Hiring Organisation: Federal Government of Nigeria
Implementing Ministry: Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS)
Programme: Value Chain for Northern Nigeria (VCN) Programme
Location: Wuse 2, Abuja
Employment Type: Contract
Reports To: National Programme Coordinator
Participating States: Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi and Kano
About the Federal Government of Nigeria
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is responsible for formulating and implementing policies and strategies aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector, improving food security, creating employment opportunities and supporting economic diversification.
The Ministry implements various agricultural projects and programmes with support from national and international development partners.
About the VCN Programme
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 in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the French Development Agency (AFD).
The programme seeks to increase the incomes, food security and resilience of smallholder farmers and other agricultural value chain actors in Northern Nigeria through competitive, climate-resilient and inclusive agricultural value chains.
The programme will be implemented through a National Programme Coordinating Office in Abuja and State Programme Implementation Units across Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi and Kano States. It is scheduled to run until 31 March 2034, with financial closure on 30 September 2034.
Job Summary
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 will maintain independence from finance and accounting operations and will focus on risk-based internal audits, control testing, compliance reviews, fraud and risk assessment, and monitoring the implementation of corrective actions.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct risk-based internal audit reviews, compliance checks and internal control testing.
- Provide independent reports on audit findings, recommendations and corrective actions.
- Conduct internal audits in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.
- Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting, programme operations and compliance.
- Verify on a sample basis that expenditures are properly supported by documentation and evidence of delivery, receipt, acceptance or use of goods, works and services.
- Identify and assess risks relating to value for money, fraud, waste, abuse, non-compliance and misuse of programme resources.
- Recommend practical measures to strengthen economy, efficiency, effectiveness and internal controls.
- Prepare comprehensive quarterly internal audit reports containing findings, recommendations, agreed action plans and follow-up status.
- Present audit findings and recommendations to programme management and relevant oversight committees.
- Work with management to implement corrective actions and strengthen internal controls.
- Monitor implementation of audit and mission recommendations.
- Maintain an up-to-date understanding of the programme’s objectives, activities, risks and operating environment.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of audit findings and programme information.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of the programme’s internal audit charter and methodology.
- Analyse financial and operational data to identify trends, anomalies, exceptions and potential areas of concern.
- Use accounting and financial management systems and exported data to support transaction testing and audit reviews.
- Perform other related duties required to strengthen accountability and internal controls across the programme.
Qualifications and Experience
- A Master’s Degree or higher in Accounting, Finance or a related field.
- Membership of a recognised professional accounting body such as ACCA, CPA, ANAN or ICAN.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in internal audit, preferably within the development sector or international organisations.
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) qualification is highly desirable.
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) qualification is an added advantage.
- Proven experience conducting independent and objective internal audits.
- Strong knowledge of internal control frameworks and risk management principles.
- In-depth understanding of the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.
- Strong risk assessment and analytical skills.
- Ability to analyse financial and operational data and identify anomalies and potential control weaknesses.
- Experience using internal audit software such as ACL or IDEA is an advantage.
- Experience with accounting software, financial management systems and data analytics tools.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Fluency in English with strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Demonstrated integrity and commitment to ethical conduct.
- Proven experience planning, conducting and reporting internal audits using recognised methodologies.
Terms and Conditions
- Contract Duration: Two-year staff contract, subject to annual performance evaluation and renewable based on satisfactory performance.
- Travel: Regular travel to State Programme Coordination Offices in Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi and Kano. Occasional travel for IFAD/AFD missions and training.
- Location: Abuja, FCT.
- Reporting: The position reports 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 Closing Date
6th September, 2026 at 12:00 noon.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) applications in ten (10) copies, comprising one original and nine photocopies.
The applications should be 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 contain a CV and an application letter with a cover letter suited to the position being applied for.
The sealed application should be addressed and delivered to:
The Permanent Secretary
Federal Ministry of Agriculture 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.