Audit and Risk Advisor

About the Position

Audit and Risk Advisor

Embassy of Ireland, Sierra Leone

The Embassy of Ireland, Sierra Leone is seeking to recruit an experienced Audit and Risk Advisor to support the efficient operation of the systems of accountability, oversight, and risk management.

Responsibilities

The Audit and Risk Advisor will be required to:

• Ensure compliance with the standards and requirements of the Embassy and partners.
• Manage the annual external audit process for the Embassy and programs.
• Assess the risk and internal controls in operation within the Embassy and provide advisory support to management.
• Prepare and implement annual risk-based audit plans, and follow up on management implementation of recommendations.
• Provide input into Embassy guidelines on partner reporting.
• Provide a critical appraisal of the quality and content of partner reports with program managers.
• Provide support to Development Cooperation Interventions by the Embassy of Ireland and its partners.
• Contribute to wider Embassy of Ireland strategic planning and implementation.

Requirements

• Candidates must be a qualified accountant with a full internationally recognized accounting qualification such as CPA/ACCA, CA, or CIMA.
• A minimum of five years’ post-qualification experience, of which three years should have been in a development agency or NGO at a senior level. Specific expertise and qualification in internal and/or external audit.
• Proficiency in the main, internationally recognized, accountancy software packages and a high level of computer literacy.
• Knowledge of international accounting and auditing standards.
• A proven ability to collate and distill large amounts of information, summarizing findings to be used for management decisions and planning.
• Proven planning and monitoring skills and an advanced understanding of risk management and internal control assessments.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) and credibility in dealing with senior members of staff over financial and risk issues.
• Familiarity with the key principles and practice of effective aid delivery.
• Excellent verbal and written English language skills; a language test will apply.
• The successful candidate must have a legal entitlement to live and work in Sierra Leone prior to recruitment.

Nice to Have

• A strong understanding of the role of a development cooperation organization or previous experience in this or a similar development cooperation role.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

We Offer

• The successful candidates will be hired on a permanent contractual basis with a three-month probation period and will be based in Freetown.
• Working hours are full-time, or not less than 39 hours per week; hours of work are generally 08:30-17:30 Monday to Thursday and 08:30-13:45 on Friday. Occasional late working or attendance at work-related events outside of working hours is required.
• Annual leave entitlement of 21 days per annum exclusive of public holidays, adjusted pro rata.
• The gross salary for the position is €41,368 (inclusive of all allowances) per annum, salary is paid on a monthly basis.
• The successful candidate will be based in the Irish Embassy, Freetown, and will be expected to undertake regular in-country travel. Occasional international travel will be required.

How to Apply

The Job Description and Application Form for this position are available on our website here. Completed application forms should be sent via email only to [email protected], with the subject line "Audit and Risk Advisor Application." Applications must be received before 23:59 (Local time) on 12th July 2026 (No applications will be accepted after this deadline. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted).

Selection Process

• Depending on the number of applications received, a shortlisting of candidates to be called for a competency-based interview may be undertaken based on the Essential/Key Requirements above.
• A skills test may be included in the recruitment process.
• Additional interviews may be included in the recruitment process.
• A panel may be set up depending on the caliber of candidates.

General Data Protection Regulation

All personal information received will be kept in line with GDPR guidelines. Police security clearance will be sought in respect of individuals who come under consideration for appointment. Enquiries may also be made with the police force of any country in which the applicant under consideration for appointment resided. If unsuccessful, this information will be destroyed. If the applicant subsequently comes under consideration for another position, they will be required to supply this information again.

Please note that canvassing will disqualify applicants.

The Embassy of Ireland, Sierra Leone is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity.