Senior Internal Auditor (P-4)

The OPCW’s mission is to implement the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention to achieve our vision of a world free of chemical weapons in which chemistry is used for peace, progress, and prosperity, and to contribute to international security and stability, general and complete disarmament, and global economic development.

The OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.

• Contract Type
  Fixed-term Professional
• Grade
  P4
• Total Estimated monthly remuneration depending on post adjustment and family status: USD
  10,094
• Closing Date
  16/12/2025

Job Summary

The Office of Internal Oversight (OIO) assists the Director-General in the management of the OPCW's resources, through Internal Audits (including Confidentiality Audits) and Evaluations in order to add value to the efficiency and effectiveness of the operations of the OPCW. In addition, the OIO conducts investigations and provides assistance to the Secretariat for its Quality Management System.

Under the direct supervision of and reporting to the Director of the Office of Internal Oversight, the incumbent leads and conducts internal audits in accordance with the professional standards of the Institute of Internal Auditors.

Main Responsibilities

The incumbent performs the following specific functions:

• Proposes an annual internal audit programme on the basis of a comprehensive risk assessment process;
• Conducts risk-based financial, compliance and performance audits of OPCW operations and processes, including IT-related assurance engagements, to evaluate their compliance to the Regulations and Rules, and their economy, efficiency and effectiveness in achieving the OPCW’s objectives;
• Proposes specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and timebound (SMART) recommendations to promote operational effectiveness and efficiency, reliable financial reporting, and compliance with OPCW strategies, policies and procedures;
• Undertakes audits of IT general and application controls, including information system security controls, cybersecurity, business continuity and disaster recovery, ERP systems and conducts data analytics to support continuous auditing;
• Ensures the timely follow-up of recommendations made in internal audit reports and reporting thereon to management and the governing bodies.  Ensures that the related IT tools and processes are kept fit for purpose;
• Provides advisory services on internal control systems, such as in reviewing organisational policies and procedures, recommending improvements and propose changes, and participates as observer in various OPCW management committees as required;
• Ensures that internal guidelines, policies and procedures for internal audit activities are kept up-to-date in accordance with the latest IIA Standards;
• Performs certification for quality management activities of inspection equipment and database as required;
• Contribute to and deliver advanced Internal Audit training activities, incorporating the latest knowledge in Internal Audit topics, such as risk management, data analytics, use of emerging technologies in oversight and fraud detection;
• Serve as the principal Business Continuity Officer within the OIO, ensuring advanced contingency planning and recovery strategies, as well as internal coordination of business continuity updates, as required;
• Supervises and evaluates the work of the Internal Auditor (P-2) and other staff assigned;
• Performs other duties as required by the Director, OIO.

Education

Essential: 

• Advanced university degree in finance, business, IT or public administration, accounting, economics, law or related field;
• A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (minimum 9 years) may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

 Desirable: 

• CFE, CISA, or Certification from an internationally recognised auditing or accountancy body such as the Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Chartered Accountants, or equivalent in other national systems.

 Required Certification (if applicable): 

• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification or an equivalent issued by any IIA recognized institution, is a requirement.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

• At least 7 years of relevant experience in auditing, accounting or closely related field using modern auditing, management and information systems techniques (e.g. internal audit department in the public or private sector, or an auditing, accounting or consulting firm).

Skills and Competencies

• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from other and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication.
• Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues of different national and cultural backgrounds to achieve organisational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards.
• Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas.
• Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view.
• Commitment to continuous learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally.
• Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office.

Languages

Fluency in English is essential and a good working knowledge of one of the other official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is desirable.

This fixed-term appointment is for the duration of two years with a six-month probationary period, and is subject to the OPCW Staff Regulations and Interim Staff Rules.

The OPCW is a non-career organisation with limited staff tenure. The total length of service for Professional staff shall not exceed 7 years.

The mandatory age of separation at the OPCW is 65 years.

The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description. Several vacancies may be filled.

Only fully completed applications submitted before the closing date and through OPCW CandidateSpace will be considered. Only applicants under serious consideration for a post will be contacted.

According to article 8 paragraph 44 of the Chemical Weapons Convention the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

OPCW is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. OPCW recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

OPCW General Terms and Conditions

Important notice for applicants who are currently insured under the Dutch Social Security system

Although headquartered in the Netherlands, the OPCW is not a regular Dutch employer but a public international organisation with its own special status. Please be advised that if you are currently insured under the Dutch Social Security system, you will be excluded from this system as a staff member of the OPCW. You will consequently be insured under the organisation’s system. The above also applies to your dependents unless they are employed by a regular Dutch employer, they are self-employed in the Netherlands, or are receiving Dutch social security payments.

Please refer to the website of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment for more information about the possible consequences for you and your dependents, such as exclusion from ‘AWBZ’ and ‘Zorgverzekeringswet’ coverage: ‘Werken bij een internationale organisatie’.