State Project Internal Auditor (SPIA) at Federal Government of Nigeria

Introduction / Background

• The Federal Government of Nigeria (hereafter called the borrower) has received a credit of 60 million USD from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) with additional financing of 30 million USD from the Niger delta Development Commission (NDDC) towards the cost of implementing a FGN / IFAD / NDDC assisted Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project in six states of the Niger Delta region.
• IFAD financing will focus on the six states of Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Imo, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo, while NDDC financing will cover three states of Akwa Ibom, Imo and Rivers.
• The LIFE-ND is planned with a financing gap of six years in the first instance, and additional six years to be financed in future by other partners and / or an additional IFAD loan.
• The project targets establishing over 38,250 agri business enterprises.
• The objective of the project is to enhance income, food security and job creation for youths, women using sustainable agri business development in the Niger Delta.
• To facilitate implementation of the project in Edo State, it is a requirement to have qualified and competent personnel from the state to fill the vacant position above.

Main Responsibilities

• The State Project Internal Auditor shall ascertain and evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of the financial management and internal control framework;
• Ensure compliance with the IFAD and Federal Government project Financing Agreement, IFAD disbursement procedures, Project Implementation Manual, etc;
• Identify critical weaknesses if any, and areas for improvement; and provide the project coordination team at the national and state levels with timely information and recommendations on financial management aspects of the project to enable timely corrective actions.

Specific Duties

• Carry out audit in accordance with international standards of auditing, including such tests and controls as the auditor considers necessary.
• The audit will cover implementing partners and the beneficial level.
• Ensure that the accounting and financial management systems remain reliable and effective in design and assess the extent to which they are being followed.
• Ascertain the reliability of integrity, controls, security and effectiveness of the operations of the computerized accounting system.
• Identify constraints, if any, in the timely updating of the accounting system and in adhering to the internal control procedures including the Project Implementation Manual and the Financial Procedures Manual.
• Review the adequacy of the systems established to ensure compliance with policies, plans procedures, laws, and regulations and establishing whether the project at the state level is in fact in compliance.
• Check and report on compliance with the IFAD Financing Agreement covenants.
• Review the efficacy, adequacy and application of accounting, financial and operating systems and thereby ensure the accuracy of the books of accounts;
• Review the accuracy and timeliness of the quarterly Financial Reports produced by the project and confirm whether these are used by the management for decision making.
• Verify that the system of internal check is effective in design and operation in order to ensure the prevention of and early detection of defalcations, frauds, misappropriations and misapplications.
• Evaluate the Internal Control System in operation to ensure effectiveness, efficiency and economy.
• Check the segregation of duties in the project such as:
  • authorization and approval,
  • recording,
  • documentation on the following operating costs: maintenance of vehicles / equipment, fueling, motor license / insurance, utilities (water, electricity, telephone), office rent and rates, salaries and allowances of project support staff, Insurance.
• Check that the Statements of Expenditure (SOE) submitted to IFAD reconcile with the expenditures reported under the quarterly and yearly financial reports. Duly record any ineligible expenditures noted during the review.
• Ensure reconciliation of bank statements and accounts is regularly carried out on a monthly basis and necessary corrections on accounts of banks/debits and stale transactions accounted for concurrently.
• Conduct an independent appraisal of all the project's activities.
• Consider the adequacy of controls to ensure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the implementation of project activities.
• Confirm that IFAD No-objections given to the NPCO and the SPCO for incurring expenditure under the project are used for purpose intended.
• Undertake procurement audits to ensure procedures are done transparently as per procedures / thresholds.
• Verify that all the goods, works and services procured and issues are supported by valid receipt and documents including IFAD no-objection and that a Register of Contracts and contract monitoring forms are maintained and up-to-date.
• Ensure that adequate records are maintained regarding the assets created and assets acquired by the project, including details of cost, identification and location of assets; and that the physical verification of assets is being carried out with due diligence and an annual inventory reports duly issued.
• Physical verification of assets and other inventories would be taken up as deemed necessary by the auditor in respect of all goods.

Qualification and Experience

• Minimum of a First Degree or Higher National Diploma in Accounting with a minimum working experience of 8 years, 4 years in IFAD-assisted project.
• A Professional Certificate in Accounting or Auditing is an added advantage.
• Good communication and training skills.
• Proven track record in internal auditing.
• Working experience of the Niger Delta area is a plus.
• Ability to motivate, inspire and achieve results will be an added advantage.

Reporting and Location:

• The positions will be based at the State Project Coordinating Office (SPCO) Benin City, Edo State.
• The prospective State Officers will report directly to the State Project Coordinator (SPC).

Duration:

• The duration of the assignment will be on 2-year renewal contract following a successful completion of a 1-year probation period.
• Subsequent contract renewal will be based on satisfactory performance review.