Jobs at African Development Bank - AfDB

The 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:

The overall objective of this position is to provide independent and objective assurance and consulting and advisory services in compliance with established professional internal auditing standards. The Internal Auditor will perform audits and advisory/consulting services covering Bank Group activities and operations.

KEY FUNCTIONS:

Large and Complex Audits

Under the supervision and guidance of the Division Manager or any designated supervisor, the Internal Auditor will assist with a certain level of autonomy in conducting large and complex audit/advisory assignments relating to the financial, operational and administrative functions of the Bank. This will involve the following:

• Participate in audit missions in Member Countries, at Project Executing Agencies, and visit of projects sites.  Advice on compliance with Bank Rules, Regulations, Policies, and Procedures to improve project implementation.
• Contributing to the audit planning, reviewing the organization structure of the activity to be audited; preparing flow chart and risk control matrix, contributing to the preparation of audit programmes and the audit planning memorandum.
• Carry out audit tests and assist in obtaining, analyzing and appraising data as a basis for an informed, objective opinion on the activity being audited. Examine documentation (vouchers, account ledgers and other operational documents such as Loan Agreements, Country Operation files, Disbursement files etc.).
• Hold working sessions, gather appropriate evidence about the function/activity under review.
• Contribute to the preparation of audit reports that express opinions on the adequacy and effectiveness of the internal control and risk management processes of activities audited and recommend corrective actions.
• Draft audit findings and recommendations for the supervising auditor review and discuss them with auditees.
• Maintain and document Audit Working Paper.
• Analyze auditees’ response to audit findings and recommendations and prepare draft final audit reports for review and approval before issuance to the President and the Boards.

Small and less Complex Audits

Plan and conduct small audits relating to the financial, operational and administrative activities such as the Grants and Special Funds administered by the Bank

• Plan audits and determine the audit objectives, scope, criteria, methodology to be used to ensure that the audit adequately covers the selected area of the Bank's operations, activities, systems, and controls.
• Determine the audit approach and techniques to facilitate the conduct of the audit and prepare the planning memorandum for Manager’s and Auditor General’s approval.
• Prepare Audit Programme to ensure a systematic approach to the audit and ensure that the scope of the audit is covered adequately.
• Conduct the fieldwork by collecting data, documents, and information, testing and analysing such information, identifying weaknesses, causes and effects of variances, errors, non-compliance with rules, regulations, policies, procedures, etc with a strong focus on using data analytics and analytical tools.
• Present and discuss audit findings of particularly significant impact or recommendations for substantial changes in procedures, workflow or organization, with concerned Managers and Directors to obtain their agreement.
• Prepare the Preliminary Audit Report containing observations, conclusions, and recommendations to enhance controls, safeguard the assets or image of the Bank, improve working procedures and ensure that resources are efficiently utilized
• Prepare the Final Internal Audit Report after incorporating the comments of the auditee Departments under the supervision of the Manager for transmission to the Auditor General.
• Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations to ensure that the weaknesses observed are corrected and do not recur.

COMPETENCIES: (skills, experience and knowledge)

• A minimum of a master’s degree in Audit, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or in a related discipline.
• A minimum of four (4) years of auditing experience in an internationally recognized professional accounting firm or an International Financial Institution.  Practical data analytics experience would be a plus.  
• Sound knowledge and auditing experience of private and public sector operations, financial instruments, and information systems such as SAP Hana system, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Integrated Audit Approach.
• Good interpersonal, communication and analytical skills. 
• Ability to deal with sensitive issues in a multi-cultural environment and to build effective working relations with colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines while ensuring quality and exceeding client expectations.
• Ability to apply international audit standards to deliver quality audit report in line with the Bank’s strategy needs/situation.
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) in English or French, preferably with a working knowledge of the other language.
• Proficiency in use of computer Aided Audit tools like ACL, Pentana, TeamMate, AuditBoard etc. Experience in the use of data analytical tools is a plus.

THIS POSITION IS CLASSIFIED AS INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT AND ATTRACTS INTERNATIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT.

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The African Development Bank (AfDB) seeks a dedicated Environmental and Social (E&S) Audit Specialist to strengthen its internal audit capabilities concerning environmental and social safeguards. Embedded in the Office of the Auditor General, this role is pivotal in supporting the delivery of risk-based internal audits that assess the governance, effectiveness, and compliance of E&S systems across the Bank’s portfolio of public and private sector projects. The position requires significant experience conducting E&S audits or assessments, along with familiarity with the Bank’s Integrated Safeguards System (ISS) or equivalent frameworks from other Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs).

KEY FUNCTIONS:

Under the supervision and guidance of the Division Manager, the Principal Environmental and Social Audit Specialist will:

• Lead and Support Environmental and Social Audits: Contribute to the planning, coordination, and execution of environmental and social (E&S) components of internal audits across Bank-financed operations, including public and private sector projects. Ensure these audits address the design, implementation, and effectiveness of safeguards systems.
• Assess Compliance with Safeguards Requirements: Monitor and evaluate whether Bank operations are aligned with the environmental and social provisions outlined in project financing agreements, including Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs), and relevant national legislation.
• Review Environmental and Social Risk Management Systems: Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of environmental and social risk management frameworks across Bank-financed operations.
• Conduct Project Site Visits: Participate in audit field missions to verify the application of E&S safeguards on the ground, engage with stakeholders, and gather field-based evidence to inform audit findings and recommendations.
• Prepare Reports and Provide Recommendations: Prepare clear, objective, and timely audit documentation, including aide-mémoires, draft and final reports. Formulate practical and results-oriented recommendations for addressing E&S safeguard issues and monitor the implementation of agreed actions.
• Offer Technical Advisory Support: Provide technical input on E&S safeguards to internal audit teams, operational departments, and management. Offer guidance on good practices, emerging issues, and risk mitigation strategies during project design, supervision, and evaluation stages.
• Contribute to Audit Methodology and Capacity Building: Lead the development of tools, checklists, and frameworks to support the integration of E&S safeguards into the Bank’s audit approach. Deliver or support capacity-building sessions, workshops, and onboarding for staff on E&S audit processes.
• Knowledge Sharing and Professional Engagement: Stay abreast of developments in audit and safeguards practice. Share knowledge within the team and across the Bank through briefings, training events, peer learning, and participation in relevant professional forums.
• Mentorship and Team Development: Provide coaching, direction, and technical support to less experienced internal auditors in the conduct of E&S-related assignments, ensuring adherence to professional standards and timelines.
• Other Duties Assigned: Undertake any other relevant tasks assigned by the Division Manager or Auditor General in support of the Bank’s internal audit and oversight functions.

COMPETENCIES: (skills, experience and knowledge)

Education:

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Social Science, Natural Resource Management, or a very closely related field.
• A recognized audit or safeguards-related certification (e.g., Certified Internal Auditor, ISO 14001 Auditor, Other Multilateral Development Banks Performance Standards training) is highly desirable.

Professional Experience:

• At least six (6) years of progressive experience conducting environmental and/or social audits, due diligence, or compliance reviews in development projects.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating project compliance with Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs), labor and working conditions, and stakeholder engagement.
• Preferably experienced within multilateral development banks, international donor agencies, consulting firms, or government institutions.

Key Competencies:

Technical Safeguards Expertise

• Deep understanding of environmental and social safeguard policies and risk management approaches, including cross-cutting themes such as biodiversity, gender, climate risk, labor rights, and community health and safety.
• Proven ability to assess the design and implementation of safeguard measures and analyze their effectiveness in achieving compliance.

Audit and Risk-Based Thinking

• Strong grasp of audit methodologies and internal control systems, including risk-based planning, control effectiveness testing, root cause analysis, and the formulation of practical recommendations.
• Experience applying audit principles to E&S safeguards and working across diverse sectors and geographies.

Field Verification and On-Site Engagement

• Demonstrated ability to participate in or lead audit field missions, including physical site inspections and direct engagement with Project Implementation Units (PIUs), executing agencies, local authorities, and affected populations.
• Ability to navigate field challenges in both low-capacity and fragile contexts.

Data Analytics and Tools

• Familiarity with audit management platforms (e.g., Teammate, Pentana, Audit board) and data analysis tools (e.g., ACL, Power BI, Excel).

Institutional Systems Knowledge for E&S Management

• Strong familiarity with how institutions manage environmental and social safeguards through dedicated systems, including project risk categorization, review and approval of safeguards instruments, and ongoing monitoring and reporting. Experience working with institutional-level environmental and social management systems (e.g., AfDB’s Integrated Safeguards Tracking System (ISTS), or equivalent ESMS platforms) to navigate project-level documentation and identify systemic weaknesses, compliance gaps, or control inefficiencies.

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, 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.

THIS POSITION IS CLASSIFIED INTERNATIONAL STATUS AND ATTRACTS INTERNATIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT.