Internal Audit Specialist

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

In accordance with its Charter, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) provides oversight of FAO's programmes and operations through internal audit and investigation. The Internal Audit Branch (OIGA) consists of two units: the Assurance Unit, which focuses on audits of headquarters entities, thematic areas and Decentralized Offices; and the Advisory and Professional Practices Unit, which undertakes advisory engagements and leads initiatives that strengthen professional practices, quality assurance and innovation within the internal audit function. OIGA carries out assurance and advisory activities designed to add value and improve the organization's operations by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluating and improving the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes. The Branch conducts its work in accordance with the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), including the Code of Ethics and the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, promulgated by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and adopted by the Internal Audit Services of the United Nations agencies.

This call for expressions of interest is for the purpose of identifying suitably qualified candidates who may be invited to undertake short-term assignments for OIG’s Internal Audit Branch (OIGA) ranging in length from three to a maximum of 11 months.

OIG is looking to hire both generalist auditors as well as Information Technology auditors and auditors specializing in data analytics.

The internal audit specialist may be based at the Organization’s headquarters in Rome (Italy) or may undertake home-based assignments. Depending on the specific requirements of OIGA, the internal audit specialist may be required to go on field missions.

Reporting Lines

The internal audit specialist reports to one of the Head of Units, or directly to the Deputy Inspector General, or the Inspector General.

Technical Focus

Audit services in relation to individual audit and advisory assignments falling within OIG’s mandate.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Inspector-General, OIG and the supervision of a Head of Unit, the incumbent will:

Internal Audit Expert: undertake audit and advisory activities with technical competence and independence, according to the standards of the International Professional Practices Framework of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), applicable FAO policies and the deadlines and deliverables set out in their TORs. Their assigned tasks and responsibilities will normally include several of the following elements:

• Contribute to the preparation of annual work plans (including risk analysis);
• Prepare comprehensive audit programmes;
• Lead or participate in specific audit assignments to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the Organization’s internal controls, risk management and governance, (e.g. project/programme/function/office) by performing value for money and compliance audits, advisory assignments, inspections, or special reviews in field offices and/or at FAO headquarters;
• Discuss audit findings with senior management, prepare clear concise draft reports summarizing results of assignments;
• Provide advice to headquarters, regional, sub-regional and country office management as appropriate and make recommendations to improve controls, and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of operations;
• Provide on-the-job supervision and training to affiliate personnel;
• Prepare electronic working papers that support the work done and audit findings; and
• Perform other related duties as required.

Internal Audit Specialist: contribute to audit and advisory activities, according to the standards of the International Professional Practices Framework of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), applicable FAO policies and the deadlines and deliverables set out in their TORs. Their assigned tasks and responsibilities will normally include several of the following elements:

• Contribute as a team member to audit assignments aimed at assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of the Organization’s internal controls, risk management and governance, (e.g. projects, programmes, functions or offices) by performing value for money and compliance audits, advisory assignments, or special reviews in field offices and/or at FAO headquarters;
• Discuss audit findings with management and contribute to the preparation of clear concise draft reports that summarize the results of related assignments;
• Prepare electronic working papers that adequately support the work done and audit findings; and
• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• For Consultants:
Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in audit, business or public administration, finance, accounting, information systems, computer science, economics, political science, international development, law or any other related field; Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
For PSAs:
University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in audit, business or public administration, finance, accounting, information systems, computer science, economics, political science, international development, law or any other related field.
• Relevant working experience in internal audit (including information technology audit):
At least ten years for category A or five years for category B
At least two years for category C.
• Working knowledge of English (level C).

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Selection Criteria

• Limited knowledge (level B) of other FAO official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge of auditing, business consulting, risk management or information technology
• Experience in performing financial, operational, performance and information technology/systems audits
• Demonstrated ability to identify issues, collect and analyze information and develop recommendation and/or solutions
• Expert knowledge in spreadsheet solutions and familiarity with specialized audit software
• Demonstrated experience and ability in report-writing in English
• Demonstrated knowledge of data analytics, including the ability to analyze large datasets to identify risks, trends, and anomalies, is considered an asset
• Experience using artificial intelligence tools to support audit work is considered an asset
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable
• Professional certifications as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and/or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is desirable
• Professional certifications from an internationally recognized accountancy body such as CPA, CMA, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent are an advantage
• For IT Audit Specialist, professional certifications as: Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), ISO 27001, Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) or IT Project Management are desirable.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
• Please note that FAO 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) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For more information, visit the FAO employment website
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO 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) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.

• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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