Head of Internal Audit

The Head of Internal Audit manages the Internal Audit Office within the Division of Internal Oversight Services, overseeing audit planning, quality assurance, and collaboration across UNESCO to advance risk management, control, and governance processes. The role includes supervision of staff, delivery of assurance and advisory engagements, and reporting to governing bodies.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day management of the Internal Audit Office and supervision of staff, including definition of expected results for respective staff and consequent performance appraisals, accomplishment of internal audit work plans, contribution to overall management of IOS, and participation in UNESCO and inter-agency working groups, committees and management meetings
• Maintain a quality assurance process for internal audits conforming to IIA standards through development and monitoring of IOS procedures, guidance and systemic improvements
• Lead the internal audit process by providing supervision and guidance in the planning, performance, reporting and follow-up of internal audits
• Deliver the full range of assurance and advisory engagements that address emerging risks and opportunities
• Collaborate with the two other IOS offices in delivering joint work and reporting on their outcomes
• Contribute to the development and implementation of IOS-wide strategies and plans
• Prepare and present periodic reports for governing bodies and the Oversight Advisory Committee (OAC), as related to internal audit work
• Support the Director of IOS in developing and communicating internal audit strategies and plans by systematically identifying risk areas and opportunities, formulating efficient audit approaches and drafting related strategies, plans and results reports
• Collaborate with other UNESCO divisions, bureaux and offices in advancing effective risk management, control and internal governance in achieving UNESCO's results
• Deliver any other task as assigned by the Director IOS and deputize for the Director IOS when requested

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Auditing, Accountancy, Public Administration, Economics, Business Administration or related fields
• Professional certification from an internationally recognized accounting or audit body such as CIA, CPA, CA or equivalent, valid at the time of application
• At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible relevant experience in audit, with at least seven (7) years as an internal auditor in international context (commercial, non-governmental or international organization)
• At least three (3) years of experience in leading or co-leading an internal audit function as Head or Deputy Head, or as an Internal Audit Manager in a very large Internal Audit function
• Expert knowledge of audit theory and practice, including principles and practical implementation of enterprise risk management, corporate governance issues and internal control practices
• Excellent knowledge of internal control methods, tools and techniques
• Strong coordination and analytical skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to effectively deal with various internal/external partners on complex and sensitive matters
• Demonstrated leadership, management and organizational skills, with proven ability to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment
• Strong sense of impartiality and objectivity
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with proven ability to produce high level quality reports for decision makers
• Knowledge and experience of auditing in ERP environment (SAP for instance) and using computerized auditing tools
• Excellent knowledge (written and oral) of English or French, and very good knowledge of the other language
• Professional experience involving a UN or international organization (desirable)
• Professional experience in developing countries (desirable)
• Engagement in professional auditing networks practice groups (desirable)
• Strong knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations and procedures (desirable)
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking (desirable)
• Good knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) (desirable)

Skills

• Internal Audit
• Audit Theory and Practice
• Enterprise Risk Management
• Corporate Governance
• Internal Control Methods
• Audit Planning
• Quality Assurance
• Audit Reporting
• Leadership in Audit
• Audit Function Management
• Computerized Auditing Tools
• ERP Auditing
• SAP
• Audit Coordination
• Analytical Skills
• Report Writing
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Multicultural Team Leadership
• Business Acumen
• Strategic Thinking

Languages

English, French