Head, Internal Oversight Service

Audit

The Internal Oversight Service (IOS) operates as an Independent Office within the International Staff (IS) and reports directly to the Office of the Secretary General. IOS covers four key assurance functions: Internal Audit, Risk Management, Ethics and Fraud. These functions are closely intertwined and work together to enhance confidence in the efficiency and effectiveness of NATO IS operations and the achievement of organizational objectives. The Service also provides support and advice directly to the NATO IS Advisory Panel (ISAAP).

Key challenges facing the successful candidate for the Head, Internal Oversight Service post will include requirements to: Ensure that the Service's work conforms to generally accepted international auditing, investigation, ethics and risk management standards and best practices, within the scope of the IOS Mandate, and developing internal methodology, tools and techniques to ensure excellence in the conduct of the IOS's work; Develop audit strategy and oversee the internal audit portfolio to deliver timely, objective and substantive audit reports to the Audit Advisory Panel with a view to support the Secretary General, the IS and, as appropriate, to other NATO bodies, in protecting their interests and achieving their objectives; Further develop a NATO IS risk management culture and support the regular update and review of IS key Risk Register by IS senior management so that it becomes an integral part of the management process and ensure that all divisions are able to identify the key risks, an evaluation of the nature and extent of those risks, and implementing controls to mitigate these risks; Support the further implementation of a culture of ethics, by continuing to promote a safe and respectful working environment and actively engaging with leadership and staff; Proactively establish measures to prevent and detect fraudulent activities. Ensure that all cases of alleged misconduct, fraud, malfeasance, mismanagement, waste of resources, abuses, or other violations of rules are and fully investigated within a reasonable time frame. Ensure liaison with relevant authorities as necessary; and Ensure that the reporting of internal oversight activities is complete, clear, concise, constructive, objective, accurate and timely. Monitor and review the adequacy and effectiveness of actions taken as a result of those activities and engage with stakeholders to make sure they are implemented throughout the International Staff.

As part of this application, you are kindly requested to attach a MS Word document summarizing your views on these 6 key challenges and explain how you would address them if selected for the position. Please limit yourself to maximum 2 A4 pages into total.

The post holder may be required to travel occasionally and work beyond standard office hours when required. Selection of candidates for NATO posts is based upon the merit principle. Candidates are requested to attach their essay on the key challenges to their application on Taleo, by latest 07/09/2025. The title of the attachment must include the vacancy reference and the words "Key challenges". Selective assessment is expected to take place at the end of September 2025. Final Assessments are expected to take place in Brussels, Belgium, in November 2025.

The incumbent must possess a university degree in risk management, auditing, public administration, law or a related field; have at least 10 years of relevant experience in risk management, internal audit and/or ethics and risk management in public or private sector entities comparable in terms of size and complexity to the NATO International Staff, out of which at least 5 years in team management and coordination; have a proven track record as a senior manager in audit/oversight functions in an international organization or at a national public sector level; have a good knowledge of the latest methodologies, requirements and developments in the audit, investigation, risk management and ethics fields in the international community; demonstrate strong drive for teamwork, diversity and customer focus and the ability to establish and maintain effective and constructive working relations in a highly political environment with people of different national and cultural backgrounds; demonstrate tact, discretion and diplomacy when dealing with staff sensitive issues; have a proven ability to provide clear and relevant written and oral advice, including communication of complex concepts and situations; and possess the following minimum levels of NATO's official languages (English/French): V ("Advanced") in one; and III ("Intermediate") in the other.

The following would be considered an advantage: be a Certified Internal Auditor; be a CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner); experience in using, monitoring or auditing an Enterprise Resource Planning software (which is Oracle in the case of NATO IS); work experience in government or international/ intergovernmental organisations; an advanced degree, postgraduate studies, or equivalent level, in the field of internal audit or risk management; knowledge of NATO, its organisation and decision-making process; and a record of active participation in financial scholarship, including publications on financial/audit and risk management related issues relevant to NATO.