Head of Internal Audit

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women. The organization is committed to fostering a culture of respect for diversity and promoting sustainable development through education, science, culture, and communication. UNESCO employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively to achieve its goals and objectives.

Job Overview:
The Head of Internal Audit will play a crucial role in managing the Internal Audit Office within UNESCO's Internal Oversight Service (IOS). This position requires the incumbent to oversee staff and resources, ensuring effective audit planning and execution. The role involves maintaining quality assurance processes for internal audits, collaborating with various divisions within UNESCO, and contributing to the organization's strategic objectives. The incumbent will be responsible for identifying risk areas, formulating audit strategies, and delivering assurance and advisory engagements that address emerging risks. This position demands strong leadership and management skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of Internal Audit will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Internal Audit Office, including supervising staff and defining expected results for performance appraisals. The incumbent will accomplish internal audit work plans and contribute to the overall management of IOS. Key responsibilities include maintaining a quality assurance process for internal audits in accordance with IIA standards, leading the internal audit process, delivering assurance and advisory engagements, collaborating with other IOS offices, preparing and presenting periodic reports for governing bodies, and supporting the Director of IOS in developing internal audit strategies. Additionally, the incumbent will be expected to collaborate with other divisions and offices within UNESCO to advance effective risk management and governance processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as Auditing, Accountancy, Public Administration, Economics, or Business Administration. A professional certification from an internationally recognized accounting or audit body, such as CIA, CPA, CA, or equivalent, is also required. The certification must be valid at the time of application. Candidates should demonstrate expert knowledge of audit theory and practice, including enterprise risk management and internal control practices, as well as excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields is required. Additionally, candidates must hold a valid professional certification from a recognized accounting or audit body, ensuring they have the necessary qualifications to perform the duties of the position effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible relevant experience in audit, with a minimum of seven (7) years as an internal auditor in an international context. Furthermore, candidates must have at least three (3) years of experience in leading or co-leading an internal audit function, either as Head or Deputy Head, or as an Internal Audit Manager in a large Internal Audit function. This extensive experience is crucial for managing the complexities of the role effectively.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge (written and oral) of English or French is mandatory, along with very good knowledge of the other language. Additionally, good knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate within the diverse linguistic environment of the organization.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 2 years, with the possibility of renewal. The recruitment is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 158,255 EUR, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. Candidates must complete an online application by the specified deadline, and the selection process may involve various assessments, including video interviews and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from individuals from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities. All applications will be treated with confidentiality, and geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.