Internal Controller Plan International Zambia

Organization Background

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian non-governmental organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it is girls who are most affected. Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries. Child protection is key in all that we do.

Working in Zambia since 1996, Plan International’s development and capacity building programmes focus primarily on Education, Health, Water and Sanitation, Economic Security and Youth Empowerment, including Child Protection and Participation. Plan International Zambia has Programme Areas (PAs) in; Central, Luapula, and Eastern Provinces including in Lusaka, where the Country Office is located

We are looking for experienced and vibrant self-starters to fill the following positions:

INTERNAL CONTROLLER (X1), LUSAKA

Position Description:

The job purpose of the Internal Controller is to support the implementation of Plan International Zambia’s Strategy by providing assurance of risk management and monitored controls in country operations.  The monitoring is done through developing and ensuring effective and efficient systems, internal controls, policies and procedures are in place and at all times implemented correctly.

The position reports to the Country Director.

Responsibilities:

• Plan project work to directly contribute to the outcomes for girls and young women to ensure girls take lead in advocating for their rights.
• Provide input in strategy risk management and compliance and strategic leadership to Plan program operations to mitigate risk issues.
• Develops, coordinates and implements a comprehensive internal control (audit) schedule that ensures regular coverage of every unit and geographical area.
• Participates in the design of all tools required for the internal control work (working papers, reporting format and protocols, etc.).
• Facilitates any required self-assessment exercises on the effectiveness of internal controls and attainment of standards.
• Advises and supports management in the strengthening of internal controls, systems and processes, fraud investigations, conducting fraud and risk training.
• Conducting risk management activities and assessments, performs and participates in reviews and investigations as assigned.
• Prepares reports for management on internal control assignments undertaken, tracking and following up audit actions.
• Provide continuous oversight of compliance to donor procedures and requirements throughout the project cycle, from start-up, implementation and closure by conducting regular audits at appropriate stages of the project.
• Provide training and on-going support to relevant stakeholders including grant funded project team members, Plan field offices and partners on understanding donor financial compliance, identifying financial risks and other best practices related to financial management and ensuring compliance requirements are understood and adhered to at all levels.
• Work closely with Country teams to prepare for donor audits, oversees coordination of donor audits with field offices for assigned portfolio of projects.
• Acts as a focal point for all external audits, facilitating timely provision of documents and information as required by external auditors/reviewers.
• Manage risk register and tracks progress of agreed actions to mitigate risks, acts as focal point for regular updates by management of the Country Risk Register.
• Identify areas of risk by providing regular analysis of financial health of projects against standard key performance indicators (KPIs) and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Understands and puts into practice the responsibilities under Safeguarding and GEI policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), ensuring that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.
• Ensures that all staff in the unit/ function/ department are properly inducted on and understands their role in upholding Plan International’s safeguarding and GEI policies;
• Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in day to day work.

Educational Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Accountancy, Chartered Accountancy, Business Administration or related discipline.
• Professional audit or risk qualifications.
• A minimum of 4 years work related experience in internal controls, risk or audit role.
• Membership with ZICA and/or IIA.
• Understanding of the various Donor rules and guidelines.
• Experience and knowledge of working in development sector.

Competencies:

• Understanding issues, principles and strategies and their root causes and working with Plan International Zambia’s principles and a range of strategies and approaches to improve outcomes.
• Understands a range of strategies and approaches to proposal development logic, trends in own and related fields of work and a range of effective strategies, approaches and practices.
• Plan work, anticipate risks, and set goals within area of responsibility.
• Team player with problem solving skills, flexibility and adaptability.
• Excellent communication and analytical skills.