Context & Mission

Médecins Sans Frontières is an independent, international medical and humanitarian organization that provides care to people in need, people affected by natural or man-made disasters, and victims of armed conflict, without discrimination and without regard to race, religion, creed or political affiliation (MSF Charter).

The Internal Audit function of MSF Geneva Operational Center (OCG) is positioned under the functional management of the Board represented by the Finance Commission, and the hierarchical management of the Deputy General Director for Internal Affairs.

The purpose of the function is to provide independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve MSF’s operations. The internal audit activity helps MSF accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and control processes.

OCG Internal Audit function has been going through a transition period, involving a reflection on its scope, objectives and structure, and on roles and responsibilities. The Internal Audit charter was reviewed in 2023 and the final team structure comprising a Head of Internal Audit and an Internal Auditor has just been approved. Depending on the audit assignments, the team will also be working with consultants and guest auditors from the MSF movement.

The Internal Auditor will lead and carry-out risk-based internal audit missions. The position will also contribute to the development of the Internal Audit function, and to the reinforcement of OCG control environment. The Internal Auditor will work within the approved annual audit plan, in accordance with the Internal Audit charter and will follow the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Code of Ethics.

Responsibilities

Lead and carry-out risk-based internal audit missions at both headquarters and field level, in collaboration with consultants and/or guest auditors.

• Conduct the audit planning process, define the audit scope and prepare the Terms of Reference.
• Organise required logistics arrangements for the audit.
• Prepare the audit work programme.
• Complete and document the audit work (incl. interviews, testing, field visits if applicable and other as appropriate).
• Lead the team involved in the audit assignment.
• Coach guest auditors.

Ensure good communication with the auditees and communicate the results of audit assignments to relevant internal stakeholders.

• Facilitate the audit kick off meeting.
• Organise and hold debriefing meetings with relevant stakeholders.
• Write the audit report including contextual elements, audit findings, associated risks and recommendations.

Request positioning from auditees on the recommendations, and follow-up on the implementation of agreed recommendations, with the support of the Internal Controller and Risk Manager.

• Request positioning from auditees on all audit recommendations and finalise audit reports including management responses.
• Request an update on the implementation of agreed audit recommendations and check the reliability of the information provided for a sample of recommendations.

Contribute to the development of the Internal Audit function, and to the continuity of its activities.

• Participate in the annual planning and reporting processes.
• Contribute to the improvement and development of the audit methodology and practices.
• Maintain a good knowledge of internal processes and tools used at field missions’ level.

Contribute to the reinforcement of OCG risk management and internal control environment.

• Identify and share common issues highlighted during audits and best practices.
• Provide advice regarding the improvement of the organisation’s risk management framework and the reinforcement of the first and second lines of assurance (on an ad hoc basis).

Your Profile

Education

• Tertiary degree in a relevant area (e.g. audit, internal control, risk management, finance or a related subject)
• Relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of a tertiary degree.

Experience

• Experience in the humanitarian/non-profit sector, including at field level.
• Experience in audit, internal control and/or risk management.
• Other experience considered as an advantage: Experience with MSF.

Skills/ Technical competencies

• Strong analytical and synthesis skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Good knowledge of internal audit and risk management methodologies, and of the main resource management processes (i.e. human ressources, finance, logistics, supply)

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of MSF Switzerland. Fluency in both English and French is required for this position (oral and written).

Personal Abilities

• Active listener.
• Rigorous and very well organised.
• Sense of diplomacy and pedagogy.
• Excellent ability to work in a multicultural environment successfully and to demonstrate commitment and support for diversity, gender-responsive, inclusive, and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
• Willingness to undertake travel overseas under difficult conditions in some insecure and remote locations.
• Commitment to MSF principles and values, and adherence to MSF charter.

Terms of Employment

• Full-time position 100% (40h/week)
• Open-ended contract
• Working place: Geneva, Switzerland
• Ideal start date: June 3rd, 2024
• Gross annual salary (for 100%): from CHF 93’504.- to CHF 107’280.- (salary commensurate with equivalent experience and internal salary grid)
• Paid vacation: 25 days per year, prorate temporis, plus any Swiss public holidays falling within the contract period.
• Pension plan: pension contribution covered 3/4 by MSF, 1/4 by staff member
• Relocation package if moving from a different country to Switzerland.