SOS Sahel Ethiopia is a humanitarian and development entity started work in Ethiopia since 1989 as a country program of SOS Sahel International/UK. Since 2005, the organization is registered and licensed as a Local Organization and currently operating in Oromia, Sidama, South & Central Ethiopia Regional States of the country in close collaboration and partnership with relevant government offices, community institution and other civil society organizations.

SOS Sahel Ethiopia is dedicated to improve living standards of smallholder farmers and herders pastoralists through actions that enable them exercise their right, create fair access to resources and service, and reduce the inequalities and power imbalance they experience and enhance the sustainability of the fragile environment on which they depend. Its primary mandate and major operational focuses are enhancing food security, improving livelihoods, sustaining the environment, strengthening access to market, reducing vulnerability to disaster, saving lives, and influencing policy and practice.

Accordingly, SOS Sahel Ethiopia is accepting applications from skilled, experienced and interested individuals for the position mentioned here above:

Job Purpose / Summary

The Internal Auditor is responsible for conducting independent audits of SOS Sahel’s financial activities, ensuring compliance with internal controls, donor requirements, legal standards, and organizational policies. The auditor will assess financial operations, identify risks and frauds, and financial mismanagement and provide recommendations to improve internal processes, safeguard resources, and ensure that funds are utilized efficiently in alignment with the NGO’s mission.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Internal Audits:

• Conduct regular and ad-hoc audits of the SOS Sahel financial records, including accounting transactions, budgets, and donor-funded projects.
• Review the efficiency and effectiveness of internal controls related to financial reporting, procurement, payroll, and grant management.
• Evaluate the accuracy and completeness of financial reporting, ensuring that funds are used according to donor guidelines and organizational policies.

2. Risk Assessment & Control Evaluation:

• Assess financial and operational risks, identifying vulnerabilities that could affect the NGO’s financial integrity and performance.
• Evaluate internal controls and suggest improvements to mitigate risks related to fraud, waste, or financial mismanagement.
• Ensure that financial records are compliant with both local laws and international accounting standards relevant to the NGO sector.

3. Donor Compliance Auditing:

• Ensure compliance with donor funding agreements, reviewing financial transactions and project expenditures for alignment with donor restrictions.
• Verify that financial reporting to donors meets required standards and guidelines, and recommend improvements for compliance and transparency.

4. Fraud Prevention & Detection:

• Perform audits to detect any instances of fraud, financial mismanagement, or non-compliance with policies and regulations.
• Investigate any suspected fraud or misconduct, report findings to senior management, and recommend corrective actions.
• Work with management to develop strategies and preventive measures for fraud detection and prevention.

5. Reporting and Recommendations:

• Prepare audit reports detailing findings, risks, and recommendations for improving internal controls and financial management practices.
• Present audit findings to senior management, board members, and external auditors as necessary.
• Follow up on previous audit findings to ensure that corrective actions are implemented.

6. Compliance Monitoring:

• Ensure compliance with tax laws, regulatory requirements, and donor conditions to avoid penalties or loss of funding.
• Advise on the implementation of legal and regulatory changes impacting the NGO sector and ensure internal controls are updated accordingly.

7. Operational Audits and Process Improvement:

• Review operational and administrative processes within the organization to identify inefficiencies, unnecessary costs, or gaps in processes.
• Provide recommendations for improving financial and operational procedures to optimize resource usage and increase the effectiveness of the organization’s programs.

8. Training and Capacity Building:

• Provide training on internal controls, compliance, and fraud prevention to finance staff and program managers.
• Promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization.

• MSc. degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of audit experience, with at least 1 year working in the NGO sector.
• Knowledge of international nonprofit standards, donor compliance regulations, and financial management practices.
• Strong understanding of risk management, internal controls, and audit methodologies.
• Proficiency in audit software and financial management systems (e.g., QuickBooks, or similar).
• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present findings to senior management and non-financial stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, manages multiple priorities, and adhere to deadlines.