Chief Internal Auditor and Director of the Office Internal Audit and Oversight

Introduction

The Office of Internal Audit and Oversight (IAO) of the International Labour Organization provides an oversight function covering all systems, processes, functions, programmes and activities within the ILO. 

Reporting to the Director-General of the International Labour Office, the Director of the IAO, is responsible for overseeing and managing the internal audit and investigation functions with the ILO.  This senior leadership role involves providing independent and objective assurance on the ILO’s governance, risk management and internal control processes.  The Director of IAO is therefore responsible for internal audit, inspection, monitoring and evaluation of the adequacy and effectiveness of the Organization’s system of governance, risk management, internal controls, financial management and use of assets, as well as investigation of financial or administrative misconduct and other irregular activities. The principal objective of IAO is to add value to the ILO and assist the Director-General in the effective management of programmes and activities to ensure efficiency, economy, accountability and transparency.

Description of Duties

Internal Audit

1.    Plan, develop and direct a well-coordinated internal audit strategy encompassing all programmes and activities, systems, processes, and functions across the Office and ensuring alignment with the ILO’s strategic plan, objectives and values. 

2.    Conduct a risk assessment to identify and prioritize key business risks and, on the basis of the risk, develop a risk-based biennial audit plan to undertake assurance audits that shall evaluate governance, risk management and internal control processes, and as necessary conduct management or performance audits. Manage allocated resources to implement the plan.

3.    Develop the audit approach and methodology that must be in conformity with  the Professional Practices Framework of the Institute of Internal Auditors, and other generally accepted auditing standards.   

Investigations

4.    Ensure that all cases of reported or suspected misconduct, fraud, malfeasance, mismanagement, waste of resources, abuses, or violations of rules, regulations and administrative instructions are and fully investigated within a reasonable time frame. Ensure liaison with relevant authorities as necessary.

5.    Maintain and develop as appropriate the investigation methodology, which ensures due diligence is strictly followed, and is aligned with the Conference of International Investigator Guidelines and IAO Standard Operating Procedures.  

6.    Undertake ad hoc inspections to identify risks within the Organization, which could enable fraud or hinder implementation of the work programme. Propose corrective action.

Reporting

7.    Ensure that the reporting of internal audits, investigations and inspections is complete, clear, concise, constructive, objective, accurate and timely. Monitor and review the adequacy and effectiveness of actions taken as a result of the audit recommendations and management implementation reports and their recommendations resulted from investigations and inspections.

optional section (only if needed)

Management and Quality Assurance Program functions

8.    Develop and maintain a quality assurance/improvement programme covering all aspects of internal audit and investigations, including ongoing and periodical internal assessments and external assessments. 

9.     Lead and manage the IAO Office. Formulate SMART objectives ; ensure timely,  efficient and effective delivery of agreed workplans and appropriate quality performance indicators. Ensure guidance and monitoring of staff though setting of clear and achievable work objectives, use of performance reviews, feedback mechanisms and regular communications.

10.     As requested, provide advice to the Director-General, Senior Management and other responsible officials, through IAO’s advisory services, on relevant issues and on corrections and improvements required. 

11.    Report to the Independent Oversight Advisory Committee and the Programme Financial and Administrative Session of the Governing Body on a regular basis.

12.    Coordinate with the External Auditor, Ethics Officer and Evaluation Office to ensure sufficient audit coverage, to minimize duplication and to create added value through efficient and effective audits. 

13.    Represent the Organization at meetings within the UN common system of organizations, meetings of representatives of internal audit and investigation services of the United Nations organizations (UN-RIAS/UN-RIS), other peer group meetings, member governments, and other business and professional organizations. 

14.    Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Desirable profile:

The set of qualifications below is indicative of the type of experience, education, language skills, and competencies expected for this position.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in auditing,investigation or other relevant field.  

A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of the afore-mentioned fields or other relevant field with an additional two years of relevant experience, in addition to the required experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Relevant professional certifications in auditing and oversight, such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA/ACCA), Certified Management Accountant, Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Internal Auditor, and Certified Fraud Examiner.

Experience

At least fifteen years of experience, including at the international level and at the senior level in auditing and oversight at private or public sector. Proven track record in managing oversight offices, including a diverse range of investigations.

Languages

Excellent command of English and a working knowledge of a second working language (French or Spanish) of the Organization. 

Competencies

In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires:

Demonstrated high competence in auditing, investigation and inspection. Knowledge of risk analysis/assessment techniques. Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment and analyse relevant legal and procedural issues and financial and non-financial evidence. Outstanding analysis, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. High sense of integrity, ethical values and strong leadership and management skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Cross-cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in a team both as a participant and as a leader. Ability to set priorities to manage the progress of own and others’ work and meet tight deadlines.  Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to organizational goals.  Demonstrated high level of effective communication skills. Commitment to a high standard of work.  Strong understanding of industry best practices, regulatory requirements, and emerging trends in internal audit, risk management and investigations.  Must be digitally literate.  Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.