Internal Control and Oversight Specialist (ICOS) – Roving At INTERSOS

INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.

Terms of reference

Job Title: Internal Control and Oversight Specialist (ICOS)

Code: 00-9648

Duty station: Roving in Intersos Mission 80%, Home-based 20%.

Starting date: 01/02/2025

Contract duration: 12 months

Reporting to: Internal Auditor or Head of Mission

Type of Duty Station: Non family duty station

General context of the project

INTERSOS is a humanitarian organisation founded in 1992, working on the frontlines of crisis situations. In its countries of operation, INTERSOS intervenes to assist the most vulnerable populations affected by conflicts, extreme poverty, natural and manmade disasters in challenging and hard-to-reach areas, where the humanitarian needs continue to be the greatest and where the humanitarian presence is often weak. In such contexts, INTERSOS focuses on providing forcibly displaced populations and host communities with life-saving humanitarian assistance, in the areas of Protection, Health & Nutrition, as well as WASH and Shelter.

INTERSOS operations are guided by its Code of Conduct and by the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. Every intervention is characterized by the centrality of the human being, the principle from which INTERSOS values descend. Specifically, INTERSOS is borderless, impartial, independent, sensitive to local cultures, attentive to local capacity, professional in solidarity, and transparent. INTERSOS also adheres to the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Relief.

General purpose of the position

The Internal Control and Oversight Specialist (ICOS) plays a critical role in ensuring accountability, transparency, and compliance within INTERSOS missions. The ICOS is responsible for providing expert support to senior management on all matters related to internal controls, fraud prevention, and investigations. This includes conducting compliance audits, managing misconduct complaints and investigations, and proactively identifying and mitigating risks.

Main responsibilities and tasks:

1. Compliance Audits (Spot Checks):

• In coordination with the Internal Audit office and the relevant Regional Office, conduct spot checks to assess compliance with INTERSOS procedures and policies, donor requirements, and relevant laws and regulations, ensuring coverage of all key areas.
• Document internal audit findings, including observations, analysis, and recommendations for improvement.
• Communicate audit results clearly and concisely to relevant management, including the Head of Mission and relevant departments.
• Support the Regional Office in monitoring the implementation of audit recommendations and report on progress to management.

2. Investigations:

• In coordination with the Internal Audit Office, conduct investigations following the applicable rules, involving a preliminary assessment of the complaint/allegation, interviews of staff and third parties, review of documentary and electronic information, analysis of the facts, organization of the evidence, and determines the appropriate presentation of investigative result .
• Prepare comprehensive investigation reports that include findings, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations for disciplinary or corrective action.
• Collaborate effectively with relevant stakeholders, such as the Head of Mission, HR, legal counsel, and the Investigations Unit at HQ, to ensure coordinated and appropriate action.

3. Communication and Coordination:

• Actively participate in awareness and training activities on preventing, detecting, and reporting fraud and corruption.
• Provide regular reports and recommendations to Internal Audit, Mission, and Regional senior management on audit findings, investigations, and control issues.
• Support the Regional Office in following up on the implementation of recommendations from donors and spot check audits.
• Maintain effective and regular communication with the Internal Auditor and PSEA Coordinator at HQ, ensuring alignment and information sharing.

Required profile and experience

• Advanced university degree (Master’s level) in investigation, law, management, finance, audit, or a related field such as Procurement Logistics and Supply Chain Management, etc
• Certified training on investigation are an asset
• Five years of relevant experience in fact-finding/investigatory work preferably, but not limited to, misconduct and wrongdoing by employees, suppliers, and partners organizations, including fraud and other forms of corruption, using investigation techniques and procedures.
• Experience in a field-based role is a plus
• English proficiency
• Intermediate French
• Proficiency in reporting
• Proficiency in MS Office (i.e., Word, Excel, outlook etc.)
• Ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines, with peaks of heavy workloads
• Fully trained in internal audit and investigation, with official diploma and certificates (CHS training certificate, or CFE – Certified Fraud Examiner, or OSACO training certificate, or qualification in accounting and auditing
• High integrity.
• Excellent Communication Skills.
• Relationship building.
• Very good diplomatic & negotiation skills.
• High Flexibility and adaptability.
• Ability to take initiative.
• Problem-solving and decision making; ability to create solutions to operational problems.
• Leadership: developing and motivating staff
• Humanitarian motivation and commitment to INTERSOS values.
• Respect of INTERSOS policies and procedures.
• Strong commitment to beneficiaries’ best interests