Vacancy #: 7299 Unit: Oversight Unit Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Location: Asia Regional Office, Bangkok, Thailand Reporting to: Audit and Investigation Manager Work percentage: 100% Grade: P2 Expected start date: 01 August 2025 Type of contract: Fixed-term Closing date: 04 June 2025 BACKGROUND The Internal Oversight Unit (IOU) is a dual mandate function comprising the Internal Audit and Investigations Functions. The Internal Audit Function plays a critical role in protecting and enhancing IUCNโs value and its reputation. It does so by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach in evaluating and improving the effectiveness of IUCNโs governance, risk management, compliance, and control processes and by providing expert advisory services. The Investigations Function conducts investigations into allegations of ethical misconduct in IUCNโs programmes and operations whilst promoting practices and policies that foster greater integrity, transparency and accountability within IUCN.
The Senior Internal Auditor will report directly to the Audit and Investigation Manager and is expected to play a key role in strengthening IUCN's control environment. S/he will also contribute to fostering a culture of accountability, risk awareness, and operational efficiency within IUCN.
The Senior Internal Auditor will independently execute internal audits, advisory engagements and support investigations into ethical misconduct. S/he will contribute to the continuous development of the Internal Oversight Unit through professional excellence, innovative practices, and a commitment to strengthening IUCNโs governance, operational and business management, information systems, and risk management practices and control processes.
The Senior Internal Auditor will be responsible for the performance and delivery of assigned audits with a focus on implementing a risk-based audit methodology across a vast array of IUCNโs programmes, operations and locations. This responsibility includes developing the internal audit scope, performing internal audit procedures, and preparing internal audit reports communicating the work results.
Additionally, the Senior Internal Auditor will be responsible for following up and reporting on the implementation status of outstanding internal audit issues. S/he will also assist with the internal audit management and periodic reporting to the Finance and Audit Committee. JOB DESCRIPTION 1. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
โข Independently execute and report on internal audits and advisory engagements in accordance with established standards and methodology.
โข Support the successful delivery of the annual IOU workplans through timely delivery on assigned activities and providing high-quality outputs.
โข Build and maintain effective working relationships across IUCN, staying informed about changes, risks, and events that impact the organization.
โข Uphold the Internal Oversight Unit's reputation as a trusted assurance and advisory services provider by delivering professional, objective, and high-standard work.
2. SPECIFIC DUTIES:
The role of the Senior Internal Auditor includes, but is not limited to:
2.1 Assurance/advisory strategy planning and delivery
โข Actively participate in the systematic development of a risk-based assurance/advisory work plan relevant to address the risk challenges facing IUCN.
โข Contribute to planning and executing risk-based assurance/advisory services of existing and planned processes, products, systems, and services, including identifying risks and vulnerabilities, and assessing their relevance, impact, and probability.
โข Document relevant business risks in detail, including assessing IUCN's risk management activities within a specific function, technical area, or project.
โข Independently plan, organise, and conduct assurance/advisory services of assigned domain areas, cross-functional areas, and locations in accordance with the IOU's audit methodology and applicable professional standards.
โข Confirm understanding the scope and objectives of specific assurance/advisory activity with management, ensuring its alignment with organizational priorities.
โข Determine appropriate methods to achieve the assurance/advisory objectives.
โข Investigate challenges in systems, processes, and services, including analysing patterns and trends that challenge IUCN's internal control architecture.
โข Draft clear and concise audit reports to document audit findings and discuss results with process owners and management.
โข Monitor improvement actions, including collaboration with other stakeholders responsible for implementing agreed remedies and preventive measures.
โข Regularly update the Audit and Investigation Manager on the progress of assigned work and key issues.
2.2 Investigations
โข Participate in investigations or other special assignments as directed by the Audit and Investigation Manager.
2.3 Promoting risk management/organizational performance
โข Assist in identifying risks and vulnerabilities, assessing their impact and probability, and advise on mitigation strategies.
โข Analyse current business processes, designs, and controls to identify effectiveness and efficiency improvement requirements.
โข Identify the root cause of issues during an assurance/advisory assignment and communicate these effectively as risk insights.
โข Promote organizational awareness of internal controls and risk management practices through training, guidance, and capacity-building initiatives.
โข Contribute to the continuous improvement of audit tools, practices, and procedures, ensuring alignment with best practices and evolving organizational.
2.4 Knowledge management/stakeholder engagement
โข Present assurance/advisory observations to IUCN management describing the effectiveness and efficiency of control mechanisms.
โข Facilitate sharing ideas, work knowledge, and examples of best practices (using formal and informal channels to achieve desired results) that promotes IUCN's strategies and goals and the IOU's value creation and value protection missions.
โข Help develop and enhance stakeholder relationships that enable the IOU to achieve its functional objectives.
โข Collaborate with other assurance/advisory professionals to develop and integrate assurance and advisory activities. REQUIREMENTS โข Education
- A masterโs degree or an equivalent combination of degrees and experience in relevant discipline (economics, mathematics, statistics, data/information management, science, organizational development, public policy etc.)
- Professional certification such as CIA, CPA, CA, ACCA, CISA, CFE or equivalent.
โข Experience
- 6+ years of internal audit experience in international non-profit/non-governmental sector and with grant/donor-supported organizations.
- Experience in performing multiple projects and working with diverse, multicultural team members.
- A deep understanding of internal control concepts and frameworks, internal auditing standards, and risk management practices and experience in applying them to plan, perform, manage, and evaluate various organizational/business processes, areas, and functions. This includes developing comprehensive audit plans, conducting in-depth analysis, and presenting findings and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.
โข Essential skills
- Ability to evaluate complex data, identify key patterns, and assess risks to make informed decisions and proficiency in using analytical tools and techniques.
- A solution-oriented mindset with a focus on precision and thoroughness and demonstrated ability to identify issues and understand their root causes.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex findings clearly and persuasively to senior management, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.
- Proficient in using data analytics tools to enhance audit processes, with experience in leveraging analytics tools to identify anomalies and trends, enabling data-driven decision-making and providing deeper insights into risks.
- Ability to work independently, with limited required direction and guidance, and provide appropriate direction to other internal audit project team members.
โข Language skills
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory.
โข Desirable qualifications and competencies
- Foundational experience in a reputable professional firm (Big Four Firm) will be an added advantage.
- Experience in a publicly funded organization, particularly in research or development international.
- Additional certifications in internal audit, cyber/information security, governance, risk management, or ISO/COSO will be an advantage.
- Proficiency in IT systems and controls auditing, with a good understanding of information security, data privacy, and IT governance frameworks.
- Knowledge of research project management (including understanding the theory of change and impact pathways), risk assessment, information system/security audit, and proficiency in using ERP systems are desirable.
- Experience of working in a global organization and has no travel limitations.
- Proficiency in French or Spanish will be considered an added advantage. APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the \"Apply\" button.
Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
About IUCN
IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.
Created in 1948, IUCN is now the worldโs largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.
IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve peopleโs well-being.
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