Company Overview

African Guarantee Fund (AGF) is a Pan-African non-bank financial institution whose mandate is to support financial institutions in scaling SME financing initiatives across Africa through financial guarantees and capacity development support. AGF is rated AA- by Fitch Ratings.

Position Summary

The Senior Internal Controller is responsible for strengthening AGF's Group-wide internal control environment through:

• Risk-based internal audit services
  
• Compliance monitoring and advisory activities
  
• Governance and control improvements
  
• Monitoring implementation of recommendations
  
• Promoting a strong control culture across the organisation
  
• Leading multi-country audit and compliance engagements across AGF operations
  

Key Responsibilities

Audit Planning & Execution

• Develop and continuously update annual risk-based audit plans and programmes
  
• Lead assurance and advisory engagements at Group and subsidiary levels
  
• Evaluate effectiveness of:
  • Internal controls
    
  • Governance structures
    
  • Risk management processes
    
• Prepare audit reports and management recommendations
  
• Document findings and remediation plans
  

Compliance & Policy

• Review compliance framework against:
  • Laws and regulations
    
  • International best practice
    
• Monitor adherence to policies and procedures
  
• Perform compliance activities aligned to the compliance framework
  

Follow-up & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor implementation of audit recommendations
  
• Lead cross-functional control improvement initiatives
  
• Provide guidance on process and systems changes
  
• Drive risk management and control enhancement projects
  

Stakeholder Management

• Build a strong internal control culture
  
• Influence senior stakeholders across functions and geographies
  
• Supervise junior team members
  
• Prepare weekly, monthly and quarterly reports for Group CIC&CO
  

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in:
  • Audit
    
  • Compliance
    
  • Risk Management
    
  • Finance
    
  • Law
    
  • Related discipline
    
• Master's Degree advantageous
  

Professional Certifications

At least one of:

• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
  
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
  
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) – preferred
  
• Equivalent professional qualification
  

Experience

• Minimum 7 years' experience in:
  • Internal Audit
    
  • Compliance
    
  • Risk Management
    
• Experience within:
  • Financial Services
    
  • Consulting
    
  • Law Firms
    
  • Development Finance Institutions
    
• Minimum 2 years in Big Four audit firm advantageous
  
• Demonstrated experience working across African markets
  

Technical Skills

• Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS)
  
• AML/CFT frameworks
  
• Data protection regulations
  
• Fraud management
  
• IT/IS audit
  
• Information security standards
  
• Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) systems
  
• Microsoft Office Suite
  

Languages

Mandatory:

• Professional fluency in English
  
• Professional fluency in French
  

Competencies

• Advanced analytical skills
  
• Critical thinking
  
• Attention to detail
  
• Strong judgement
  
• Ability to manage multiple engagements
  
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
  
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
  
• Ability to work in multicultural, multi-country environments
  
• High professional integrity
  
• Self-driven and proactive
  
• Willingness to travel across Africa
  

Benefits

Career Development

• Exposure to complex, cross-border assignments that accelerate professional growth.
  
• Ability to build expertise in:
  • Development finance
    
  • Risk and governance
    
  • Financial guarantees
    
  • SME financing ecosystems
    
  • Pan-African financial markets
    

Culture & Work Environment

According to the vacancy announcement, AGF offers:

• A collegial and supportive work environment
  
• A gender-sensitive culture
  
• A workplace that values diversity, innovation, and excellence
  
• Regional competitive compensation and benefits package