Senior Internal Auditor (SIA) – Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme at Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS)

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies and strategies in the Nigeria’s  agricultural sector, to sufficiently provide food for an increasing population, adequate supply of raw materials to a growing industrial sector, effectively expand the market for crop, livestock, agro and agro-allied products, continually create employment opportunities, and to widely diversify the economy, for national development.

The Ministry provides resources to the sector for the implementation of various  projects and programmes. The efforts is complemented with the support and funding from donor partners in the implementation of various agricultural projects and programmes in the country.

Applications are invited from suitable candidates to fill the position below for the National Programme  Management Unit of the Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme:

Job Title: Senior Internal Auditor (SIA) – Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme 

Location: Wuse 2, Abuja (VCN National Programme Coordination Office (NPCO))
Job Type: Contract
Reports to: Directly to the National Programme Coordinator
Participating States: Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi and Kano.

Background
The Value Chain for Northern Nigeria (VCN) Programme is a flagship initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria, implemented through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the French Development Agency (AFD). The overall development objective of VCN is to increase incomes, food security, and resilience of smallholder farmers and other value chain actors in Northern Nigeria through competitive, climate‑resilient, and inclusive agricultural value chains. Specifically, the Programme aims to transform priority agricultural value chains in Northern Nigeria to drive food security, employment, and inclusive economic growth, with a strong focus on women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

The Programme is financed through multiple financing sources, including IFAD and AFD loans and will run until 31 March 2034 (financial closure: 30 September 2034). Implementation of the programme will be based on a decentralised approach through federal and state programme implementation units under the coordination of the Federal Department of Development Partners Projects (FD‑DPP). The National Programme Coordinating Office (NPCO) will be based in Abuja, and the State Programme Implementation Unit (SPIU) in each participating state. The participating states are: Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi and Kano.

The NPMU will be staffed by a multidisciplinary team, including: National Programme Coordinator, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist, Agricultural Production and Rural Infrastructure Specialists, Rural Institutions Development Specialist, Knowledge Management and Communication Specialist, Food & Nutrition Specialist, ICT4D Support Specialist, Gender & Social Inclusion and GALS Specialists, Climate & Environment Specialist, Financial Controller, Accountant, Finance Officer, Senior Internal Auditor, Procurement Specialist and Officers, and National administrative and HR support staff. State Programme Implementation Unit will mirror these functions (with a few exceptions) at the state level, ensuring strong fiduciary oversight, timely reporting from SPIU, and harmonized accounting procedures resulting in an effective last‑mile delivery.

Governance and accountability will be anchored in a National Steering Committee, supported by technical committees as required, to provide policy guidance, ensure alignment with national priorities, and resolve strategic bottlenecks. The implementation of the project will include high-risk operating environments, hence project staff/specialists at both National and State levels must possess the skills and expertise to work in fragile areas, demonstrating a high level of sensitivity to conflict and crisis situations.

Additionally, prior experience of project staff/specialist in remote project monitoring and implementation using dedicated tools to effectively track project activities would be crucial.

Position Overview

• The Senior Internal Auditor will provide independent and objective assurance on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Programme’s governance, risk management, internal controls, and compliance arrangements.
• The role should remain independent from finance and accounting operations and should not be responsible for maintaining accounting records, preparing financial reports, processing payments, or managing project finances.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct risk-based internal audit reviews, compliance checks, testing of internal controls, and verification of corrective actions.
• Report audit findings, recommendations, and follow-up status independently, without involvement in finance operations or accounting record maintenance.
• Conduct independent and objective internal audits in accordance with International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing
• Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the  project’s internal controls over financial reporting, operations, and compliance.
• As part of internal control testing, verify on a sample basis that expenditures recorded in the accounts are supported by adequate documentation and evidence of delivery, receipt, acceptance, or use of goods, works, or services by the intended beneficiaries or implementing units.
• Identify, assess, and document key project risks, including risks related to value for money, fraud, waste, abuse, non-compliance, weak internal controls, and misuse of project resources, and recommend practical measures to strengthen economy, efficiency, effectiveness, prevention, detection, and corrective action.
• Prepare comprehensive quarterly internal audit reports with clear findings, recommendations, agreed action plans, and follow-up status, and share them with project  management and the  Project Steering Committee or Audit Committee to support oversight, accountability, and timely corrective action.
• Work collaboratively with project management to implement corrective actions and strengthen internal controls.
• Monitor and track the implementation of audit and mission recommendations and ensure continuous improvement.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the project’s objectives, activities, and challenges.
• Maintain confidentiality of all audit findings and project information.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the project’s internal audit charter and methodology.

Required Qualifications and Experience
Academic Education:

• At least master’s or higher-level university degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA or similar qualification a plus).

Professional Certification:

• Membership of a professional body of accountants or chartered accountants such as ACCA, CPA, ANAN, ICAN etc

Professional Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in internal audit, preferably within the development sector or international organizations.
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation is highly desirable.
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation is a strong advantage.
• Proven track record of conducting independent, objective, and impactful internal audits.
• Strong understanding of internal control frameworks and risk management principles.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Fluency in English and strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience with internal audit software (e.g., ACL, IDEA) is a plus, as well as data analytics skills and the ability to use accounting software/exported data to test transactions, identify anomalies, and follow up on audit recommendations.
• Demonstrated integrity and commitment to ethical conduct are paramount.
• In-depth understanding of International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing
• Strong understanding of risk assessment methodologies and the ability to identify and evaluate potential risks within an organization
• Ability to analyze financial and operational data to identify trends, anomalies, and potential areas of concern
• Strong data analytics skills and ability to use accounting software, financial management systems, and exported data to test transactions, identify anomalies, detect exceptions or unusual patterns, and follow up on the implementation of internal audit, supervision, and external audit recommendations, particularly in the context of VCN’s digital systems and decentralized operations.
• Proven experience in planning, conducting, and reporting internal audits using accepted methodologie

Terms and Conditions

• Contract Duration: The duration of the assignment will be a two-year staff contract with annual evaluation of performance in line with the respective job description in accordance with the recommendation of the FMAFS, and renewable depending on satisfactory performance.
• Travels: Regular travel to State PCOs in Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi and Kano. Occasional travel for IFAD / AFD missions and training.

Reporting and Location

• Located in Abuja, the FCT, and will report directly to the National Programme Coordinator.

Remuneration

• Competitive package commensurate with qualifications and experience, in accordance with FGN/IFAD/AFD salary scales for nationally recruited project staff.

Application Deadline 
6th September, 2026 at 12:00 noon.

METHOD OF APPLICATION 
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) applications in ten (10) copies, including one original and nine (9) photocopies, properly sealed and clearly marked at the top right-hand cover “EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF NATIONAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT UNIT UNDER THE FGN/IFAD/AFD-VCN PROJECT.”

Each envelope should include a CV and an application letter with a cover letter suited for the position being applied for.

The sealed envelope should be addressed and delivered to:
The Permanent Secretary,
Federal Ministry of  Agricultural and Food Security,
c/o Director, Federal Department of Development Partners Projects,
Fadama House, No. 1, Eldoret Close, Off Aminu Kano Crescent,
Wuse II – Abuja