International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva ,on Monday October 23, announced the upcoming departure of Nancy Onyango, the current Director of the Office of Internal Audit and Inspection (OIA) at the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Ms Onyango, who has served two terms, will conclude her six-year tenure on January 29, 2024.
Georgieva commended Onyango's dedication, stating that her contributions had played a pivotal role in upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability in the service of the IMF's membership.
During Onyango's leadership, the OIA conducted significant reviews, including a groundbreaking audit of the Fund's Enterprise Risk Management Framework—the first of its kind in the Fund's history.
The recommendations from this audit, upon full implementation, are expected to standardize the integration of risk management across all aspects of the Fund's operations.
"Under Nancy's guidance, the OIA has been instrumental in supporting the Fund's transformative programs, particularly the innovative Readiness Assessments conducted before each program's launch," Georgieva added.
These initiatives have received acclaim from various program steering committees, fund staff, management, the External Audit Committee, and the IMF Executive Board.
Apart from her professional accomplishments, Onyango has been a strong advocate for work-life balance and employee mental health and wellness throughout her career at the fund.
She actively participated in developing IMF's first mental health strategy in 2022 and has been a mentor to many staff members.
"Nancy's openness and advocacy for staff have endeared her to colleagues and peers alike," Georgieva expressed.
"Her team's advisory and assurance work has provided valuable analyses and insights, driving significant changes at the Fund and optimizing the use of limited resources," she added.
Prior to her role at the IMF, Onyango garnered extensive experience, working at global multinational audit and advisory firms PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst and Young for 25 years.
She worked in various locations, including the United Kingdom, Europe, and across Africa.
Onyango also served as a gender leadership specialist and continues to support women in achieving their career goals, sitting on the Boards of Global Give Back Circle in New York and Fairtrade America in Washington, DC.
The search for Onyango's successor to lead the OIA will commence shortly, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the vital department within the IMF.