Internal Audit Director – IFDC Global

About IFDC
The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is a public international organization that advances soil health and strengthens agricultural systems through science-based innovation. For over 50 years, IFDC has translated research into practical solutions that improve nutrient use efficiency, restore degraded soils, strengthen local agricultural markets and expand opportunity for smallholder farmers, especially women and youth.

We work with farmers, governments and private sector partners to build resilient farming systems that produce nutritious food, improve livelihoods, and safeguard natural resources for future generations.  

Our Values 

We are guided by four core principles: 

Collaborate – We work across teams, countries and partners to create lasting impact. 

Innovate – We apply evidence and continuous learning to design practical and responsible solutions. 

Include – We promote equity and meaningful participation for women, youth and underrepresented groups. 

Act with Integrity – We steward resources responsibly, uphold transparency and remain accountable to the communities, partners, staff and donors who place their trust in us. 

Responsibilities

The Internal Audit Director provides independent, objective assurance and advisory services to strengthen IFDC’s governance, risk management, internal controls, and compliance across its global operations.

1.    Internal Audit Strategy & Planning

• Lead the development and periodic review of the Internal Audit Charter in alignment with senior management and the Board Audit & Risk Committee (ARC);
• Develop and execute a risk-based annual internal audit plan covering financial, operational, compliance, IT, and programmatic areas across IFDC’s global footprint;
• Present audit plans and updates to the ARC for approval and oversight.

2.    Risk Assessment & Control Frameworks

• Lead enterprise-wide risk assessments to identify and prioritize key organizational, country-level, and programmatic risks;
• Evaluate and strengthen governance, risk management, and internal control systems across headquarters and field operations.

3.    Audit Execution & Oversight

• Oversee and/or conduct audits across IFDC offices globally, ensuring high-quality delivery in line with international internal audit standards (e.g., IIA);
• Direct and supervise audit activities performed by internal staff and external consultants across multiple countries.

4.    Forensic Audits & Investigations

• Lead or oversee forensic audits and investigations into suspected fraud, financial irregularities, misconduct, and donor non-compliance;
• Ensure investigations are conducted with independence, integrity, and confidentiality;
• Prepare investigation reports suitable for management, donors, legal stakeholders, and Board review;

5.    Donor Compliance & Global Operations

• Assess compliance of IFDC’s multi-country, donor-funded operations with applicable regulations, agreements, and internal policies;
• Evaluate the adequacy of controls across country offices, projects, and implementing partners.

6.    Advisory & Continuous Improvement

• Provide strategic advice and recommendations to management and the ARC on governance, internal controls, risk mitigation, and compliance;
• Recommend improvements to policies, procedures, and systems to enhance organizational effectiveness.

7.    Function Leadership & Quality Assurance

• Lead and develop the internal audit function;
• Establish and maintain a quality assurance and improvement program, ensuring continuous enhancement of audit methodologies, tools, and practices.

8.    Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

• Report regularly to the ARC and senior management on audit outcomes, key risks, and implementation of recommendations;
• Coordinate with external auditors, donors, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and efficiency.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a relevant field with a professional certification (CPA, CIA, ACCA, or equivalent);
• 10–15 years of internal audit experience, including leadership in international, multi-country organizations;
• Demonstrated experience auditing donor-funded international development, research, NGO, INGO, public international organization, or similar multi-country grant-funded operations;
• Proven expertise in forensic audits and investigations;
• Strong working knowledge of donor compliance frameworks, including grant agreements, procurement rules, cost allowability, subrecipient monitoring, field-office controls, and donor audit expectations;
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with high integrity and ability to operate in complex, multicultural environments.

Reporting and Work Relationships

The Internal Audit Director reports administratively to the President & CEO and functionally to the Board Audit & Risk Committee (ARC), with full independence of the internal audit function, unrestricted access to the ARC Chair for escalation of significant issues, and responsibility for leading a small internal audit team (1 team member) and coordinating with senior leadership, country offices, external auditors, and donors.

Location

The position is based in any IFDC offices. Occasional travel might be required.

Benefits

IFDC's benefits include annual and sick leave, health and group life insurance coverage, a 13th-month salary, social security and pension contribution in compliance with local laws and end-of-contract benefits. 

Salary Clause

The salary grade for this position is BG 12. 

The determination of new employee salaries takes into account various factors. These include the salary range linked to the assigned job grade, the candidate's qualifications in relation to the job's responsibilities and prerequisites, internal fairness, the competitive state of the job market, as well as potential organizational and budgetary considerations.

Diversity Clause

IFDC is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in the value of bringing together people with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions at IFDC are made on the basis of ability, performance, and organizational need, in alignment with our values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all.