Internal Auditor

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE:  please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.

1.     Organizational Context

a.    Organizational Setting

The post is located in the Internal Oversight Division (IOD). The IOD serves as an independent and objective reviewer of WIPO operations and activities, examining operations and activities based on risk and relevance to WIPO management and constituencies with a view towards promoting economy, efficiency, effectiveness and impact of the Secretariat's work.

b.    Purpose Statement

As Internal Auditor, the incumbent is required to independently conduct complex audits for IOD as defined by the Internal Oversight Charter (rev 2021).

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head, Internal Audit Section.

d.   Work Relations

The incumbent works, as appropriate and in accordance with the provisions of WIPO's Internal Oversight Charter, in cooperation and coordination with the Program Managers of the Organization.

2.     Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.  Contribute effectively to the design, preparation and implementation of the IOD's audit strategies, annual work plans and programs;

b.  Prepare risk-based audit plans/programmes in accordance with internationally recognized professional auditing standards (e.g. IIA Standards);

c.  Carry out risk-based audits and other operational audits of large and complex operations, identify tasks, coordinate/monitor work, control audit/assign resources, consolidate results, etc.;

d.  Conduct discussions of preliminary nature with heads of operations audited, recommend and discuss corrective action and timelines with responsible officer, and monitor the implementation status of agreed recommendations; obtain required information directly or indirectly through examination of records or by interviewing staff;

e.  Document, evaluate and test systems and controls to determine their adequacy and effectiveness, ensuring: (i) compliance with policies and procedures; (ii) accomplishment of management's objectives; (iii) reliability and integrity of information; (iv) economical use of resources; and (v) safeguarding of assets;

f.   Prepares working papers for review by Head of Internal Audit Section and the Director, IOD and ensure that working papers and records are maintained to substantiate audit findings and recommendations;

g.  Draft audit reports for Organization-wide consumption, including Senior Management and the WIPO Assembly;

h.  Monitor the status of audit recommendations and appraise the adequacy of follow-up action taken in respect to audit findings and recommendations;

i.   Assess the reliability and effective use of internal controls and risk management, and assist in reviewing established policies, procedures and regulations;

j.   Perform other related duties as required.

3.     Requirements

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in business administration, finance, accounting or other relevant discipline.

A professional qualification as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or other equivalent qualification from an accredited authority is required.

Education (Desirable)

Advanced university degree in business administration, finance, accounting or other relevant discipline.

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of experience in professional auditing and/or accounting at national or international level.

Experience (Desirable)

Familiarity with the United Nations system or comparable international institutions, as well as with WIPO's management procedures and systems.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of English or French and very good knowledge of the other, both written and oral.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the internet.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Demonstrate in-depth technical knowledge, hands-on experience and professional competence in the field of auditing standards and practices, risk assessment, and applicable financial rules and procedures.

Excellent drafting skills to prepare reports to present audit findings, conclusions and recommendations effectively and adequately.

Sound knowledge of good management practices, international auditing and accounting standards as well as internationally accepted IT standards.

Knowledge and experience in the audit of information systems applications and specialized IT audit applications, such as ACL and Team Mate.

Ability to defend and explain difficult issues and positions to staff including senior officials.

Ability to work with the minimum of supervision and guidance.

4.     Organizational Competencies

1.    Communicating effectively.

2.    Showing team spirit.

3.