Senior Auditor

Introduction

The post is located in the Office of Internal Audit and Oversight (IAO).  IAO is an independent oversight function, which is responsible for internal audit, investigation and inspection activities.  Audit assignments may be undertaken, but not be limited to, areas of governance, risk management, and systems of internal control.  IAO provides advisory services as and when requested by the Director-General or his/her designates, which may include undertaking performance and/or management audits.  

The position will be responsible for planning and delivering high quality internal audits, or other audit services, as directed by the Chief Internal Auditor.  

The position will report to the Chief Internal Auditor.

Specific Duties

1. Lead and conduct audits/special reviews with respect to complex programmes and operations. Using a risk-based approach, determine the approach, scope and procedures of the work assignment, in accordance with relevant international standards, and prepare a work programme and a risk based plan.
2. Draft terms of reference to engage consultants under IAO’s long-term agreement as required.  Liaise and oversee the work of the consultant to ensure effective execution, delivery and quality of the assigned task.
3. Conduct interviews with heads of operations and/or other staff as to complete the assignment and hold exit meetings to discuss findings and conclusions with the responsible manager.
4. Prepare clear, well documented, and referenced working papers in support of findings for review by the Chief Internal Auditor or his/her designates.
5. Draft audit or assignment reports aimed at facilitating organization change for consumption by responsible managers, including senior management, for review by the Chief Internal Auditor or his/her designates.
6. Prepare and make presentations as required of assignment findings, conclusions, and recommendations to senior management or the Independent Oversight Advisory Committee as required.
7. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

These specific duties are aligned with the relevant ILO generic job description, which includes the following generic duties:

Generic Duties

1. Supervise and report on the work of subordinate auditors or other professionals and assistants as assigned on a permanent or project basis to the team.
2. Obtain information directly through examination of records (paper and automated) in pursuing audit objectives and in conducting inspection or investigation work and supplement as necessary with interview of staff and other appropriate investigation techniques.
3. Appraise the efficiency and effectiveness of the Organization’s administrative procedure including managerial aspects of programmes/projects and activities; and ascertain the achievement of planned objectives, recommending improvements where appropriate.
4. Hold discussions with heads of operations on completion of the audit/inspection/investigation assignment and discuss findings and recommendations.
5. Prepare audit reports and recommendations for the correction of control weaknesses and ensure that working papers and records are maintained to substantiate significant audit findings and recommendations.
6. Appraise adequacy of follow-up action taken in respect of audit findings and recommendations.

Required qualifications

Education

An advanced university degree in a relevant field (plus Associate or Fellow of a recognized Association or Institute of professional auditors and/or accountants (such as Chartered Accountant, Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor).

Experience

Professional audit experience at national or international level of at least eight years, preferably including at least four years spent in a practising firm of Chartered Accountants, Certified Public Accountants or  public sector audit organizations with experience in financial, operational and management audit.

Languages

Excellent command of one official language (English, French, Spanish) of the Organization. Working knowledge of a second official language. Working knowledge of a third official language would be an asset for audit in different regions.

Competencies

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

Technical

Sound knowledge of the Organization’s mandate, financial rules, procedures, regulations, policies, plans and priorities of the Organization’s activities or sound knowledge of best practices in other UN organizations or in the private or public sector in rules, regulations, plans, procedures and laws.  Knowledge of good management practices, and international audit standards, including those relating to value for money and performance audits.  Knowledge of internationally accepted IT business practices and standards.  Sound knowledge of risk-based principles is essential. Excellent drafting skills to prepare reports of audit findings and recommendations effectively and adequately.  Demonstrates an ability to design, perform and manage audit assignments in an effective, efficient and professional manner, and effectively communicate findings both orally and in writing to staff and senior management, and ILO governance organs.  Ability to provide advice on draft policies and procedures and guidelines for constructive improvements in ILO practices. Ability to provide advice to senior management with objective analyses, appraisals, and pertinent comments on the implementation of audit recommendations. Skills in recommending effective changes.  Ability to work with the minimum of supervision and guidance. Ability to handle confidential matters.  Ability to conduct performance and/or value for money audits would be an asset.  Knowledge of IT audit applications such as TeamMate or applications used to interrogate data such as ACL.  Knowledge of enterprise resource planning systems, such as Oracle.

Behavioural

Ability to work with tact and discretion.  Ability to work within a small team context, and collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.  The incumbent should act with integrity, and be objective and impartial at all times when conducting audit assignments or other audit services. Team player. Actively solicits input from team members and other colleagues, supports learning and knowledge sharing amongst colleagues.  Ability to build constructive relationships with audit clients.  Ability to communicate in a clear and effective manner.  Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.