Internal Audit Specialist

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

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

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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