Principal Internal Auditor

The OECD – Who we are, what we do

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation comprised of 38 member countries, whose mission is to build better policies for better lives. We promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.  Together with governments, policy makers and citizens, we work to establish evidence-based international standards, and finding solutions to a broad range of social, economic and environmental challenges, from the improvement of economic performance and creating jobs to fostering strong education and fighting international tax evasion. We provide a unique forum and knowledge hub for data and analysis, exchange of experiences, best-practice sharing, and advice on public policies and international standard-setting.

Evaluation and Internal Audit

The Evaluation and Internal Audit Unit (EVIA) supports the strategic orientations of the Secretary-General and assists him in helping the Organisation accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined, risk-based approach to evaluating and improving the effectiveness of internal controls and governance processes. This includes monitoring the proper application of the provisions of internal control systems in accordance with international best practices. EVIA provides the Secretary-General with independent and objective assurances, and undertakes advisory activity designed to add value and improve the Organisation’s operation. EVIA, through its In-Depth Evaluation function, also conducts systematic assessments of the relevance, effectiveness and efficiency of OECD’s substantive committees and programmes.

The position

EVIA is looking for a dynamic and visionary Principal Internal Auditor to provide leadership and strategic direction to Evaluation and Internal Audit. As a key member of the Senior Management team of the Organisation, s/he will provide intellectual leadership and ensure that the OECD is at the forefront of global economic policy thinking. Key activities across these areas of focus include co-leadership of the work of Internal Audit, providing strategic input to the Director in formulating an annual risk-based work plan and advising and assisting the Director in co-ordinating with External Audit and in responding and reporting to the Audit and Budget Committees, to other Committees and working groups and to Council.

The breath and the complexity of the policy issues for which EVIA is responsible requires an experienced senior executive with an excellent understanding of Internal Audit issues, political processes and effective institutional settings. S/he thrives in a fast paced, multidisciplinary work environment, is an innovative strategic thinker with political sensitivity. Finally, s/he has a proven track record of managing and delivering a complex Programme of Work and Budget, as well as managing diverse international teams, while maintaining a wide and effective professional network.

Main Responsibilities

Leadership

• Support the implementation of the Organisation’s Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) and the advancement of the strategic outcomes, in particular as they relate to Internal Audit.

Representation and Liaison

• Represent the Directorate and the Organisation at internal and external meetings, establishing close contacts and active collaboration with a wide range of colleagues, stakeholders and partners to achieve maximum effectiveness and efficiency.
• Establish and maintain a network of relationships with other international organisations, audit institutions, academia and research institutes.
• To participate in activities to enhance Internal Audit’s function as a leading player in the IA field and a leading proponent of best practices.
• To assist in promoting effective communication with key stakeholders to maximise the value, visibility, and impact of the work of Internal Audit, to build collaborative working relationships and to establish best practices throughout the OECD

Management and Co-ordination

• Ensure effective co-ordination, collaboration and co-operation across the Organisation including with the Office of the Secretary-General and directorates and programmes to support and contribute to corporate initiatives and horizontal projects.
• Lead and manage the staff of the Internal Audit Unit as well as technical assistance from external consultants. Set objectives and provide guidance on the goals, direction and timing of their work; provide regular and constructive feedback on performance to motivate staff and contribute to their professional development. Develop and maintain good teamwork and ensure effective work methods and project management; implement and maintain arrangements to ensure effective internal communications within the team.
• Build and lead a cohesive, multicultural and multidisciplinary team, promoting excellence, inclusion and diversity.
• Adhere to and promote the highest professional standards and the ethical principles of the OECD's Code of Conduct in all internal and external matters. Ensure a caring environment where managers promote, respect and support staff in developing their full potential.
• Manage and co-ordinate, or directly execute audits of, and advisory assignments relating to, all OECD operations (including semi-autonomous bodies) and monitor the implementation of resulting recommendations.

• Evaluate and provide independent advice on the design, development, implementation, and operation of all financial and administrative information systems, procedures, processes, and controls, including computer-based systems.
• Assess the extent of compliance with financial and administrative Regulations and Rules, related Council decisions and Secretary-General Instructions. Assess the adequacy and reliability of information available for decision making in relation to these duties.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic and Professional Background

• An advanced university degree or equivalent in auditing, accounting, finance, or public administration, or certification from a recognised professional association of accounting or auditing. A relevant professional certification would be an asset.
• At least 10 years’ experience in the management and direct execution of internal audits of programmes, major capital expenditure and information systems.
• Several years of experience acquired in a major accounting firm, a large corporation, a bank, a relevant national administration or an international organisation.
• Excellent knowledge management information systems and the ability to deploy and use data analytics in audits, data visualisation in reporting and automation, where efficient, of audit processes.
• Proven record of conducting relations at senior level and within a political decision-making environment. Well-established contacts with key players and stakeholders in the relevant international communities.
• Ability to work independently and manage external consultants or staff from external audit and accounting firms.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiating skills, flexibility, judgement, and diplomacy.
• Ability to deal with both management and staff for purposes of performing audits and explaining recommendations.

Communication and Languages

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in both official languages of the Organisation.

Core Competencies

• For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important\: Flexible thinking, Teamwork and Team leadership, Influencing, Developing talent, and Organisational alignment.
• Please refer to the level 5 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies.

Contract Duration

Two-year fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.

Please note that our Rules and Regulations stipulate that the mandatory retirement age is 65.

What the OECD offers

• Monthly base salary starting from 11,079 EUR plus allowances, based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
• Please note that the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

Process

All applications are screened based on the criteria for the position.  For candidates who are screened-in, written tests and/or video-recorded interviews are foreseen for July 2023, and panel interviews are planned for August 2023. A leadership assessment will also be requested by candidates in the final selection stage.

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates who are nationals of OECD Member Countries, irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health or disabilities. Our selection processes are merit-based; we strive to enhance diversity both from national and gender perspectives while running fair, transparent and competitive selection processes.

The OECD promotes an optimal use of resources to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal.

Learn more about what we offer and why the OECD is a great place to work.

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