Independent Management Advisory Committee (IMAC)
The purpose of the
Independent Management Advisory Committee (IMAC), as a subsidiary body of the ITU Council, is to serve in an expert advisory capacity and assists the Council and the Secretary-General in fulfilling their governance responsibilities, including ensuring the effectiveness of ITU's internal control systems, risk management and governance processes. IMAC must add value and must assist in strengthening accountability and governance functions of the Council and the Secretary-General.
IMAC provides advice to the Council and ITU management, on:
- ways of improving the quality and the level of financial reporting, governance, risk management, including long-term liabilities, monitoring and internal
controls in ITU;
the actions taken by ITU management on audit recommendations;
ensuring the independence, effectiveness and objectivity of the internal and external audit functions; and
how to strengthen communication among all stakeholders, the external and internal auditors, the Council and ITU management.
IMAC Responsibilities
-
Internal audit function
To advise the Council on the staffing, resources and performance of the internal audit function and the appropriateness of the independence of the internal audit function in reviewing the scope of internal audit plans and work programmes, and to strengthen the effectiveness and independence of internal audit, ensuring that the resources available to the function are commensurate with its responsibilities. -
Risk management and internal controls
To advise the Council on the effectiveness of ITU's internal control systems, including ITU's risk-management and governance practices; advise the Council on risk-management and internal-control considerations; advise on internal controls and enterprise risk management; advise on deficiencies, irregularities and risk exposure owing to weaknesses in the internal control system; and advise on information technology (IT) and IT security best practices.
-
Financial statements
To advise the Council on issues arising from the audited financial statements of ITU, letters to management and other reports produced by the external auditor and review of changes to the ITU Financial Regulations and Financial Rules.
-
Accounting
To advise the Council on the appropriateness of accounting policies and disclosure practices and assess changes and risks in those policies. -
External audit
To advise the Council on the scope and approach of the external auditor's work by highlighting emerging risks from the external auditor's reports, reviewing the adequacy of the management response to the observations and recommendations issued and assisting in avoiding any overlaps between internal and external audit. IMAC may provide advice on the appointment of the external auditor, including the costs and scope of the services to be provided.
-
Evaluation
To review and advise the Council on the staffing, resources and performance of ITU's evaluation function.
-
Ethics
To review and advise on the ethics function and ITU's code of ethics, policy against fraud, corruption and other proscribed practices; and whistleblowing arrangements.
-
Investigation
To review the independence and mandate of the internal investigation function; review its budget and staffing requirements; review its overall performance, investigation policies and guidelines; and issue related recommendations
-
Fraud prevention
To review and advise the Council on the systems established and measures taken by ITU to prevent fraud.
-
Coordination of oversight activities
To strengthen communication and cooperation among stakeholders, external and internal auditors, management and the Council.