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Head of Internal Audit

OVERVIEW

Position Number: IOS 003

Grade: P-5

Parent Sector: Internal Oversight Service (IOS)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Management/Audit/Oversight

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 07/09/2026

 

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Division of Internal Oversight Services (IOS) provides an independent consolidated oversight mechanism that covers internal audit, evaluation, investigation and other management support. IOS is composed of three offices: the Internal Audit Office, the Evaluation Office, and the Investigation Office, all collocated physically.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall direction of the Director of the Division of Internal Oversight Services, the incumbent will manage staff and resources of the Internal Audit Office, support IOS' strategic and annual audit planning, maintain an effective quality assurance process for internal audits and collaborate across the Organization in advancing risk management and control and governance processes in achieving UNESCO's results.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

More specifically, the Head of Internal Audit will:

 

  • Provide day-to-day management of the Internal Audit Office and supervision of staff, including definition of expected results for respective staff and consequent performance appraisals, accomplishment of internal audit work plans, contribution to overall management of IOS, and participation in UNESCO and inter-agency working groups, committees and management meetings;
  • Maintain a quality assurance process for internal audits conforming to IIA standards through development and monitoring of IOS procedures, guidance and systemic improvements;  
  • Lead the internal audit process by providing supervision and guidance in the planning, performance, reporting and follow-up of internal audits;
  • Deliver the full range of assurance and advisory engagements that address emerging risks and opportunities;
  • Collaborate with the two other IOS offices in delivering joint work and reporting on their outcomes;
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of IOS-wide strategies and plans;

Long Description

  • Prepare and present periodic reports for governing bodies and the Oversight Advisory Committee (OAC), as related to internal audit work;
  • Support the Director of IOS in developing and communicating internal audit strategies and plans by systematically identifying risk areas and opportunities, formulating efficient audit approaches and drafting related strategies, plans and results reports;
  • Collaborate with other UNESCO divisions, bureaux and offices in advancing effective risk management, control and internal governance in achieving UNESCO's results;
  • Deliver any other task as assigned by the Director IOS and deputize for the Director IOS when requested. 

Long Description

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

  • Communication (C)
  • Accountability (C)
  • Innovation (C)
  • Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
  • Planning and organizing (C)
  • Results focus (C)
  • Teamwork (C)
  • Building partnerships (M)
  • Driving and managing change (M)
  • Strategic thinking (M)
  • Making quality decisions (M)
  • Managing performance (M)
  • Leading and empowering others (M)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

  • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Auditing, Accountancy, Public Administration, Economics, Business Administration or related fields;
  • Professional certification from an internationally recognized accounting or audit body such as CIA, CPA, CA or equivalent. The certification must be valid at the time of application.

 

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible relevant experience in audit, with at least seven (7) years as an internal auditor in international context (commercial, non-governmental or international organization);
  • At least three (3) years of experience in leading or co-leading an internal audit function as Head or Deputy Head, or as an Internal Audit Manager in a very large Internal Audit function.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

  • Expert knowledge of audit theory and practice, including principles and practical implementation of enterprise risk management, corporate governance issues and internal control practices;
  • Excellent knowledge of internal control methods, tools and techniques;
  • Strong coordination and analytical skills;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to effectively deal with various internal/external partners on complex and sensitive matters;
  • Demonstrated leadership, management and organizational skills, with proven ability to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment;
  • Strong sense of impartiality and objectivity;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, with proven ability to produce high level quality reports for decision makers;
  • Knowledge and experience of auditing in ERP environment (SAP for instance) and using computerized auditing tools.

 

LANGUAGES

  • Excellent knowledge (written and oral) of English or French, and very good knowledge of the other language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Professional experience involving a UN or international organization;
  • Professional experience in developing countries;
  • Engagement in professional auditing networks practice groups.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

  • Strong knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations and procedures;
  • Strong business acumen and strategic thinking.

 

LANGUAGES

  • Good knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc. 

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 158 255 EUR.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
  • UNESCO applies to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
  • UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.
  • lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
  • All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
  • Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
  • In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
  • The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
  • UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
  • UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

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