Director, Division of Internal Oversight Services

This position is based in Paris, France, and is open to nationals of all our Member States.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Division of Internal Oversight Services provides the Director-General with an independent and objective assurance and advisory activity designed to add value and improve the Organization’s operations, performance and results. The incumbent reports directly to the Director-General. The Director of the Division of Internal Oversight Services (IOS) assists the Organization in accomplishing its objectives by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluation, internal audit and investigation with the aim of improving organizational effectiveness as well as the effectiveness of risk management, internal control and governance.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Specifically, with a view to assessing the organizational performance, effectiveness and integrity of UNESCO, the incumbent will be responsible for: Ensuring that the work of IOS conforms to generally accepted international auditing, investigation and evaluation standards and best practices, within the scope of the UNESCO Internal Oversight Mandate, and developing internal methodology, tools and techniques to ensure excellence in the conduct of the Division’s work. Contributing to the development of strategies for safeguarding and protecting the Organization’s interests in pursuit of its goals and objectives; assisting in discharging the Director-General’s duties, including the provision of impartial, objective and sound advice. Preparing an annual risk- and priority-based oversight work plan, which will deliver the services and outputs required by the UNESCO Internal Oversight Charter and the UNESCO Evaluation Policy; overseeing implementation of the work plan and ensuring outputs are within time, cost and quality standards. Overseeing an internal audit portfolio that focuses on key risks and opportunities to strengthen the Organization’s governance, risk management, internal controls and value-for-money, using modern internal audit practices in accordance with professional standards. Guiding independent evaluations in order to improve the relevance, impact, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, coherence and performance of UNESCO programmes and projects. Leading an investigation function which examines cases of alleged fraud, misconduct, malfeasance, mismanagement, waste of resources or other violations of the Organization’s code of conduct and regulatory framework. Keeping abreast of issues of major strategic and operational importance to the work of UNESCO and ensuring these inform the work of the service; and Creating a positive working environment, providing guidance to the staff of IOS and helping them to meet their full potential. The Director IOS ensures that the endeavours of the Division to promote accountability and professionalism and to foster a culture of learning and improvement are adhered to. The incumbent submits an IOS annual report, through the Director-General, to the UNESCO governing bodies.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in public or business administration, evaluation, social sciences, development studies, auditing, law or a related field. Professional certification/certificates (e.g. CIA, CPA, CA, CFE, CISA, CGAP or similar) from an officially recognized oversight body or professional association.

WORK EXPERIENCE

A minimum of 15 years of progressively professional relevant experience, of which preferably 7 years acquired at international level, specifically in the programmatic and operational aspects of audit work, as well as evaluation, value for money assurance and internal investigations. Proven track record as a senior manager in audit and/or evaluation functions within an international organization or at a national public sector-level, with a good knowledge of the latest/relevant methodologies, norms and standards, and developments in the audit, evaluation and investigation fields in the international community. Demonstrated leadership in professional networks such as UNEG/UNRIAS/RIAS/UNRN, IIA or national evaluation societies.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of, and commitment to, the Organization’s mandate, vision, strategic directions and priorities. High sense of professional integrity, objectivity, strong analytical capabilities, diplomacy and political astuteness. Strong sense of impartiality, objectivity and positive attitude towards the Organization and its goals. Ability to exercise intellectual authority, as well as provide and manage advisory services. Strategic and leadership skills in a multilateral setting with the ability to establish and maintain effective and constructive working relations in a highly political environment with people of different national and cultural backgrounds. Proven ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities. Highly developed analytical and communication skills and the ability to quickly grasp complex issues and produce solutions.

LANGUAGES

Excellent knowledge of and drafting skills in one of the working languages (English or French) of the Organization and ability to work in the second language. #J-18808-Ljbffr UNESCO