Manager - Internal Audit

About IRRI

Job Purpose

Internal Audit provides independent, risk-based assurance and advisory services to strengthen governance, risk management, and internal controls across participating Centers.

Reporting to the Director of Audit Asia, the Audit Manager leads the delivery of risk-based audit engagements across a diverse portfolio. The role is responsible for planning and executing audits, supervising junior staff and consultants, and ensuring work is performed in line with professional standards and internal methodologies. The Audit Manager translates complex data into clear, actionable insights for management and governance bodies, while maintaining independence and professional skepticism. The role requires strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders. High integrity, confidentiality, and effective communication are essential, alongside proficiency in data analytics and information systems to support modern audit practices.

This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Philippines.

Roles and Responsibilities

• The Audit Manager is responsible for supporting the delivery of internal audit services across three core areas:
  • Audit Engagement Delivery: Manage and execute assigned assurance and advisory engagements, including technology-related audits, ensuring outputs are risk-based and aligned with professional standards.
  • Audit Planning and Coordination: Contribute to risk-based audit planning and coordinate with assigned Centers to support alignment with institutional priorities and effective stakeholder engagement.
  • Team Supervision and Oversight: Guide and review the work of junior staff and external service providers, supporting quality, timeliness, and adherence to internal audit methodologies.
• The Audit Manager engages with a range of stakeholders to support audit delivery, coordination, and knowledge sharing, including:
  • Audit Asia Team: Work collaboratively on audit planning, execution, and reporting, supporting team's delivery of the audit plan.
  • Senior Leadership: Engage to understand key risks, share audit insights, and support follow-through on agreed actions.
  • Audit Committee (AFRC): Contribute to the preparation of audit reporting and provide inputs, as needed, to support effective governance and oversight.
  • Internal Audit Community of Practice: Participate in knowledge sharing and continuous improvement efforts to strengthen audit practices and capabilities.
• The Audit Manager is responsible for delivering internal audit services across assigned Centers, with a focus on quality and risk-based outputs, including:
  • Audit Execution: Manage and deliver assurance, advisory, and investigation engagements in accordance with IIA standards and internal methodologies, incorporating data analytics and technology considerations where appropriate.
  • Fieldwork and Reporting: Coordinate audit fieldwork, review working papers, and support the preparation of clear and concise reports to inform management decision-making.
  • Stakeholder Communication: Communicate audit results through reports and presentations, providing practical and relevant recommendations.
  • Issue Tracking and Follow-Up: Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and review the status of management actions for completeness and timeliness.
  • Audit Planning Support: Contribute to audit planning activities through stakeholder coordination, risk assessments, and data analysis.
  • Risk and Insight Development: Identify and escalate recurring issues, emerging risks, and areas for improvement to support stronger internal controls.
  • Team Supervision: Provide day-to-day guidance to junior staff and consultants, supporting delivery and development.

Qualifications

• University degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Relevant professional certification required (e.g., CIA, CPA, ACCA or equivalent). Additional certifications such as CISA are an advantage.
• Minimum of 5–8 years of progressive experience in internal or external audit, including experience leading audit engagements.
• Experience in a multinational organization, international NGO, or complex matrix environment is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising staff and/or managing co-sourced or external service providers.
• Proven experience in risk-based auditing, including audit planning, execution, and reporting.
• Exposure to data analytics, IT auditing, or technology-enabled audit approaches, with the ability to incorporate these into audit work.

Skills Required

Mandatory

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage and present to senior stakeholders.
• Sound judgment, professional skepticism, and a high level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments across different geographies and deliver within agreed timelines.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build credibility with management.
• Proactive and self-driven, with the ability to operate effectively with a high degree of autonomy.
• Openness to innovation and continuous improvement, including the use of data analytics and digital tools in audit delivery.

Preferred

• Experience with data visualization techniques and data analytics
• Previous experience in auditing IT risks and controls

IRRI offers a highly extensive employee benefits package inclusive of globally-covered medical insurance, retirement plan, life and accident insurance and other allowances.

Join our team and be part of our story!

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.