Back Internal Auditor

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 of OIG 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 post is located in the Internal Audit Branch of OIG at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The Branch consists of two units, both headed by a Senior Auditor (Head of Unit): Audit Assurance Unit and Audit Advisory and Professional Practices Unit. Internal audit staff would normally rotate between the two units. The selected candidate will initially be assigned to the Audit Assurance Unit.

Reporting Lines

The Internal Auditor reports to a Senior Auditor (Head of Unit).

Technical Focus

Internal auditing.

Key Results

The planning and execution of audit assurance and advisory engagements at headquarters and/or field offices with the aim to provide independent and objective assurance and advice to the Director-General, the Oversight Advisory Committee and the FAO Governing Bodies that the programme or operations of the Organization are carried out with due regard to economy, efficiency, effectiveness and ethics.  

Key Functions

• Plans and executes audit assurance and advisory engagements, from the initial planning, information gathering and interview stages to the final analysis and report writing stages, in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and OIG internal audit procedures.
• Prepares or review, using TeamMate, electronic working papers that support audit engagement observations and conclusions.
• Prepares clear and concise draft reports and presents engagement results, orally and in writing to the Inspector General and FAO management.
• Provides specialist advice as appropriate to managers across the Organization.
• Plans, and/or participates and provides specialist expertise on project, programme, operational or other special reviews, and participates in Organization-wide working groups.
• Promotes capacity development in internal auditing and on-the-job training for other internal audit staff.
• Contributes to maintaining and updating the OIG Internal Audit Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme and the Internal Audit Manual.
• Provides support in developing and/or enhancing internal audit tools and techniques for improved effectiveness of internal audit engagements, including through the use of data, technology and artificial intelligence.
• Undertakes outreach activities to support the implementation of OIG’s communication strategy.
• Contributes to initiatives to strengthen the exchange of information and work practices between OIG’s internal audit and investigation functions.
• Performs other duties and focal point roles as required.

   

   

  CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

   

  Minimum Requirements

  • Advanced university degree in audit, management, business or public administration, finance, accounting, risk management, economics, law, computer science, information systems or other related field (candidates holding a first level university degree may also be considered if possessing two additional years of relevant work experience and a certification from an internationally recognized auditing or accountancy body such as CIA, CPA, ACCA, CMA, CIMA, CISA, or equivalent).
  • Five years of relevant experience in an organization using modern auditing, accounting, management and/or information systems techniques (e.g. internal audit department in the public or private sector, or an auditing or management consulting firm).
  • Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

     

    Competencies

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

       

      Technical/Functional Skills

      • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in an international setting, is desirable.
      • Extent and relevance of experience in performing financial, operational, performance and IT audits.
      • Experience in reviewing information systems architecture, security and integrity is a strong asset.
      • Extent and relevance of experience in providing management consulting or other advisory services.
      • Extent and relevance of experience in risk assessments and risk management.
      • Extent and relevance of experience in undertaking or reviewing strategic planning, programme/project development, management and operations.
      • Experience in using specialized audit software.
      • Demonstrated knowledge of auditing, business consulting and information system techniques.
      • Demonstrated ability to identify issues, collect and analyse information and develop recommendation and/or solutions.
      • Expert knowledge in Excel and spreadsheet solutions.
      • Demonstrated experience and ability in report-writing in English.
      • Professional certification in IT or IT auditing is a strong asset (e.g. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certification in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), ITIL, ISO 27001, etc.).
      • Professional certification as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and/or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is desirable
      • Other professional certifications from an internationally recognized accountancy body such as CPA, CMA, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent is an advantage for candidates possessing an advanced university degree.
      • Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) would be an asset.