Job Summary:

Reporting to the Board of Trustees / National Director, the Internal Audit Manager will be in charge of ensuring an independent systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of policies, procedures and standards designed to add value and improve operations of SOS Children’s Village in Kenya.

The incumbent will also be responsible for providing reasonable assurance that compliance with donor requirements, internal control, corporate governance and risk management systems are functioning as intended.

Key performance areas and main responsibilities

Governance / Board Support:

• Provide support to the Board in offering effective oversight in order to ensure systematic functioning of the organization:
• Schedule, prepare and avail accurate and timely reports, minutes and other documents for Board Audit Committee meetings
• Conduct periodic awareness/training sessions to sensitize senior management, staff on their roles in implementation of policy and risk management, promoting an internal audit culture across the organization.
• Regularly provide senior management and the board with an opinion on the adequacy, effectiveness and efficiency of the internal controls in the organization
• Regularly report to the Board on significant areas of non-compliance to organizational policy or internal controls
• Actively monitor and provide feedback to senior management and the board as appropriate on the timely implementation of management or board recommendations of fraud prevention measures.
• Carry out reviews to ascertain that a conflict of interest policy exists.
• Regular review the conflict of interest policy to ascertain its adequacy and also assess the compliance
• Foster effective engagement with the SOS Children’s Villages in Kenya Board Audit and Finance Committee on the performance of the Audit Function

Review of Organizational Policies:

• Keenly assess system gaps to inform development of new policies and review of the existing ones
• In charge of developing Internal Audit departmental policies and procedures
• Offer timely support to management team in the development and review of departmental policies and procedures for all organization’s functions.
• Ensure that all organization’s policies and procedures are adequately approved and ratified by senior management and the Board as appropriate.
• The incumbent will send periodic updates to senior management and the Board on the update on the status of all department policies and procedures.

Risk Management:

• Identify and effectively manage organizational risks in order to maximize achievement of organizational objectives
• Manage the process of identifying organization key risk areas including identification of emerging risks
• Oversee the process of conducting annual organization-wide risk assessments to measure the likelihood and impact of identified risks, i.e., developing parameters, methods, and tools for evaluating, categorizing, and prioritizing risks- likelihood, risk consequence, and thresholds to trigger management action.
• Assist in the development of the organization’s risk mitigation strategy/ plan, proposing appropriate controls including the scope of management and other individual accountability and a monitoring plan, to ensure the implementation of the strategy/ plan.
• Responsible for preparing and submitting quarterly reports to the Board on risk management issues including the risk register and on emerging risks.
• Send quarterly updates to senior management on the implementation of organizational risk management strategy/ plan.

Sub Grants Support:

• Ensure that funds advanced to all sub grantees are utilised efficiently and that there is value for money and accountability is provided for all funds advanced.
• Technically support the development and improvement of guidelines for the management of sub grant activities
• Support sensitization/training of sub grantees on the organization sub grant management guidelines, clearly explaining to them the standards of accountability expected of them.
• Responsible for developing and implementing plans for follow up of sub grantee audit report actions.
• In charge of the regular review and evaluate the adequacy of accountabilities presented by sub grantees.
• Send regular reports on activity areas that require improvement in terms of accountability for funds
• Confirm that the planned activities (service delivery, procurement, distribution, storage, infrastructural improvements, etc) are carried out efficiently and effectively confirming that there was value for money
• Identify gaps and weakness faced in the implementation of the sub grant activities by sub grantees
• Make recommendations to improve or address the gaps identified and follow up these to ensure audit actions are being implemented.

Auditing Activities:

• Ensure that internal audits are effectively carried out and audit recommendations are implemented for improved compliance and efficiency:
• Develop risk-based annual audit plans detailing the scope, nature and timing of the audit activities at the organization and other offsite auditees.
• Develop audit programs for audit assignments ensuring that all priority issues have been addressed
• Carry out internal audit tests in the audit program to assess compliance to the organization policies and procedures, documenting the results of each test
• Ensure quality audit standards are observed and maintained in the course of audit work
• Discuss interim audit findings with auditees for clarity and ownership.
• Write audit reports documenting areas of non-compliance
• Send audit reports to the ND, Management and Board as appropriate, for action
• Actively monitor and provide feedback to senior management and the Board, as appropriate on the timely implementation of management or Board recommendations following audit reports.

Budget Management:

• Oversee the department budget ensuring efficient usage and high standards of accountability.
• Oversee the development and management of the department budget to ensure availability of funds for planned Internal Audit activities
• Ensure that funds advanced to staff under supervision are accounted for in timely manner
• Ensure the efficient and frugal management of department of departmental budget.
• Receive periodic Internal Audit financial statements and budget updates from Finance department; taking appropriate corrective action in case of any variance from what has been planned
• Regularly review expense requests, aligning them to budget lines before giving approval
• Work closely with procurement function to contract for goods and services
• Ensure that Internal Audit financial information required by the organization is provided on time and to standard; ensuring that requirements for the allocation of resources are adhered to by all staff in the Internal Audit team at all times.

Management and Coordination of Team Activities:

• Lead the Internal Audit team in a manner that empowers them to deliver excellent service and high standards:
• Regularly communicate to the Internal Audit team the organization vision and the role of Internal Audit in assisting the achievement of that vision
• Set department targets for staff in the department as a basis for measuring performance during appraisal
• Carry out timely staff appraisal against set targets and identify areas of improvement
• In charge of monitoring and reviewing performance, in particular holding staff accountable for meeting success criteria and delivering any improvement goals which have been identified; taking decisive action against poor performance.
• Ensure that records held by the department like audit reports, copies of appraisal forms etc are well kept
• Ensure that staff are adequately trained and developed for their roles e.g., by analyzing staff training needs, organizing the delivery of training or coaching, coordinating the sharing of experience
• Organize regular departmental staff meetings to ensure proper and open communication of departmental plans and feedback from team members
• Ensure continuous professional development for the Audit Team either as individuals or as a team by facilitating their attendance at professional seminars and trainings.
• Performs other reasonable tasks as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience Required

• Must have a University Degree in Commerce, Accounting / Business Management / Finance. A post-graduate degree is preferred.
• Must be a qualified CPA or ACCA with an up-to-date membership status. Professional memberships in CIA/CISA/CFE are also required.
• Must have prior working experience of six (6) years. At least four years must be in Audit (Public or private institutions), three of which should be at a Managerial or senior supervisory level. Experience in accredited audit firms and/or in a Non-Governmental organization is preferred.
• Detailed knowledge of audit procedures, including planning, testing and sampling methods
• Working knowledge of computerized accounting and auditing systems
• Good Leadership skills
• Good report writing skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills – tactful in dealing with people
• Excellent analytical skills
• Good negotiation skills
• Ability to work under pressure

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Program Director, the Head of Early Childhood Development Education will lead in ECDE programming at the location and provide technical support in the ECDE department to ensure holistic growth, development and learning of the children.

• He/she will ensure fostering of National education goals and implementation of ECDE related policies.
• The ECDE will work with other programmes and partners to develop programmes that support child growth, development and learning.
• She/he will also provide leadership in delivering teaching and learning outcomes as per the CBC curriculum designs.
• The ECDE Head also acts as the overall administrative of the ECDE programme in the location, supporting community ECDE centres, supervising the daily work of all staff, overseeing admissions, fee collection and mobilizing resources to ensure sustainability, and general matters of the institution.

Key performance areas and main responsibilities

Guides, Controls and Coordinates ECDE Activities at the location

• Liaises closely with the Programme Director in admitting children in the centre through a transparency process.
• Prepares an Annual budget for the ECDE department in conjunction with the Programme Director, programme Accountant, and ensures the budget is not exceeded.
• Ensures resource mobilization for the Kindergarten through Proposal writing, partnership and fee collection for sustainability
• Ensures the proper financial management of the Kindergarten, and adherence to the financial and regulations of the Member Association
• Ensures proper records are maintained regarding ECDE department books, stationary, furniture and equipment.
• Ensures all stores have valid store cards, kept in a neat and orderly condition. Maintains a petty cash float, and ensure adequate funds at all times by observing two-thirds rule.
• Collects and records Kindergarten fees as per the financial policy on fee collection.
• Follows-up regarding late payments, and notifies the Management on any concerns
• Purchases all Kindergarten stationary, cleaning materials, equipment, food for the kitchen, and other consumable supplies on timely basis
• Maintains an attendance register for all teaching and support staff
• Ensures compliance with the Government policies in running the centre

Develops a High Quality ECDE Educational Programmes

• Support the Child Development facilitators develop syllabuses as per the early years’ education curriculum designs per level
• Ensure the pre-school strands are covered within the academic year as guided by the Early years’ education curriculum design
• Reviews children’s classes on a rotating basis in order to monitor each Educator’s performance and educational approach.
• Ensures the educational needs of each child are addressed through continuous monitoring and reviewing of each child’s progress.
• Provides continuous technical guidance and training to Child Development facilitators in order to equip them with the necessary skills and expertise.
• Maintains individual files for each Pre-school child, including complete records of progress, achievements, observed learning problems etc.
• Support other programme departments develop quality community ECDE programmes

Supports caregivers provide nurturing care and opportunities for learning

• Develop trainings to sensitize parents/ facilitator/other caregivers on child growth and development and other parenting trainings.
• Support child development facilitators develop learning materials that will provide learning opportunities for the learners.
• Support caregivers understand how to develop attachments/ relationships with young children which supports growth, development and learning.
• Ensures the Kindergarten is clean and all facilities are in order to create conducive learning and working environment.
• Develop sensitization trainings on the roles of parents in learning.

Ensures health, adequate nutrition, Safety and security of the Children

• Organize for child protection training for the parents.
• On admission ensure all children are immunized as per the MOH guidelines
• Provide clean water and sanitation and educate learners on good hygiene
• Ensure child are provided with safe learning environments which are no obstacles, well lit and enough space
• Ensure the play material are safe for children to use
• Provide healthy balanced diet in the feeding programme
• Makes sure the children are properly supervised at all times, and that child development facilitators comply with safety regulations and proper child-care procedures.
• Ensures children are escorted to the group room by their parent or guardian, and only collected by authorized persons.
• Takes prompt action in the event of an accident, and reports any accidents or signs of ill health to the parent or guardian concerned.
• Adhere to OSH guidelines

Builds a Committed and Effective Staff Team

• Oversees the selection, training, development and appraisal of staff to ensure that only the best staff are employed, and that they are developed to reach their full potential.
• Holds regular meetings with staff to discuss current activities, problems, concerns and new ideas, in order to ensure open communication and cooperation.
• Upholds the rights and responsibilities of each staff member ensuring that a positive degree of discipline is maintained at all times.
• Holds regular reviews and performance appraisals with all staff to assess their performance and identify areas for development as catered for by the organization policy on the same.

Acts to integrate the ECDE department with the SOS Children’s Village-Meru Location programme

• Builds close links with the SOS Children’s Village, ensuring all staff take an active part in programme events and activities. Ensures that all staff are familiar with the history, principles and philosophy of SOS Children Villages.
• Participates in Programme or inter-project meetings, and consults project Coordinators prior to taking decisions, which affect children/caregivers in different programmes.
• Performs other reasonable tasks as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience Required

• A Degree in Early Childhood Development
• A Master’s in Early Childhood Development will be an added advantage
• Training in Guidance and counselling will be an added advantage.
• The position holder must be computer literate.
• Minimum of 5 Years’ experience in ECDE
• Must be registered by the Teachers Service Commission
• Be gender sensitive
• Have a genuine liking for and interest in young people and demonstrated patience, tolerance
  and understanding.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, colleagues, administrators, parents and the
  community at large
• Possess report writing skills.
• Significant knowledge of work and educational dynamics in the country