Director, Internal Oversight Service

OVERVIEW

Post Number : IOS 001

Grade : D-2

Parent Sector : Office of the Director-General (CAB)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Management/Audit/Oversight

Type of contract : Fixed Term

Duration of contract : 2 years  (maximum 6 years appointment, non-renewable)

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 27-MAR-2020

 

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

 

The Director of Internal Oversight Service (IOS) assists the Organization in accomplishing its objectives by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluation, internal audit and investigation with the aim of improving organizational effectiveness as well as the effectiveness of risk management, internal control and governance. The Office of Internal Oversight Service provides the Director-General with an independent and objective assurance and advisory activity designed to add value and improve the Organization’s operations, performance and results. The incumbent reports directly to the Director-General.

 

Specifically, with a view to assessing the organizational performance, effectiveness and integrity of UNESCO, the incumbent will be responsible for:

 

• Ensuring that the work of IOS conforms to generally accepted international auditing, investigation and evaluation standards and best practices, within the scope of the UNESCO Internal Oversight Mandate, and developing internal methodology, tools and techniques to ensure excellence in the conduct of the Service’s work;
• Contributing to the development of strategies for safeguarding and protecting the Organization's interests in pursuit of its goals and objectives; assisting in discharging the Director-General’s duties, including the provision of impartial, objective and sound advice;
• Preparing an annual, risk and priority based oversight work plan, which will deliver the services and outputs required by the UNESCO Internal Oversight Charter and the UNESCO Evaluation Policy; overseeing implementation of the work plan and ensuring outputs are within time, cost and quality standards;
• Overseeing an internal audit portfolio that focuses on key risks and opportunities to strengthen the Organization's governance, risk management, internal controls and value-for-money, using modern internal audit practices in accordance with professional standards;
• Guiding independent evaluations in order to improve the relevance, impact, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, coherence and performance of UNESCO programmes and projects;
• Leading an investigation function which examines cases of alleged fraud, misconduct, malfeasance, mismanagement, waste of resources, or other violations of the Organization's code of conduct and regulatory framework;
• Keeping abreast of issues of major strategic and operational importance to the work of UNESCO and ensuring these inform the work of the service; and
• Creating a positive working environment, providing guidance to the staff of IOS and helping them to meet their full potential.

Long Description

The Director IOS ensures that the endeavours of the Service to promote accountability and professionalism and to foster a culture of learning and improvement are adhered to. The incumbent submits an IOS annual report, through the Director-General, to the UNESCO Governing Bodies.

Long Description COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Building partnerships (M) Driving and managing change (M) Leading and empowering others (M) Making quality decisions (M) Managing performance (M) Strategic thinking (M) Communication (C) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in public or business administration, evaluation, social sciences, development studies, auditing, law or a related field.
• Professional certification/certificates (e.g. CIA, CPA, CA, CFE, CISA, CGAP or similar) from an officially recognized oversight body or professional association.

 

Work Experience

• A minimum of 15 years of relevant international professional experience specifically in the programmatic and operational aspects of audit work, as well as evaluation, value for money assurance and internal investigations.
• Proven track record as a senior manager in audit/evaluation functions in an international organization or at a national public sector level, with a good knowledge of the latest methodologies, norms and standards and developments in the audit, evaluation, and investigation fields in the international community.
• Demonstrated leadership in professional networks (UNEG/UNRIAS/RIAS/UNRN, IIA or national evaluation societies).

Long Description

 

Skills and Competencies

• Commitment to the Organization’s mandate, vision and priorities.
• Ability to exercise intellectual authority, as well as provide and manage advisory services.
• High sense of professional integrity, objectivity, strong analytical capabilities, diplomacy and political astuteness.
• Strategic and Leadership skills in a multilateral setting with the ability to establish and maintain effective and constructive working relations in a highly political environment with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Proven ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.
• Strong sense of impartiality objectivity and positive attitude towards the Organization and its goals.
• Highly developed analytical and communication skills and the ability to quickly grasp complex issues and produce solutions.

 

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English or French, with good working level of the others.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

 

Work Experience

• Experience in the United Nations system and/or other international organizations/Institutions.
• Demonstrated experience of management at the international level.

 

Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge of the Organization and its methods of work.
• Ability to identify efficiencies and address operational challenges in processes through innovative methods and solutions.

 

Languages

• Working knowledge of other UNESCO languages would be an asset.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

For more information in benefits and entitlements, please consult ICSC website.

ASSESSMENT

Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

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UNESCO is committed to achieve and sustain gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities, as well as nationals from non-and under-represented Member States (last update here) are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.