About Us

The Office of Internal Oversight (OIO) assists the Director-General in the management of the OPCW’s resources through Audits, Evaluations, Quality audits, Inspections, Investigations and Monitoring.

OIO’s mission is to enhance and protect organisational value and improve OPCW’s operations by providing risk-based and objective assurance, advice, and insight. OIO helps OPCW achieve its objectives by applying a systematic approach to evaluating and enhancing the adequacy and effectiveness of risk management, internal control and governance processes, so as to add value by improving the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of operations.

General Information

• Contract Type
  Fixed-term Professional
• Grade
  P4
• Total Estimated monthly remuneration depending on post adjustment and family status: USD
  10,045
• Closing Date
  30/06/2024

Responsibilities

Job Summary

OPCW Office of Internal Oversight (OiO) is looking for a Senior Internal Auditor with extensive knowledge and experience in auditing. Working under the direct supervision of the Director of Office of Internal Oversight (OiO), the incumbent of the post will ensure the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls. The incumbent leads and conducts internal audits in accordance with the professional standards of the Institute of Internal Auditors.

Main Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of and reporting to the Director of the Office of Internal Oversight, the incumbent leads and conducts internal audits in accordance with the professional standards of the Institute of Internal Auditors. The incumbent performs the following specific functions:

• Proposes an annual internal audit programme on the basis of a comprehensive risk assessment process.
• Conducts risk-based financial, compliance and performance audits of OPCW operations and processes, including IT-related assurance engagements, to evaluate their compliance to the Regulations and Rules, and their economy, efficiency and effectiveness in achieving the OPCW’s objectives;
• Proposes specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and timebound (SMART) recommendations to promote operational effectiveness and efficiency, reliable financial reporting, and compliance with OPCW strategies, policies and procedures.
• Undertakes audits of IT general and application controls, including information system security controls, cybersecurity, business continuity and disaster recovery, ERP systems and conducts data analytics to support continuous auditing;
• Ensures the timely follow-up of recommendations made in internal audit reports and reporting thereon to management and the governing bodies. Ensures that the related IT tools and processes are kept fit for purpose.
• Provides advisory services on internal control systems, such as in reviewing organisational policies and procedures, recommending improvements and propose changes, and participates as observer in various OPCW management committees as required;
• Ensures that internal guidelines, policies and procedures for internal audit activities are kept up-to-date in accordance with the latest IIA Standards;
• Performs certification for quality management activities of inspection equipment and database as required;
• Contribute to and deliver advanced Internal Audit training activities, incorporating the latest knowledge in Internal Audit topics, such as risk management, data analytics, use of emerging technologies in oversight and fraud detection.
• Serve as the principal Business Continuity Officer within the OIO, ensuring advanced contingency planning and recovery strategies, as well as internal coordination of business continuity updates, as required.
• Supervises and evaluates the work of the Internal Auditor and other staff assigned.
• Performs other duties as required by the Director, OIO.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Essential: Advanced university degree in finance, business, IT or public administration, accounting, economics, law or related field. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (minimum 9 years) may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. CIA certification or an equivalent issued by any IIA recognized institution, is a requirement.

Desirable: CFE, CISA, or Certification from an internationally recognised auditing or accountancy body such as the Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Chartered Accountants, or equivalent in other national systems.

Required Certification (if applicable): Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification or an equivalent issued by any IIA recognized institution, is a requirement.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential: At least 7 years of relevant experience in auditing, accounting or closely related field using modern auditing, management and information systems techniques (e.g. internal audit department in the public or private sector, or an auditing, accounting or consulting firm).

Skills and Competencies

To succeed in this role, you will need the following skills and competencies:

• Communication – Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from other and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed;
• Planning and organizing – Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; strong conceptual analytical skills with ability to look into the big picture and functional details.
• Team work – Works collaboratively with colleagues of different national and cultural backgrounds to achieve organisational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; builds consensus for task purpose and direction with team members; supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings

To view the complete job outline, please click here

Languages

Fluency in English is essential and a good working knowledge of one of the other official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is desirable.

Additional Information

This fixed-term appointment is for the duration of two years with a six-month probationary period, and is subject to the OPCW Staff Regulations and Interim Staff Rules.

The OPCW is a non-career organisation with limited staff tenure. The total length of service for Professional staff shall not exceed 7 years.

The mandatory age of separation at the OPCW is 65 years.

The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description. Several vacancies may be filled.

Only fully completed applications submitted before the closing date and through OPCW CandidateSpace will be considered. Only applicants under serious consideration for a post will be contacted.

Fixed-term staff members participate in the OPCW Provident Fund. A monthly staff contribution is met with a doubled amount by the OPCW under the provisions for social security. As the OPCW is exploring membership of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF), staff participation in the Provident Fund may be replaced by participation in the UNJSPF effective 1 January 2025.

Applications from qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged.

OPCW General Terms and Conditions

Important notice for applicants who are currently insured under the Dutch Social Security system

Although headquartered in the Netherlands, the OPCW is not a regular Dutch employer but a public international organisation with its own special status. Please be advised that if you are currently insured under the Dutch Social Security system, you will be excluded from this system as a staff member of the OPCW. You will consequently be insured under the organisation’s system. The above also applies to your dependents unless they are employed by a regular Dutch employer, they are self-employed in the Netherlands, or are receiving Dutch social security payments.

Please refer to the website of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment for more information about the possible consequences for you and your dependents, such as exclusion from ‘AWBZ’ and ‘Zorgverzekeringswet’ coverage: ‘Werken bij een internationale organisatie’.