Director of the Division of Internal Oversight Services

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. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women, fostering a culture of dialogue and mutual understanding among nations.

Job Overview:
The Director of the Division of Internal Oversight Services (IOS) plays a crucial role in assisting UNESCO in achieving its objectives through a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluation, internal audit, and investigation. This position is pivotal in enhancing organizational effectiveness, risk management, internal control, and governance. The incumbent will report directly to the Director-General and is expected to ensure that the IOS adheres to international auditing standards and best practices. The role involves preparing an annual oversight work plan, overseeing its implementation, and ensuring that outputs meet the required standards of time, cost, and quality. The Director will also lead investigations into allegations of fraud and misconduct, ensuring that the integrity of the organization is maintained while fostering a positive working environment for the IOS staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director will be responsible for ensuring that the IOS's work aligns with international standards and developing methodologies to enhance the Division's effectiveness. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing an annual risk-based oversight work plan that aligns with UNESCO's Internal Oversight Charter and Evaluation Policy.
• Overseeing an internal audit portfolio that addresses key risks and opportunities to strengthen governance and internal controls.
• Leading independent evaluations to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of UNESCO programs.
• Managing investigations into allegations of fraud and misconduct, ensuring compliance with the organization's code of conduct.
• Keeping abreast of strategic and operational issues affecting UNESCO and integrating these into the IOS's work.
• Submitting an annual IOS report to the UNESCO governing bodies, promoting accountability and professionalism within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in public or business administration, evaluation, social sciences, development studies, auditing, law, or a related field. Additionally, professional certification from recognized oversight bodies (e.g., CIA, CPA, CA, CFE, CISA, CGAP) is required. Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to the organization's values and possess a high level of professional integrity and objectivity.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as public or business administration, evaluation, social sciences, development studies, auditing, or law is essential. Professional certifications from recognized oversight bodies are also required, which validate the candidate's expertise in the field of internal oversight and auditing.

Experience:
A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience is required, with at least 7 years at the international level. Candidates should have substantial experience in audit work, evaluation, and internal investigations, preferably within international organizations or the public sector. Proven leadership in audit and evaluation functions, along with a strong understanding of relevant methodologies and standards, is essential.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of the working languages of UNESCO (English or French) and the ability to work in the second language. Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 2 years, with a maximum appointment of 6 years, non-renewable thereafter. The role is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is US$202,761, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. Candidates are reminded that geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts at UNESCO. The organization adheres to a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving workforce diversity.