Back Deputy Inspector-General

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is the specialized Agency of the United Nations leading international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to high-quality food.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

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) 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.

The Investigations Branch (OIGI) investigates allegations of misconduct involving FAO personnel and allegations of sanctionable actions involving third parties. OIG’s investigation mandate covers misconduct such as fraud, corruption, abuse of privileges and immunities; sexual exploitation and abuse; sexual harassment; workplace harassment and abuse of authority; retaliation against whistle-blowers; or any other conduct not in conformity with the Standards of Conduct of the International Civil Service. OIG also prepares reports for the Director-General and Senior Management on lessons learned and proactive integrity reviews and promotes policies and activities that enhance the integrity of FAO's operations. 

The position is located in the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Deputy Inspector-General reports to the Inspector-General.

Summary of Duties and Functions

• Supports the Inspector-General in providing strategic direction to the execution of OIG’s mandate and mission, in accordance with the OIG Charter.
• Supports implementation of a long-term OIG Strategy and biennial workplans, developed in alignment with FAO’s Strategic Framework, Risk Profile and Programme of Work.
• Strives to strengthen internal oversight at FAO, in cooperation with the Inspector-General, collaborators throughout FAO, UN system organizations (particularly Rome-Based Agencies), professional networks and other partners.
• In collaboration with the Inspector-General and OIG personnel, provides advice to the Director-General, Senior Management, Oversight Advisory Committee and Governing Bodies on matters related to, inter alia, internal governance; risk management; internal control; accountability, integrity and transparency; key management initiatives such as organizational reform; and overall management and operations of FAO.
• Provides strategic advice and direction for the development and implementation of OIG’s Communication Strategy aimed at effectively communicating OIG’s work and building the necessary channels between OIG and the entire Organization.
• Fosters effective dissemination and promotion of OIG findings and lessons learned arising from its audits and investigations, enhancing OIG’s visibility and demonstrating the impact of its work.
• Contributes to the preparation of statistics and periodic reports on audit and investigation matters, as well as analyses on systemic audit issues and investigation trends, including the annual reports to the FAO Finance Committee and quarterly activity reports to the Director-General and Oversight Advisory Committee on OIG’s activities.
• Contributes to the maintenance and continuous development of OIG’s quality assurance and improvement programme to ensure the OIG audit and investigation functions meet established international standards of professional practices; and ensures adequate quality control of OIG products before sign-off by the Inspector General.
• Encourages and advances innovation in OIG processes to promote the efficient functioning of the Office. This includes, for example, innovations in the use of technology and data governance (in compliance with FAO’s Data Protection Policy).
• Contributes to the efficient and effective management of OIG’s financial and human resources.
• Oversees the planning, management and coordination of selected OIG units’ work.
• Supports effective internal communication within OIG and promotes knowledge sharing, intra-office cooperation and learning.
• Leads, coordinates and/or participates in Organization-wide working groups or committees.
• Represents OIG and the Organization, on behalf of the Inspector General, in audit and investigation matters in various forums, as needed.
• Serves as acting Inspector General to manage day-to-day matters when the Inspector-General is absent and, in this capacity and as needed, liaises with relevant stakeholders.
• Performs other related duties as required.

  CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

  Minimum Requirements

  • Advanced University Degree in Business or Public Administration/Management, Auditing, Risk Management, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Law or a subject associated with criminal and/or administrative investigations, Computer Science, Information Systems, or other related field. Candidates holding a first-level university degree in the above-mentioned fields may also be considered if possessing three (3) additional years of relevant work experience in leading or conducting oversight work and a professional certification from an internationally recognized auditing, accountancy or fraud examination body (such as CIA, CPA, ACCA, CISA, CMA or CFE) or a professional qualification to practise law in a national/state jurisdiction.
  • Minimum twelve years of experience in an oversight function, with at least five years in a managerial capacity.
  • Familiarity with the UN system or similar international institutions.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of relevant internal audit and/or investigative theories, concepts and approaches.
  • Experience with the use of innovative and cutting-edge auditing and/or investigation techniques and tools.
  • Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills of a high order with maturity and the ability to apply judgment in the exercise of professional independence and to manage complex and/or sensitive issues with diplomacy and confidentiality.
  • Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds, and of diverse technical and professional backgrounds.
  • Working knowledge of English (proficient - level C) and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).