Head, Internal Audit

Primary Location

Belgium-Brussels

NATO Body

NATO International Staff (NATO IS)

Schedule

Full-time

Application Deadline

14-Jan-2025, 12:59:00 AM

Salary (Pay Basis)

8,754.21

Grade

NATO Grade G20

• SUMMARY
  
  
  

The Internal Oversight Service (IOS) is an Independent Office within NATO International Staff (IS). It reports to the Secretary General’s Private Office. The functional perimeter of the Service covers internal audit, risk management, ethics, investigation and may also include other management advisory support activities. Within IOS’ portfolio of services, the Internal Audit function ’s objective is to provide assurance and advisory services with a view to strengthen governance, risk management, and internal control across the Organization —including in terms of compliance, effectiveness, efficiency and resilience .

Under the supervision of the Head, IOS, the incumbent is responsible for the proper functioning and effective delivery of the Internal Audit function , in compliance with the IOS Mandate, the Internal Audit Charter, and internationally accepted internal auditing standards.

In this context, the Head, Internal Audit implements and, as applicable, proposes updates to the multi-year Internal Audit Strategy, as well as prepares Annual Audit Plans that factor both organizational risks and management expectations.

The incumbent oversees and, at times, directly participates into the planning, execution and reporting phases of approved internal audit assignments, and is responsible for the relevance, accuracy, and timeliness of relevant outputs. With a view to supporting the translation of audit activities into concrete improvements for the Organization, the Head, Internal Audit also ensures a periodic follow-up of the action plans defined by management in response to prior audit activities.

The Head, Internal Audit is the designated deputy of the Head, IOS and represents the Service in various internal fora, as well as deputizes for them during periods of absences.

• QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
  
  
  

Essential

The incumbent must:

• possess a university degree or an equivalent level of qualification from an institute of recognised standing, preferably in the area of management, business administration, finance, economics or information technology;
• have 8 years of relevant professional experience relating to internal and/or external auditing, out of which at least 2 years of experience in the management of audit teams;
• hold a professional audit certification such as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or equivalent;
• have excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing;
• possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one and I (“Beginner”) in the other;
• be able to travel, including in areas involving security risks, and be willing to work outside normal office hours, as needed.
  
  
  

DESIRABLE

The following would be considered an advantage:

• a Master’s degree, or an equivalent level of qualification, in the areas of management, business administration, finance, economics or information technology;
• prior experience of working for an international organization;
• experience in developing, or overseeing the development of data analytics dashboards through software such as Microsoft Power BI;
• experience in the management of audits on IT-related topics such as IT governance, Information Security, etc.;
• experience in the use of TeamMate+ or audit management softwares;
• a second professional certification such as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) or equivalent.
• MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
  
  
  

Project Management

Oversee and, at times, directly participates into internal audit assignments and, in this context, among others, contribute to and validate risk assessments, as well as audit procedures’ designs. In addition, ensure that the execution of audit assignments adhere with the international standards for internal auditing, NATO IS’ Internal Audit Charter, as well as IOS’ standard operating procedures relating to Internal Audit. Review working papers, as well as the draft and final versions of audit reports, and take ownership for the relevance, accuracy, and timeliness of relevant outputs. Ensure a follow up of the action plan addressing the audit recommendations and risks. Maintain knowledge on the IS risk management and ethics framework.

This role entails occasional travel to other locations, including potentially to duty stations involving substantial security risks

People Management

Be an effective, respectful and empathetic leader in the management of IOS’ Internal Audit staff, and the supervision of the work of seconded, temporary staff and interns, as applicable. Assist or represent the Head, IOS, as required, in the direction and management of the other staff in IOS. Provide in-depth mentoring, coaching and training opportunities, as well as identify possible professional development opportunities for Internal Audit personnel, and be available to offer guidance at critical moments. Promote integrity, professionalism and accountability through a sound and inclusive leadership culture. Ensure that all staff under their responsibility are clear on Services’ objectives. Provide regular and fair feedback on performance as a staff development tool, throughout every day work, and formally via the HQ Performance Review and Development (PRD) system.

Financial Management

In coordination with the Head, IOS, determine and verify the correct use of the financial resources needed to carry out annual internal audit activities.

Knowledge Management

Oversee and contribute to the maintenance of proper records for the Internal Audit team, including the documentation of audit assignments and other professional contributions, and the storage of relevant documents in an organized manner into relevant repositories.

Oversee and contribute to the consolidation of information of relevance from other assurance providers (e.g. IBAN), second-line functions within NATO IS (e.g. Financial Control), and other IOS units (e.g. Risk Management), with a view to maintain a cross-cutting understanding of governance, risk management, and internal control issues, reaching out beyond the Internal Audit function’s own coverage.

Organisational efficiencies

Ensure the continuous improvement of internal audit procedures and templates (e.g. the standard operating procedures pertaining to Internal Audit).

Oversee and, at times, directly participate in other initiatives such as the mainstreaming of the use of technology in audit activities (e.g. data analytics, artificial intelligence), and the design and implementation of annual quality assurance and improvement plans, with a view to ensures the compliance, efficiency and effectiveness of the Internal Audit function.

Stakeholder Management

Familiarise with priorities and issues dealt with by supervisory bodies and committees of NATO IS to ensure that these are taken into account, as appropriate, in the audits’ planning and execution.

Establish trustful and effective relations with the management of audited entities to ensure their constructive involvement in the audit process. To this aim, use tact and diplomacy in communications.

Support the management of audited entities in the identification of solutions to the issues raised in audit reports.

Expertise Development

Ensure continuous professional development of own internal audit skills, knowledge of NATO entities and activities, organizational systems, as well as technical tools supporting internal audit activities (including in such areas as data analytics, and artificial intelligence).

Fulfil requirements for the maintenance of relevant professional certifications over time.

Information Management

Maintain confidentiality in line with applicable NATO standards, and IIA principles.

Internally, proactively share information of relevance with the Internal Audit team, or the entire IOS, as applicable.

Ensure that the Internal Audit function proactively communicates on information from audit reports, or other outputs of audit activities that may be valuable to an audience beyond the auditees.

Planning and execution

Plan, assign and supervise the work of IS internal audit personnel to achieve overall Internal Audit objectives.

Serve as Acting Head, IOS, in their absence or in the event of vacancy.

Perform any other duty as assigned.

• INTERRELATIONSHIPS
  
  
  

The Head, Internal Audit reports to the Head, Internal Oversight Service and interacts as required with the internal auditors of other NATO bodies and with the NATO external auditors (IBAN). The incumbenthas contacts with the Private Office, all NATO IS divisions and independent offices, and other NATO bodies as required by their duties. The incumbentalso has contact with heads of Internal Audit functions in other international organizations, through participation in relevant internal fora (i.e. HOIA, RIAS).

Direct reports: 2

Indirect reports: N/A

• COMPETENCIES
  
  
  

The incumbent must demonstrate:

• Achievement: Creates own measures of excellence and improves performance;
• Analytical Thinking: Sees multiple relationships;
• Clarity and Accuracy: Monitors others’ work for clarity;
• Conceptual Thinking: Applies learned concepts;
• Customer Service Orientation: Makes things better for the customer, addressing underlying customer needs;
• Impact and Influence: Uses indirect influence;
• Initiative: Is decisive in a time-sensitive situation;
• Teamwork: Solicits inputs and encourages others.
  
  
  

6. CONTRACT

Contract to be offered to the successful applicant (if non-seconded): Definite duration contract of three years; possibility of renewal for up to three years, during which the incumbent may apply for conversion to an indefinite duration contract.

Contract clause applicable:

In accordance with the contract policy, this is a post in which turnover is desirable for political reasons in order to be able to accommodate the Organisation's need to carry out its tasks as mandated by the Nations in a changing environment, for example by maintaining the flexibility necessary to shape the Organisation's skills profile, and to ensure appropriate international diversity.

The maximum period of service foreseen in this post is 6 years. The successful applicant will be offered a 3-year definite duration contract, which may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years. However, according to the procedure described in the contract policy the incumbent may apply for conversion to an indefinite contract during the period of renewal and no later than one year before the end of contract.

If the successful applicant is seconded from the national administration of one of NATO’s member States, a 3-year definite duration contract will be offered, which may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years subject also to the agreement of the national authority concerned. The maximum period of service in the post as a seconded staff member is six years.

Serving staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Régulations.

• USEFUL INFORMATION REGARDING APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
  
  
  

Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries. Applications must be submitted using e-recruitment system, as applicable:

• For NATO civilian staff members only: please apply via the internal recruitment portal ( link );
• For all other applications: www.nato.int/recruitment
  
  
  

Before you apply to any position, we encourage you to click here and watch our video providing 6 tips to prepare you for your application and recruitment process.

Do you have questions on the application process in the system and not sure how to proceed? Click here for a video containing the information you need to successfully submit your application on time.

More information about the recruitment process and conditions of employment, can be found at our website (http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/recruit-hq-e.htm)

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate), approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser, verification of your study(ies) and work experience, and the successful completion of the accreditation and notification process by the relevant authorities.

NATO will not accept any phase of the recruitment and selection prepared, in whole or in part, by means of generative artificial-intelligence (AI) tools, including and without limitation to chatbots, such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (Chat GPT), or other language generating tools. NATO reserves the right to screen applications to identify the use of such tools. All applications prepared, in whole or in part, by means of such generative or creative AI applications may be rejected without further consideration at NATO’s sole discretion, and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate.

• ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  
  
  

NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion, and strives to provide equal access to employment, advancement and retention, independent of gender, age, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, cultural background, sexual orientation, and disability. NATO welcomes applications of nationals from all member Nations, and strongly encourages women to apply.

Building Integrity is a key element of NATO’s core tasks. As an employer, NATO values commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability in accordance with international norms and practices established for the defence and related security sector. Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.

Due to the broad interest in NATO and the large number of potential candidates, telephone or e-mail enquiries cannot be dealt with.

Applicants who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature, albeit at the same or a lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

The nature of this position may require the staff member at times to be called upon to travel for work and/or to work outside normal office hours.

The organization offers several work-life policies including Teleworking and Flexible Working arrangements (Flexitime) subject to business requirements.

Please note that the International Staff at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium is a non-smoking environment.

For information about the NATO Single Salary Scale (Grading, Allowances, etc.) please visit our website . Detailed data is available under the Salary and Benefits tab.