Directeur/Directrice, Division des services de contrôle interne
Organizational Context
The Internal Oversight Division (IOS) supports the Director-General through independent and objective assurance and advisory activities designed to add value and improve the Organization's operations, performance, and results. The incumbent reports directly to the Director-General. UNESCO's core values include commitment to the Organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism.
Job Purpose
The Director of the Internal Oversight Division (IOS) assists UNESCO in achieving its objectives by applying a systematic and rigorous approach to evaluation, internal audit, and investigation. This role aims to enhance the Organization's effectiveness, as well as the efficiency of risk management, internal control, and governance. The Director ensures IOS's work adheres to international standards, develops internal methodologies for excellence, and contributes to strategies that protect the Organization's interests. The position provides impartial advice to the Director-General and oversees the implementation of a risk-based work plan.
Responsibilities
The Director is responsible for ensuring that IOS's work meets internationally recognized standards and best practices in audit, investigation, and evaluation. This includes developing internal methods and techniques for excellence. The role involves contributing to strategies that safeguard the Organization's interests and advising the Director-General impartially. A key responsibility is establishing and overseeing a risk-based annual work plan for internal oversight, ensuring timely delivery of services and results within cost and quality standards. The Director supervises a portfolio of internal audits focused on key risks and opportunities for enhancing governance, risk management, internal controls, and resource optimization, utilizing modern audit practices. Independent evaluations are guided to improve program and project relevance, impact, efficiency, and performance. The Director leads an investigation function for alleged fraud, misconduct, mismanagement, or other violations. Staying abreast of strategic and operational issues affecting UNESCO's action and integrating them into the Division's activities is crucial. Fostering a positive work environment and promoting a culture of learning and improvement are also key.
Work Experience
A minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience, with increasing levels of responsibility, including at least seven years of international experience. This experience should cover programmatic and operational aspects of audit, evaluation, resource optimization assurance, and internal investigations. Proven experience as a senior official in audit and/or evaluation within an international organization or the public sector is essential, along with knowledge of current audit, evaluation, and investigation methods, standards, and trends.
Skills
Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to quickly grasp complex issues and propose solutions. Demonstrated ability to consider gender issues in tasks and activities. High level of integrity, objectivity, diplomacy, and political acumen. Ability to exercise intellectual leadership and provide/manage advisory services. Strategic leadership and skills in a multilateral environment, with the capacity to build and maintain effective working relationships across diverse cultures. Excellent written and spoken proficiency in English or French, with the ability to work in the other language.