Audit Specialist

Save the Children International has an exciting opportunity for a Audit Specialist to join our global team.

Team and Job Purpose

Global Assurance supports the Boards of various Save the Children entities [including, but not limited to, Save the Children International (SCI), Save the Children Fund (SCUK) and Save the Children Federation Inc (SCUS)] and the management of these organisations by evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of the governance, risk management, control and oversight systems in place.

Role purpose

Assess the effectiveness of governance, risk management, control, and oversight systems, primarily focusing on delivering internal audit plans for Save the Children International (SCI) and, when needed, for other member organizations. The role involves leading or participating in audit assignments, reviews, and investigations to professional standards and stakeholder expectations, often collaborating with internal teams and external providers.

Job Title: Audit Specialist

Reports To: Head of Audit

Work Pattern: Hybrid/Remote with flexible working options available 

Contract Length: Permanent

Grade: P3

Location: Any approved Save the Children International office location. For a full list of locations that Save the Children International can hire in, please visit: SCI Careers

Time Zone (that the role holder must be available to work in): Europe, WCA, ESA, MENAEE Time Zones (UTC/GMT + / - 3 hours)

Right to Work: The successful candidate must possess the unrestricted right to work in their current or preferred location for the duration of employment. 

Language Requirements: English; A second language such as French, Spanish, Arabic, etc will be an added advantage 

International Travel Requirements: Yes, up to 50% 

Principal Accountabilities

• Work closely with Senior Audit Specialists and the Global Assurance Management Team where relevant in planning, conducting, reporting and follow up assignments from the audit plan on time, to a high standard and within budget; 
• Be involved in the annual planning exercise for SCI, in close collaboration with other assurance providers within Save the Children and, where necessary, external co-sourced providers such as consultants and professional services firms; 
• Provide input to the preparation of operational and strategic audit plans, and into the future shape and direction of the Global Assurance department. Where assigned an area of specialism, apply technical and professional expertise in the development and pursuit of a detailed plan of engagement with the business lead(s); 
• Respond to queries raised by management, providing prompt and professional advice as appropriate; 
• Actively contribute to and work towards delivering Global Assurance’s transformation plans; 
• In their interaction with ‘clients’, demonstrate professional acumen, interpersonal skills, and the delivery of first-class results with the aim to build strong relationships; 
• Contribute to systems development work within Save the Children – especially at SCI – providing independent advice regarding appropriate levels of internal control & oversight; 
• Promote ‘horizontal learning’ opportunities, ensuring that learning is identified and that good practice is shared actively; and 
• Take the lead in own self-development and professional growth. This is by actively participating in performance management (by providing developmental feedback to others within the team), and maintaining own professional certifications (through attaining the requisite continuous

Experience and Skills

Essential

1. Have relevant experience in operational areas of risk to which Save the Children – primarily SCI – is exposed 
2. A demonstrable ability to focus on key issues, enabling auditees to focus on crucial matters of control and oversight 
3. Be detail-orientated, and able to complete multiple projects, with conflicting priorities, on a timely basis 
4. Have strong experience in producing high quality effective written communication e.g. reports, in English; and have exceptional communication skills and is able to articulate effectively at all levels 
5. Have strong interpersonal communication and coaching skills including a demonstrable ability to deliver difficult messages with tact and confidence. 
6. Be willing to undertake high amount of travel overseas and work with minimum supervision under difficult conditions in some of the most fragile, insecure and remote parts of the world 
7. Have a strong cultural awareness and be able to work well with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures; and be able to demonstrate standards of ethics and integrity 
8. Be committed to Save the Children’s values 

Also, either: 

• Have experience of evaluating systems and processes, identifying weaknesses and areas of improvements 

or: 

• Have extensive experience in relevant operational areas (e.g. in programme/project management in an INGO context) and be willing to learn the appropriate audit skills

Education and Qualifications

Essential

• Be a qualified or part qualified internal auditor (IIA) or accountant; 

             OR 

• Have 3-5 years of experience in relevant operational areas (e.g. in programme/project management in an INGO context) and be willing to learn the appropriate audit

Working at Save the Children International

Save the Children is the world's leading organisation for children, employing ~25,000 staff. We save children's lives. We fight for their rights. We help them fulfil their potential. Through our work in 116 countries, we put the most deprived and marginalised children first.

We know that great people make a great organisation, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

The work here is challenging but is also immensely rewarding. At Save the Children, you will be in good company, working with talented, like-minded individuals who are determined to ensure that all children survive, learn, and are protected. Your contribution will help ensure children's voices are heard at the highest levels, and that we achieve our global strategy, Ambition for Children 2030, and reach every last child.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

DEI is core to our vision, values and global strategy. Save the Children is committed to creating a truly diverse, equitable and inclusive organisation, and one which will support us in our vision to ensure every child attains the right to survival, protection, development, and participation.

We are committed to equal employment opportunities, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality, disability, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, caring or parental responsibilities, age, or beliefs and religion. We are committed to diversifying our staff to better represent the communities we serve and actively welcome underrepresented groups to apply.

Reasonable adjustments will be made should any candidate invited to interview require this.

Application Information

Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application. A full copy of the role profile can be found here via the job listing. It is recommended that you save a copy of the role profile as it will no longer be available after the advert closes.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the job advert may be closed earlier than advertised subject to the volume of suitable applicants. Please submit your application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Candidates who are successfully shortlisted should expect to hear from us within 2 weeks of the advert deadline.

Our recruitment process:

1. Application review by our recruiting team based on your CV and cover letter
2. Two-stage competency-based interviews with the hiring team
3. Some recruitment may include an additional assessment or case study stage, or a third stage interview
4. If successful, you will receive a conditional offer of employment, followed by your contract subject to passing background checks

We need to keep children and adults safe so our selection process includes rigorous background checks and reflects our commitment to the protection of children and adults from abuse. All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our Code of Conduct and all policies and procedures relating to Anti-harassment, Health and Safety, Safeguarding, and DEI and Equal Opportunities.

Save the Children does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.