Internal Audit Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is an international organization that leads global efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO works in over 130 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are dedicated to achieving food security for all. The organization focuses on various areas including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development, aiming to ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and to promote sustainable agricultural practices and rural development.

Job Overview:
The Internal Audit Specialist position is a critical role within the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at FAO, responsible for providing oversight and ensuring the effectiveness of the organization's internal controls, risk management, and governance processes. The specialist will engage in both audit and advisory activities, contributing to the preparation of annual work plans, conducting audits, and providing recommendations to enhance operational efficiency. The role requires a high level of technical competence and independence, adhering to the International Professional Practices Framework established by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). The specialist may work from FAO's headquarters in Rome or undertake home-based assignments, and may also be required to travel for field missions as needed. This position is designed for individuals with a strong background in internal audit, particularly those with expertise in information technology and data analytics.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Internal Audit Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks under the guidance of the Inspector-General and supervision of a Head of Unit. Key responsibilities include:

• Contributing to the preparation of annual work plans, including conducting risk analyses.
• Developing comprehensive audit programs tailored to specific assignments.
• Leading or participating in audits to evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, and governance processes across various projects and offices.
• Engaging with senior management to discuss audit findings and preparing clear, concise draft reports that summarize the results of assignments.
• Providing advisory support to management at various levels, making recommendations to improve controls and operational efficiency.
• Supervising and training affiliate personnel on audit processes.
• Preparing electronic working papers that substantiate audit findings and support the work conducted.
• Performing additional related duties as required, ensuring compliance with applicable FAO policies and deadlines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements: For Consultants: An advanced university degree in audit, business or public administration, finance, accounting, information systems, computer science, economics, political science, international development, law, or a related field from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. For PSAs: A university degree in the aforementioned fields is required. Additionally, candidates should have relevant working experience in internal audit, with at least ten years for category A, five years for category B, and two years for category C. A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree from an accredited institution in fields related to audit, business administration, finance, accounting, information systems, computer science, economics, political science, international development, law, or other relevant disciplines. For those applying as PSAs, a university degree in these fields is necessary. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must also possess additional professional experience to qualify.

Experience:
The level of experience required for the Internal Audit Specialist position varies by category. For category A, candidates must have at least ten years of relevant working experience in internal audit, including experience in information technology audit. For category B, a minimum of five years is required, while category C candidates should have at least two years of relevant experience. This experience should encompass various aspects of auditing, including financial, operational, performance, and information technology audits.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Additionally, limited knowledge (level B) of other FAO official languages such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish is considered an asset. Proficiency in multiple languages can enhance a candidate's profile and may be beneficial for communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is intended for short-term assignments ranging from three to a maximum of eleven months. Candidates may be required to work remotely or from FAO's headquarters in Rome, Italy. The role may involve field missions depending on the specific needs of the Internal Audit Branch. The selection process will assess candidates based on their qualifications, experience, and competencies relevant to the role. Professional certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) are desirable, as well as certifications from recognized accountancy bodies like CPA, CMA, CIMA, or ACCA. For IT Audit Specialists, certifications in Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT), Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), ISO 27001, ITIL, or IT Project Management are also advantageous.