Organizational Setting

In accordance with its Charter, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) provides oversight of FAO’s programmes and operations through internal audit and investigation.  The Internal Audit Branch (OIGA) carries out assurance and advisory activities designed to add value and improve the organization’s operations by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluating and improving the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes. The Branch conducts its work in accordance with the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), including the Code of Ethics and the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, promulgated by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and adopted by the Internal Audit Services of the United Nations agencies.

This call for expressions of interest is for the purpose of identifying suitably qualified candidates who may be invited to undertake short-term assignments for OIG’s Internal Audit Branch (OIGA) ranging in length from three to a maximum of 11 months.

The internal audit specialist may be located at the Organization’s headquarters in Rome (Italy) or may undertake home-based assignments. Depending on the specific requirements of OIGA, the internal audit specialist may be required to undertake field missions.

Reporting Lines

The internal audit specialist reports to a Head of Unit or directly to the Inspector General.

Technical Focus 

Audit services in relation to individual audit and advisory assignments falling within OIG’s mandate.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Inspector-General, OIG and the supervision of a Head of Unit, the incumbent will:

(a) Internal Audit Specialist (lead auditor, category A or B):  undertake audit and advisory activities with technical competence and independence, according to the standards of the International Professional Practices Framework of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), applicable FAO policies and the deadlines and deliverables set out in their TORs. Their assigned tasks and responsibilities will normally include several of the following elements:
•    contribute to the preparation of annual work plans (including risk analysis);
•    prepare comprehensive audit programmes;
•    lead specific audit assignments to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the Organization’s internal controls, risk management and governance, (e.g. project/programme/function/office) by performing value for money and compliance audit, advisory, inspection, or special reviews in field offices and/or at FAO headquarters;
•    discuss audit findings with senior management, prepare clear concise draft reports that summarize the results of related assignments;
•    make recommendations for improved management controls and practices, and enhanced efficiency and effectiveness of operations;
•    provide on-the-job supervision and training to team members;
•    prepare electronic working papers that support the audit finding and recommendations developed from the review;
•    provide advice to Headquarters, regional, sub-regional and country management as appropriate;
•    perform other related duties as required.

(b) Internal Audit Specialist (team member, category C): contribute to audit and advisory activities, according to the standards of the International Professional Practices Framework of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), applicable FAO policies and the deadlines and deliverables set out in their TORs. Their assigned tasks and responsibilities will normally include several of the following elements:
•    contribute as a team member to audit assignments to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the Organization’s internal controls, risk management and governance, (e.g. project/programme/function/office) by performing value for money and compliance audit, advisory, inspection, or special reviews in field offices and/or at FAO headquarters;
•    discuss audit findings with management, contribute to the preparation of clear concise draft reports that summarize the results of related assignments;
•    make recommendations for improved management controls and practices, and enhanced efficiency and effectiveness of operations;
•    prepare electronic working papers that support the audit finding and recommendations developed from the review;
•    perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in audit, business or public administration, finance, accounting, information systems, computer science, economics, political science, international development, law or other related field.
•    Work experience:
–  Internal Audit Specialist (lead auditor): at least twelve years (for category A) or five years (for category B) of relevant work experience.
–  Internal Audit Specialist (team member, category C): at least two years of relevant work experience.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English. In addition, for COF only, limited knowledge (level B) of other FAO official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish)

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Selection Criteria

•    Demonstrated knowledge of auditing, business consulting and information technology
•    Demonstrated knowledge of risk management concepts
•    Extent and relevance of experience in performing financial, operational, performance and information technology/systems audits
•    Demonstrated ability to identify issues, collect and analyze information and develop recommendation and/or solutions
•    Expert knowledge in Excel and spreadsheet solutions
•    Demonstrated experience and ability in report-writing in English
•    Familiarity with specialized audit software
•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable
•    Professional certification as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and/or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is desirable
•    Professional certifications from an internationally recognized accountancy body such as CPA, CMA, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent is an advantage