Deputy Head of Internal Audit

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and 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. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Your role

In your role as the Deputy Head of Internal Audit based at the Headquarters, you support the Head in managing the Internal Audit function. This role ensures that the standards of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) are effectively implemented by the internal audit staff. The ICRC’s Internal Audit Unit is an independent statutory body tasked with exercising general oversight across the entire ICRC. Reporting directly to the Assembly, it operates independently of the Directorate.

Main activities

• Adhere to the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and ICRC’s values.
• Follow the ICRC’s Code of Conduct.
• Understand the roles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement components.
• Comply with staff regulations and security rules at all times.
• Represent the ICRC professionally.
• Maintain a positive working environment with colleagues and line managers.
• Perform duties with the highest level of confidentiality.
• Perform additional tasks as required.

Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

• Assist the Head of Internal Audit in developing objectives, strategic priorities, and policies by:
  • Identifying potential risks and opportunities to protect the organisation’s interests.
  • Staying informed on strategic topics
  • Contributing to establishing the audit plan.
  • Providing recommendations to align with good governance practices.
• Maintain quality standards in internal audit by adhering to professional standards (IPPF – IIA).
• Coordinate and supervise a global team of 17 internal auditors and one data scientist across Geneva, Manila, and Nairobi.
• Contribute to budget and project management within the unit.
• Ensure the quality of internal auditors’ work as per IIA standards.
• Follow up on internal audit recommendations.
• In the absence of the Head of Internal Audit, the Deputy Head of Internal Audit represents the audit function in meetings with the Directorate or Governing Bodies.
• Perform audits to:
  • Verify objectives and manage associated risks effectively.
  • Assess the adequacy of risk management, verification, and monitoring processes.
  • Ensure resources are acquired economically, used efficiently, and protected adequately.
  • Verify operational and financial information’s relevance, reliability, and transparent communication.
• Write audit reports and communicate results and recommendations.

People management responsibilities

• Supervise Performance Management & Development (PMD) activities for supervised employees.
• Ensure staff appraisal deadlines are met.
• Provide ongoing feedback and support to team members.
• Hold regular team meetings to ensure optimal work coordination and information flow.
• Keep job descriptions for supervised employees updated and seek HR support if needed.
• Plan and coordinate annual leave for team members, ensuring continuity and preventing outstanding holiday balances.
• Support the personal development of team members through coaching and advising on training and development opportunities.

Additional Duties:

• Follow up on work-related messages and correspondence.
• Stay aware of the Audit’s objectives and have good knowledge of the Movement and relevant contacts.
• Collect and share information to enhance ICRC’s understanding of the environment and humanitarian trends.
• Adequately represent the ICRC during activities, meetings, and in the field, avoiding any actions that may negatively impact its image.
• Take responsibility for personal and professional learning and development.

Relationships and Management:

• Reports directly to the Head of Internal Audit. 
• Internal: Engage with key stakeholders such as the Directorate, the Assembly, the Audit Commission, the Assembly Council, and the Presidency.
• External: Collaborate with stakeholders, including the Federation of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, government authorities, donors, and NGOs.

What we will look into in your profile

• Strong commitment to the ICRC’s mission and values.
• At least 10-15 years of professional experience (including at least 2 years in internal auditing), with a significant portion in a senior management or leadership role.
• Experience working in ICRC or in international organizations or NGOs, particularly in the humanitarian sector, is an advantage.
• Proven track record of managing and leading audit teams in a global context.
• Demonstrated experience of successfully interacting with Governance and senior leadership is an advantage
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, risk management, and audit planning.
• Professional certifications such as CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), or equivalent is required.
• Proven successful experience in people management. 
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within and across teams and functions in the field and at headquarters.
• Fluency in English is mandatory, and French is an asset. 
• Good command of the Microsoft suite (Excel, PowerPoint…)
• Experience of using an audit management system is an advantage

We are seeking a passionate individual who will possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication abilities, and robust leadership and interpersonal skills. You must have a thorough understanding of internal auditing standards and best practices, demonstrate high integrity and professionalism, and maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
We will read cover letters carefully and be attentive to the expression of your personal motivation for the position.  
 

Additional information

• Location: Geneva
• Type of contract: Open-ended – 5 years assignment 
• Grade: D1
• Activity rate: 100%
• Estimated start date: January 2025
• Application deadline: 21 July 2024
• Relocation support will not be provided for this position.

Our Values

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this