Principal Auditor/Audit Manager (Chief of the Assurance Audit Unit)

Introduction

The position is located in Assurance Audit Unit of the Office of Internal Audit and Oversight (IAO) of the International Labour Organization (ILO).  The IAO provides an oversight function covering all systems, processes, programmes and activities within the ILO. 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, effectiveness, economy, accountability and transparency.  

The Audit Manager is responsible for planning and delivering internal audit activities, and managing staff of the Assurance Audit Unit.  This role involves evaluating and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the ILO’s systems of governance, risk management and internal controls.  The Audit Manager is therefore responsible for providing assurance on the adequacy and effectiveness of the ILO’s system of governance, risk management, internal controls, financial management, and use of assets.  

The position reports to the Chief Internal Auditor, Director of the IAO.
 

Specific Duties

1.    Manage the operations and resources of the Assurance Audit Unit. Plan, establish procedures, direct and coordinate internal audit activities.  Lead and mentor a team of senior internal auditors, providing guidance and support.  Ensure audit assignments are conducted in accordance with the Institute of Internal Auditors Professional Practices Framework, and/or other relevant industry standards as appropriate.
2.    Prepare and propose Programme and Budget proposals for the Unit.
3.    Identify and assess key risks facing the ILO on an annual basis, liaising with management as necessary.  On the basis of the results of the risk assessment, taking into account organizational priorities, develop a comprehensive risk-based plan for submission to the Chief Internal Auditor, Director of the IAO.
4.    Formulate, maintain and implement policies, processes on audit.
5.    Execute and manage internal audit assignments to evaluate the effectiveness of governance, risk management, internal controls, including compliance with established regulations, rules, and procedures, including value for money and other types of audits.
6.    As directed by the Chief Internal Auditor, draft terms of reference for third party consulting firms to undertake audit related activities in support of IAO’s risk-based audit plan and/or delivery of IAO’s vision and mission.
7.    Liaise with contracted third parties and oversee their assignments. Conduct quality control of their outputs prior to submission to the Chief Internal Audit, Director of IAO for their review.
8.    Review working papers and draft reports for each audit assignment undertaken by a senior internal auditor, ensuring draft reports are clear and concise, highlighting findings, recommendations and including management’s response. 
9.    As necessary, draft internal audit reports for submission to the Chief Internal Auditor, Director of IAO.  The reports mush be clear and concise, highlighting findings and recommendations, including comments from management as appropriate.
10.    Draft the annual report of the Chief Internal Auditor to Governing Body.
11.    As directed by the Chief Internal Auditor, Director of IAO, communicate audit findings or other matters relating to audit orally and/or in writing to senior management or other key stakeholders.
12.    Represent the Office at inter-agency forums and participate in senior management meetings on issues related to audit.  
13.    Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging risks and best practices to enhance audit methodologies. Identify opportunities for process improvements within the internal audit function.  
14.    Stay current with advancements in audit technology and recommend tools for the internal audit function.  Leverage technology and data analytics tools to enhance audit efficiency and effectiveness. 
15.    Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in auditing, accounting, finance, 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 experience stated below will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Certification as a Chartered Accountant, and/or Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor or Certified Information Systems Auditor would be an advantage.
 

Experience

At least ten years of progressive experience in managing, leading and conducting audits, including at the international level.  Prior experience in the UN system would be an asset.

Languages

 Excellent command of one working language (English, French or Spanish) of the Organization with a high level of communication skills and strong drafting skills.  Working knowledge of a second working language. Working knowledge of a third working language would be an asset.

Competencies

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

Thorough knowledge of and effective skills in audit methodology and techniques.  Thorough knowledge of risk assessment in highly digitalized environment. Excellent management and organizational skills. Ability to work effectively in a small team environment.  Excellent communication skills (spoken, written, facilitation and presentational) to prepare and present audit related reports/findings effectively and clearly.  Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills with strong client orientation.  Cross-cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in a team both as a leader and as a participant.  Ability to meet tight deadlines.  Must be digitally literate.  Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.