Internal Auditor

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to include 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency operates across multiple countries, focusing on various aspects of space exploration, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and satellite navigation. ESA's mission is to provide Europe with a space capability and to foster cooperation among its member states in the field of space research and technology.

Job Overview:
The Internal Auditor position is situated within the Head of Internal Audit, Evaluation, Investigations, and Ethics Compliance Office, under the Directorate of the Director General's Services. The role involves a comprehensive range of audit and advisory engagements, ensuring compliance with international professional standards. The Internal Auditor will assess the adequacy of governance processes and the effectiveness of internal control practices within the Agency. This includes evaluating the implementation of policies and procedures, assessing significant risks, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. The position also requires evaluating the economic effectiveness of internal operational policies and identifying opportunities for improvement in governance, risk management, and control processes. The Internal Auditor will be responsible for annual audit planning, quality reviews, and other initiatives related to the Internal Audit function, requiring a sound understanding of internal audit concepts and the ESA business.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Internal Auditor will have a variety of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Planning, executing, and reporting on audit or advisory engagements in accordance with international standards.
• Assessing the adequacy of governance processes and internal control practices.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of risk management and compliance with laws and regulations.
• Analyzing the economic effectiveness of internal operational policies and initiatives.
• Identifying weaknesses and improvement opportunities in governance and control processes.
• Formulating recommendations for relevant organizational units and following up on their implementation.
• Conducting annual audit planning and quality reviews.
• Engaging in administrative and management activities related to the Internal Audit function.
• Collaborating with other teams and departments to ensure effective audit processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in internal audit, finance, accounting, business administration, or a related discipline. Additionally, a minimum of fifteen years of professional experience is required, with at least ten years specifically in internal audit. Ideally, candidates should have at least two years of experience in internal audit within an international organization. Certification as an IIA - Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is mandatory, and additional certifications such as CISA, ACCA, ACA, or CPA are highly advantageous. Strong report writing and presentation skills are essential, along with excellent analytical, communication, and coordination skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a master's degree in a relevant field such as internal audit, finance, accounting, or business administration. This advanced degree should be complemented by extensive professional experience in the field of internal audit, demonstrating a deep understanding of audit principles and practices.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of fifteen years in relevant professional roles. Out of these, at least ten years must be dedicated to internal audit functions, with a preference for candidates who have worked in international organizations. This extensive experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of internal audit processes and the specific challenges faced in an international context.

Languages:
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these languages is mandatory for the position. Additionally, knowledge of another language from a Member State would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the diverse environment of the Agency.

Additional Notes:
The position is a four-year appointment, which may be extended to an indefinite duration based on performance and organizational needs. Recruitment will primarily be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4), but candidates with less than four years of relevant experience may be considered for a lower grade (A1). The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening as per ESA's security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security procedures. The Agency is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. The Human Resources Department is available to provide assistance during the recruitment process.