Internal Audit Officer – AKHS, Kabul

Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) is one of the most comprehensive private, not‐for‐profit health care systems in the developing world with community health programs in large geographical areas in Central and South Asia, as well as in East Africa.

The Aga Khan Health Services, Afghanistan (AKHS, A) was established in 2003 as part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). AKHS, A provides health care services mainly on behalf of the government including the Ministry of Public Health’s of Afghanistan’s Basic Package of Health Services (BPHS) and Essential Package of Hospital Services (EPHS). AKHS, A is unique both in scale and scope, delivering critical health services along the continuum of care, from Community Health Workers (CHWs) to ISO certified hospital facilities.

Since 2003 AKHS, A is implementing Healthcare services in Bamyan, Baghlan and Badakhshan provinces. The agency’s scope of work includes the provision of primary and secondary Healthcare, Preventive and curative medical care, Nursing and Midwifery education, Human Resources Development and Hospital Management. The current working modality and role of AKHS, A in Bamyan and Badakhshan provinces as BPHS and EPHS implementer. AKHS, A provides technical support as well as capacity building of health personnel, immunization services, nutrition trainings and the training of Community Health Nurses and Community Health Midwifery.

AKHS, A tapped into internal and other donor fundings to continue supplementary and complementary supports to the national health system. Moreover, AKHS, A scale up AKDN innovations, including, expansions of e-Health services, e-learning initiatives, and cross border arrangements. To promote healthy environment, AKHS, A is implementing net zero and greenhouse gas emission.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

• Performs audits and other assigned auditing & consultancy services (such as investigations) in accordance with professional standards.
• Develop and use audit programs, techniques, and internal control questionnaires under guidance of IAD Management
• Plans, organizes, schedules, and conducts operational, financial, and compliance audits and other special projects as directed by IAD Management
• Assists IAD Management in discussing strengths and opportunities for improvement with management, in consultation with the CIA, and develops recommendations for improvement.
• Prioritize work so that resources are devoted to areas of highest risk. Manages the audit so that time is efficiently used, deadlines and budgets are met, and departmental quality assurance standards are maintained.
• Maintains positive team relationships by demonstrating and supporting initiative, willingness to learn, flexibility, respect, cooperation, and commitment to the success of Audit Services.
• Use of standard audit techniques to analyse and appraise data, transactions, and records as a basis for providing an objective opinion on the performance of the business activity and the effectiveness of key risk management activities.
• Prepare and organize, accurate and competent working papers, ensuring that documentation clearly supports the conclusions regarding each audit objective.
• Evaluate audit results, weighing the relevancy, accuracy, and perspective of conclusions against the accumulated audit evidence.
• Provides information and sound recommendations to management throughout the engagement under guidance of IAD Management.
• Builds relationships through professionalism, facilitative communications, and constructive responses to unit needs.
• Assists IAD Management develop risk assessment and flexible annual audit plans using the approved appropriate risk-based methodology, including any risk or control concerns identified by management, to be reviewed and submitted annually by the CIA to the Audit Committee for review and approval.
• Exercises due professional care in carrying out audit assignments.
• Ensures the confidentiality of all information and records accessed in the course of its work.
• Assists in the investigation of significant suspected fraudulent activities under guidance of IAD management.
• Stays informed of emerging trends and successful practices in internal auditing and recommends best practices to foster AKHS/AKAH/AKES control processes.
• To carry out the roles and responsibilities in a way which reflects AKHS, A’s commitment to protecting children, beneficiaries, partners, community members and employees in accordance with Safeguarding Manual and Child Safeguarding Policy.

Any additional duties may be assigned to this position under the discretion of CIA.

SPECIFICATIONS (MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS)

Education:

• Bachelors degree from recognized institution
• Part qualified Professional accounting qualification such as Chartered Accountant (CA) / Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified General Accountant (CGA), or Certified Management Accountant (ACMA), are desirable.
• Certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information System Auditor (CISA) are highly desirable.

Work Experience:

•     A minimum of 3 years of relevant working experience at an officer level; and working experience in audit, finance and compliance in international organization would be an advantage.

Skills:

     Technical Skills

• Reasonable skills in using computerized accounting systems especially IScala/Quickbook FIS.
• Knowledge of major donors’ grant processes, conditions, procedures, and guidelines
• Reasonable English language communication skills
• Reasonable deductive reasoning skills, investigative interview techniques, report writing.

      Other Skills:

• Must be an energetic, self-starter, ready-to-take challenges, and work with strict deadlines with high level of professionalism and confidentiality.

Personal Characteristics:              

• Maintains even under pressure the highest ethical standards and demonstrates integrity in all work.
• Maintains without question, high level of confidence even under pressure.
• Self- motivated and able to work under pressure over long hours if required.
• Good interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Effective management and leadership skills with the ability to work independently, as a team member, under pressure, and multi-tasking,
• Organized and able to deliver quality work within strict timelines.
• Ability and willingness to travel on a regular basis across the country including far-flung areas, to cover all projects and operations sites often working in hard conditions.

Qualified applicants who are exactly suitable with the above criteria are requested to send their applications + CVs and clearly mention the job title and vacancy number in the subject line: (IAO/3Jan24) otherwise their application will not be considered.

Note: Applications are reviewed on active bases and after receiving sufficient eligible applications we may process the position before closing date.

Aga Khan Health Service, Afghanistan strives to promote diversity as well as provide an equal employment opportunity to each candidate, regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, language, marital status, origin, political affiliation, religion, sex, or social statuses.

Aga khan Health Service- Afghanistan is an equal opportunities employer. Female are encouraged to apply.

AKHS is concerned about the climate and environmental crises we face and is doing everything possible to reduce our own impact, encouraging others to do the same, and advancing understanding in this field. AKHS has set itself the task of getting as close to net-zero carbon operations as possible by 2030. We expect all staff to contribute to achieving these aims in the context of their roles. We encourage applicants with previous experience or an interest in this field to app.

(AKHS, A enforces a zero-tolerance stance towards behaviors inconsistent with the goals of AKDN and AKHS, A, encompassing sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, authority abuse, and discrimination. The organization is committed to stringent child safeguarding principles. Successful candidates are required to align with these standards, undergoing thorough reference and background assessments, which involve validating academic credentials and employment history. Additional information may be requested for a comprehensive background check.)

“AKHS, A is an equal employment opportunity organization, and with the mandate of transparent, open, and fair recruitment process. Any follow up during the recruitment process by the applicant/candidate can disqualify the querier”.

vacancy.akhsa@akdn.org