To assist the Secretariat and COMESA Institutions funded by Members States in
exercising good corporate governance by providing independent and objective assurance that the key business risks and processes are adequately managed and controlled.
This is accomplished by undertaking a systematic and disciplined approach to improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes through Internal Audit and risk Management.
Main Duties and Accountabilities
Establishes the organization’s audit universe and devises strategies for identification of auditable subjects on an annual basis and aligns them to the combined assurance plan.
Lead audit planning prior to audit engagements through detailed risk assessment to inform risk-based auditing methodology for improved internal controls and governance practices.
Based on the approved audits for the year, prepare the annual workplan and budget for the Unit and submit to the Audit and Budget Sub Committee for the approval of Council through the Audit and Budget Sub Committee.
Manages the work plans and budget to ensure prudent use of the resources.
Reviews and approves audit working papers and reports to ensure compliance with the risk-based audit tests to communicate objective and complete audit findings to various Institutions, Division and Unit Heads as well as the Secretary General.
Manages closure of open audit findings in the Audit Management software by obtaining evidence through follow up audits on the implementation of audit recommendations and provide reports to both the Secretary General and Audit and Budget Sub Committee on the status.
Provides secretariat services to the Internal Controls Committee as well as the Audit and Budget Committee for enhancement of speedy implementation of audit recommendations.
Presents and informs the Audit and Budget Committee relevant reports of the Secretariat and Institutions as follows:
Audit reports informing about key audit findings and corrective actions undertaken by Management.
Risk management reports to enhance the Committee’s oversight.
Periodic Unit reports as required.
Leads investigation of suspected fraud through fraud risk assessment and risk based audit planning in order to deliver reports that will inform detailed investigations for purposes of prosecution.
Assists Management upon request to revise and draft policies, rules and regulations as well as reengineer business process in order to forestall emerging or likely risks in both IT and non-IT systems.
Coordinates the formal, independent review of the effectiveness of the COMESA’s risk management policy at least once a year for adequate risk management practices in the organization.
Prepares and revises the Secretariat’s risk management instruments – risk appetite and risk tolerance as well as the risk management policy.
Prepares the annual risk management plan.
Provides technical guidance to Management in executing its risk management duties as outlined in the Risk Management Policy for timely implementation of risk mitigation actions.
Prepares the annual combined assurance plan to inform key risks that require mitigation measures from varied lines of defence.
Manages and coordinates the recruitment, training and development of Unit staff to achieve key mandates.
Manages the performance management process in the Unit to ensure achievement of Unit objectives.
Motivates, engages and build staff into a high performing team through coaching, effective communication and providing frequent feedback on work.
Undertakes any other duties as assigned by the Executive.
Qualifications and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. A PhD would be an added advantage.
Professional Certifications/Qualifications:
Member of: Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) or Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) or Certified Public Accountants Bodies (CPA) in Member States AND Member of either:
▪ A Certified Internal Audit Body CIA or
▪ A Certified Risks Management Body (CRM) or
▪ Similar Organization is desirable.
Specialized Knowledge in the following is desirable:
• Knowledge of accounting and auditing principles and practices.
• Risk Management.
• Strategic and Business Management.
• Corporate governance.
• IT general and application controls.
Minimum Experience:
A minimum of 10 years work experience post
qualifications in either an Internal or External Audit environment with at least 5 years at senior management position.
