Oversight Specialist - Audit and Evaluation

VN Category (INT / EXT / EOI):

External01-07-2024Grade 9

Job Category:

ProfessionalInvestigatorCHF142,831.00

This is an external vacancy notice open to external candidates and WTO staff. It is posted on the WTO internal as well as external career site. Eligible WTO staff on short-term, fixed-term or regular contracts and interns must apply through the Workday internal career site.

This is a Fixed-term contract funded through the regular budget. The duration will be two years with the possibility of extension, unless specified in the vacancy notice.

The recruitment policy of the WTO is to seek to attract and retain staff members offering the highest standards of competence, efficiency and integrity. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, the WTO gives full regard to merit and diversity.

.

The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill the position of Oversight Specialist - Audit and Evaluation in the Office of Internal Oversight.

General Functions

The Office of Internal Oversight (OIO) is a functionally and operationally independent office responsible for providing professional and objective oversight functions designed to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness, to reinforce a culture of accountability and to strengthen the ethical climate of the WTO. The OIO is mandated to assist the Director-General in fulfilling her oversight responsibilities in respect of management, staff, and resources of the WTO by conducting investigations, internal audits, inspections, evaluations and other forms of assessment. The OIO helps to hold the WTO Secretariat accountable to the Members by reporting through the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration.

The role of the Oversight Specialist - Audit and Evaluation

Reporting exclusively to the Head of Office, the Oversight Specialist, Audit and Evaluation will primarily conduct internal audits and evaluations, and assist with inspections and other forms of assessment, in fulfillment of the WTO's strategic objectives, with a focus on creating, protecting, and sustaining value.

The incumbent's responsibilities are to:

1. Assist the Head of Office by planning, designing and developing the annual audit and evaluation program, following an evidence-based and objective-centric approach. 

2. Deliver a portfolio of risk-based planned and ad-hoc assurance and advisory projects using agile and innovative methodologies as appropriate, to respond dynamically to emerging risks and needs.

3. Design and deliver reliable and useful functional, program and project evaluations to help inform the learning and decision-making processes of the Secretariat and to hold it accountable to the Members.

4. Deliver and present high quality audit, evaluation, analysis and other assessment reports that clearly, fairly, and impartially communicate findings, risks, and recommended actions, with an analysis of root causes, patterns or trends as applicable.

5. Track and monitor the implementation of proposed risk mitigation measures and other recommendations.

6. Assist in liaising and coordinating with the External Auditor.

7. Contribute to the OIO annual activity reports to the Director-General and the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration (CBFA).

8. Assist with inspections, integrity risk assessments (including fraud risk assessments), culture surveys, data analysis, and investigations, as appropriate.  

9. Assist with measuring the OIO's performance, including through developing or improving metrics and methodologies, and supporting external quality assessments.     

10. Contribute to innovation within the OIO team through continuous professional development, participation in oversight professional practice groups, and horizon-scanning.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Advanced university degree in finance, accounting, economics, computer science, information security, forensics, data or information systems management, monitoring and evaluation, risk management, business administration, human resources, law or related field is required.

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), or other similar professional accreditation is required. For candidates with a professional background in evaluation, demonstrable experience in program evaluation will be considered in lieu of an accreditation.

An additional professional certification in accounting, audit, evaluations, investigations, or related designation such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification would be an asset.

Knowledge and Skills:

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

Extensive knowledge of internal auditing standards and practices, including as to the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) and/or evaluation best practices.

Demonstrable knowledge of audit and/or evaluation tools and techniques, including skills in managing software and systems for data collection, analysis, monitoring and reporting.

Excellent writing skills.

Strong data analysis and research skills, and attention to detail.

Ability to produce impartial, credible, and timely reports on complex subject matters.

Knowledge of or a keen interest in information systems management, information security, artificial intelligence, data management, data privacy, and related areas is desirable.

Behavioural Skills:

Ability to safeguard the reputation and independence of the OIO and to further enhance its authority, credibility, trust and professionalism while nurturing the proactive and approachable nature of the oversight function. This includes:

•    Demonstrating uncompromising adherence to strong ethical principles and values;
•    Maintaining strict confidentiality and discretion; 
•    Fostering fairness and inclusion;
•    Striving for continuous professional development and innovation. 
 

Ability to develop and maintain working relationships with a variety of stakeholders, at all levels of seniority, both inside and outside the organisation. 

Capacity to understand complex information and ability to present it, both orally and in writing, in a clear, fair and concise way.

Excellent planning and organizational skills, and capacity to work autonomously.

Adaptability and respectful attitude in supporting and gaining the support of others to achieve objectives.

Self awareness and resilience when under pressure, including when addressing conflicts.

Work Experience:

A minimum of eight years of experience in internal audit, evaluation, inspections or other relevant experience in an oversight function, including at least five years of international experience at a senior level is required.

  

Experience working for an international or multilateral organization, or multinational corporation is desired.

Languages:

Excellent knowledge of English and intermediate working knowledge of French is required.

Knowledge of Spanish is desired.

Contract Duration: Five (5) years non renewable, with a probation period of one (1) year.

Additional Information:
 
Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted. 

The recruitment process will be undertaken as per Administrative Memorandum No. 976 (OFFICE(16)/15) on Staff Promotions and external recruitment through Vacancy Notices.

The initial fixed-term contract for positions up to grade 10 shall normally be two years, which shall be probationary, as per Administrative Memorandum No. 997 (OFFICE(23)/4) on Probation Policy. For Director positions, the Policy on evaluation of directors apply as per Administrative Memorandum No. 978 (OFFICE(17)/29).

The WTO may use various communication technologies such as video or teleconference for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. The recruitment process may also involve the use of various forms of testing, assessment centres, interviews and reference checks. 

Applicants may be required to sit a written examination. 

Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview. 

Candidates not selected whose performance in the selection process nevertheless shows them to be suitable for a similar position may be kept on a roster for up to 24 months, and may subsequently be called upon as and when the need arises for additional resources.

All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the closing date – Geneva (Switzerland) time – stated in the vacancy announcement. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE CLOSING DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. 

The WTO is a non-smoking environment.