PpbBasic salary range: /b 60K-66K (annual gross) /ppbJob Reference: /b Ref.
/ppbOpen Date for Applications: /b April 7th, **** /ppbClosing Date for Applications: /b April 27th, ****, 23h00m (Lisbon Time) /ph3Overview /h3pThe International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is an Intergovernmental Organisation (IGO) founded by the governments of Portugal and Spain under an international legal framework to perform interdisciplinary research and deploy and articulate nanotechnology for the benefit of society.
INL operates under its own institutional legal framework and reports in accordance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
/ppThis foundational position was established in accordance with INL's Financial Rules and aligns with the best practices of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI).
The selected candidate will establish the Internal Audit Service of INL, define its charter and methodology, and build its relationship with INL's governance bodies, including the Finance Committee and the INL Council.
/ppWe're looking for someone ready to build something, not merely operate within an existing structure.
The remit extends well beyond financial statements.
The Internal Audit Service will cover all organisational activities with compliance relevance, including grants, procurement, human resources, legal affairs, project management, operations, and information technology.
/ph3Job Duties /h3h3Establishing the Internal Audit Function /h3ulliDefine the responsibilities and authorities of the Internal Audit Service in a formal audit charter, for approval by the appropriate governance organs.
/liliDevelop and implement the internal audit strategy, aligned with INL's institutional objectives, Financial Rules, and applicable regulatory requirements.
/liliPropose and establish audit plans for consideration by the Finance Committee, enabling the Internal Audit function to fulfil its mandate effectively.
/li /ulh3Audit Planning, Execution and Reporting /h3ulliCarry out approved audit plans, ensuring all work is conducted with rigour and in accordance with professional standards.
/liliLead internal audits across all relevant areas, including grants, financial management, procurement, human resources, legal compliance, operations, project management, and IT.
/liliPrepare comprehensive audit reports, setting out key findings, risks, and actionable recommendations.
/liliPresent audit findings to the Finance Committee, the INL Council, and the Director-General, and follow up on the implementation of recommendations.
/li /ulh3Risk Assessment and Management /h3ulliIdentify and assess risks across the Organisation, with particular attention to those arising from scientific research activities, data integrity, and regulatory compliance.
/liliDevelop risk-based audit plans and ensure their effective execution.
/li /ulh3Compliance and Regulatory Affairs /h3ulliEnsure that INL's activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.
/liliMonitor changes in the regulatory environment and update audit plans and procedures accordingly.
/liliAdvise management on compliance-related matters and emerging regulatory issues.
/li /ulh3Internal Controls Assessment /h3ulliAssess the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls across INL's operations, identifying weaknesses and reporting findings to the appropriate governance bodies.
/liliPromote awareness of control and compliance obligations throughout the Organisation, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.
/li /ulh3Stakeholder Engagement /h3ulliCollaborate with senior management, external auditors, and regulatory bodies to address audit findings and compliance issues.
/liliProvide advisory observations to management on risk management, the functioning of internal controls, and governance processes, while maintaining the independence of the audit function.
/liliBuild and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders inside and outside the Organisation.
/li /ulh3Data Integrity and Security /h3ulliEnsure the integrity and protection of organisational data through robust auditing of data management practices.
/liliWork closely with IT and data management teams to audit and strengthen data security measures.
/li /ulh3Training and Development /h3ulliAssist in the provision of training in relevant areas, including financial risk awareness and compliance obligations, to support staff in understanding the control environment they operate within.
/li /ulh3Qualifications /h3h3Education /h3ulliBSc in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
/liliMSc or relevant professional certification (i.e., CIA, CPA, or CISA) is preferred and will be given significant weight in the selection process.
/li /ulh3Experience and Technical Skills /h3ulliMinimum of 7 to 10 years of experience in internal auditing, with a meaningful portion in a senior or leadership role.
Candidates with fewer years but exceptional relevance — particularly those with experience in international organisations, multilateral institutions, or complex public-sector environments — are encouraged to apply.
/liliDemonstrated experience in the public sector, an international organisation, or a similarly complex institutional and regulatory environment is strongly preferred.
/liliFamiliarity with INTOSAI governance standards, in particular INTOSAI GOV **** and INTOSAI GOV ****, is an advantage.
/liliStrong working knowledge of internal audit standards and practices, including IIA International Standards.
/liliSound understanding of risk-based audit methodologies and audit management tools.
/liliProficiency in audit software and the Microsoft Office Suite.
/li /ulh3Other Valued Experience /h3ulliExperience in international and research organisations.
/liliUnderstanding of research environments, grants, or public/academic sector governance.
/li /ulpRegarding IPSAS: INL operates under the International Public Sector Accounting Standards.
Prior direct experience with IPSAS is advantageous, and candidates are invited to indicate any relevant exposure in their application.
Candidates without IPSAS experience but with a demonstrable interest in and commitment to acquiring it are equally encouraged to apply.
/ph3Personal Skills /h3ulliHigh standard of professional ethics and integrity.
/liliEmpathetic and approachable, building relationships based on trust and professional respect.
/liliExcellent written and verbal communication skills, able to convey complex findings clearly and persuasively to non-specialist audiences.
/liliStrong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with sound judgement under ambiguity.
/liliResilient and adaptable, comfortable in a dynamic international research environment.
/liliResults-oriented and well organised, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and respect deadlines.
/liliCollaborative by instinct, whilst capable of working independently and exercising professional autonomy.
/li /ulh3Benefits /h3ulliTax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges /liliRelocation support (travel expenses included) /liliGuest House on-site included for the 1st month when relocating /liliPrivate health insurance /lili30 working days of annual leave, plus 14 official holidays /lili9 days of paid sick leave per year /liliFamily allowance (160€/month according to family situation) /liliChild allowance (200€/month for each dependent child) /liliNursery service on-site (subject to availability) /liliSupport for education fees of dependent children /liliSupport for fitness and sports expenses /li /ul /p #J-*****-Ljbffr