development trends, indicators, challenges, and opportunities as it relates to the ECOWAS agenda, programmes and project.

Salary
USD101,510.71 – USD113,319.86 Annually.

Application Closing Date
19th June, 2024 (23:59).

Note

• Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo a written test and subsequently an interview session.
• Successful candidates shall be subjected to further screening / background checks.
• Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory background check.

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