Project Principal Technical Auditor at African Development Bank - AfDB

Position Number: 50078453
Position Grade: PL4

The Complex

• The President, plans, supervises, and manages the business of the Bank Group. Under the direction of the Boards of Directors, the President conducts the business of the Bank and the African Development Fund and manages operations and activities in accordance with the Agreements establishing the ADB and the ADF.
• The President supervises several Departments and Units including Office of the President (PRST0); Independent Development Evaluation Department (BDEV); Integrity and Anti-Corruption Department (PIAC); Compliance Review and Mediation Unit (BCRM); Secretariat to the Sanctions Appeals Board (BSAB); Administrative Tribunal (BATR); Office of the Auditor General (PAGL); Group Risk Management Directorate (PGRM); General Counsel and Legal Services Department (PGCL); Communication and External Relations Department (PCER); Staff Integrity and Ethics Office (PETH) and Office of the Secretary General & General Secretariat(PSEG).

The Hiring Department

• Office of the Auditor General provides independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve the Bank’s operations.
• It also assists the Bank to accomplish its strategic objectives by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. 
• The Office of the Auditor General is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and controlling a broad, comprehensive program of auditing and consulting/advisory services both internally and externally including, without limitation, all projects, and programs of the Bank group.

The Position

• As part of the internal audit team, the Project Principal Technical Auditor will bring a technical perspective to the audit of Bank-financed infrastructure projects.
• The incumbent will review technical documentation, engage with stakeholders (including Sector Departments, Project Implementation Units (PIUs), contractors, and consultants), and ensure that the audited projects are founded on sound technical design, implemented to quality standards, and progressing within scope, time, and budget parameters.

Key Function
Under the supervision and guidance of the Division Manager, –the Project Principal Technical Auditor will:

• Provide technical expertise during audits of Bank-financed infrastructure projects by reviewing project documentation, engineering designs, cost estimates, execution plans, and technical reports to ensure technical issues are appropriately assessed and addressed. Contribute engineering or quantity surveying insights that complement financial and operational audit assessments.
• Assess the quality and integrity of project origination and design processes by evaluating feasibility studies, technical alternatives, and baseline assumptions to ensure alignment with sector standards and development objectives. Identify upstream risks that may compromise project efficiency, quality, or sustainability during implementation.
• Evaluate construction planning, supervision arrangements, and implementation controls by reviewing implementation plans and oversight mechanisms to determine whether Project Implementation Units (PIUs) are effectively managing contractors, supervising consultants, and technical reporting throughout the project lifecycle.
• Verify compliance with contractual obligations, technical specifications, and regulatory requirements by analyzing change orders, technical claims, permits, quality documentation, and contractor performance to determine compliance with contract provisions, Bank guidelines, and applicable engineering standards.
• Benchmark project costs and assess value-for-money by reviewing cost estimates, bill of quantities, and contract pricing to ensure consistency with market rates, regional comparators, and international benchmarks. Contribute to value engineering reviews and assess life-cycle cost considerations.
• Conduct physical inspections and technical site verifications by participating in field missions, when feasible, to confirm that infrastructure works are executed according to specifications, within scope, and to acceptable standards of quality and safety.
• Support audit planning and contribute to the development of technical audit methodologies by providing input into audit engagement planning, risk scoping, and the development of tools and checklists to improve the effectiveness of technical reviews within internal audits.
• Identify systemic issues and recurring technical risks by synthesizing audit findings to flag cross-cutting issues related to project design, cost controls, construction quality, and supervision. Contribute to Bank-wide recommendations aimed at strengthening infrastructure project governance and delivery.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders by collaborating closely with other internal auditors, sector departments, project teams, PIUs, contractors, and consultants to ensure technical issues are accurately captured and reflected in audit conclusions and recommendations.

Competencies (Skills, Experience and Knowledge)
Education:

• Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field of engineering.

Professional Experience:

• A minimum of six (6) years of experience in civil engineering, quantity surveying or cost consulting, preferably in the construction industry.
• Solid knowledge of construction industry practices, applicable regulations, and engineering standards.
• Experience working with project design, cost estimation, contract supervision, and value engineering within infrastructure projects, preferably those funded by development finance institutions or implemented in public and private sector contexts.

Key Competencies:

• Preferred Qualifications: Professional membership or certification in quantity surveying, cost engineering, or construction management (e.g., MRICS, PMP, PMI-SP) is an asset. Please note, we are looking for a civil engineering professional who is willing to study for the IIA examinations and certification.  Prior possession of this professional experience is not a prerequisite for the role.
• Technical and Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of design-build processes, general contracting, and value-based project planning, including cost loading, margin management, and lump sum contracts.
• Cost Estimation and Contract Oversight: Proven proficiency in cost estimation and cost management techniques. Familiarity with contract administration and the legal and procedural aspects of construction project delivery.
• Analytical and Negotiation Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with sound judgment and extraordinary negotiation abilities when reviewing technical claims or contractual disputes.
• Software Proficiency: Demonstrated use of quantity surveying tools and cost control platforms. Proficiency in relevant software for pricing, technical auditing, and engineering assessments.
• Internal Audit Contribution and Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to contribute to the development of technical audit tools and guidance notes, and to share knowledge across the audit function to strengthen technical capacity in project development and implementation related reviews.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to translate complex findings into clear, concise reports and presentations.
• Skilled in presenting audit observations to internal stakeholders and external partners in a constructive and solutions-oriented manner.
• Fluency in English or French is required, preferably with a working knowledge of the other language.

Professionalism and Teamwork:

• High ethical standards, integrity, and objectivity.
• Strong organizational skills, good judgment, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments.
• Willingness to mentor junior staff and contribute to knowledge sharing across the department and Bank-wide.