Director, Office of Internal Oversight Services (IOS) (2504350)

Job Description - Director, Office of Internal Oversight Services (IOS) (2504350)

Director, Office of Internal Oversight Services (IOS) - (2504350)

Grade: D2

Contractual Arrangement: Fixed-term appointment

Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days): Two Years

: Dec 16, 2025, 6:04:51 PM

: Jan 15, 2026, 10:59:00 PM

: Switzerland-Geneva

: HQ/IOS Office of Internal Oversight Services DGO

: Full-time

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device's system settings.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Internal Oversight Services Department provides independent, objective oversight to enhance accountability, transparency, learning, and performance across the Organization. Through audits, investigations, and evaluations, the department supports WHO in achieving its strategic objectives by strengthening governance, risk management, internal controls, and the effective use of resources. The Department promotes evidence-informed decision-making and contributes to building trust with Member States, partners, and stakeholders.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Provide strategic leadership and direction to the integrated internal oversight function of WHO, ensuring alignment with the Organization's IOS Charter, strategic priorities and operational independence.

Leads the articulation of a clear departmental vision in coherence with organizational strategy and ensure its operationalization through robust departmental performance management practices that drive measurable results and enhance overall organizational effectiveness.

Provide the overall leadership, management accountability and direction of the Department in developing and coordinating risk-based programme of internal audit, investigations, and evaluations across all WHO entities, including IARC and UNAIDS.

Provides senior level technical advice and expertise to Senior Management in internal oversight (audit, evaluation, investigation) in order to position the Organization as a leader in accountability and transparency.

Manage the implementation of biennial work plans and reporting for internal oversight ensuring their review by the Executive Board and execution in accordance with professional standards and WHO's strategic instruments.

Oversee the implementation of WHO's Framework for strengthening evaluation and organizational learning, including governance, capacity building, work planning, recommendation tracking, and communication.

Oversee the implementation of the internal audit work plan.

Evaluate the effectiveness and maturity of WHO's risk management, internal control, and governance systems, and recommend remedial actions to address weaknesses.

Lead proactive and reactive investigations into allegations of misconduct, fraud, corruption, harassment, and abuse, ensuring adherence to professional standards and due process.

Ensure the preparation of clear, non-biased, evidence-based reports and recommendations for senior management and governing bodies and monitor the implementation and impact of follow-up actions.

Promote the integrity and use of internal oversight findings to enhance policy, improve programme performance, and foster a culture of accountability, trust and organizational learning.

Provide advisory services to WHO management on governance, risk, and control issues, without compromising the independence of the oversight function.

Provide strategic direction and oversight for the Department managing human and financial resources of the office, ensuring a high-performing, multidisciplinary team and a culture of integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Represent WHO in inter-agency internal oversight forums, including the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG), the United Nations Representatives of Internal Audit Services (UNRIAS), the United Nations Representatives of Investigation Services (UNRIS) and collaborate with other UN oversight bodies on shared initiatives.

Coordinate with the External Auditor, Independent Expert Oversight Advisory Committee (IEOAC), and other accountability entities to ensure coherence and avoid duplication of efforts.

Report regularly to PBAC, EB, and WHA.

Communicate internal oversight results effectively to internal and external stakeholders, including Member States, donors, and governing bodies, to build trust and transparency.

Uphold and ensure compliance with relevant ethical codes and professional standards and maintain the operational independence of the internal oversight functions (audit, evaluation, investigation).

Provide strategic leadership to foster cross-departmental and cross-divisional collaboration, aligning organizational priorities to maximize synergies and impact.

Strengthen institutional coherence by integrating efforts across HQ, regional, and country levels.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: An advanced university degree in law, business/public administration, or related field relevant to the functions of the position.

Desirable:

Professional certifications such as CPA, CIA, CFE, or equivalent in audit, investigation, evaluation.

A PhD in one of the above-mentioned fields.

Additional training in public health or international development.

Experience

Essential:

A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in the management of audit, and/or investigation, and/or evaluation, including experience providing senior level advice and guidance to Senior Management/Decision makers, managing human and financial resources, as well as experience in the area of developing and establishing policies and strategies.

Demonstrated experience at the international level.

Desirable:

Experience in legal oversight roles within large organizations.

Experience in the UN system or multilateral organizations.

Experience in developing countries and with oversight information systems.

Skills

Strong skills in the area of developing and establishing internal oversight (audit, evaluation, investigation) and other accountability related polices and strategies.

Excellent skills and ability in managing diverse teams and financial resources.

Strong understanding and skills in mobilizing resources.

Ability to engage, build consensus and communicate effectively and diplomatically with Member States, partners and media.

Globally respected level of technical expertise and knowledge in Internal Oversight Services (audit, evaluation, investigation).

Proven leadership skills in the planning and coordination of multidisciplinary public.

Proven expertise in audit, evaluation and, investigation methodologies.

Strong skills in accountability and confidentiality.

Strong leadership and strategic thinking in complex, multicultural environments.

Ability to manage sensitive investigations and communicate findings credibly.

Skilled in promoting organizational learning and influencing policy.

Excellent negotiation, facilitation, and presentation skills.

High ethical standards and sound professional judgment.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork

Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

Communication

Ensuring the effective use of resources

Producing results

Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable:

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 128,422 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 9632 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The position and incumbent with demonstrated fully satisfactory performance is subject to a single term limit up to a maximum of 7 years in accordance with the WHO IOS Charter with no right of employment in another function in WHO.

Staff members who have been separated as a result of the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will be given special consideration.

Special selection procedures may apply.

This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.

In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

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, including shortening the duration of the appointment.

WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recruitment process) to support their participation in the application and recruitment process. Please send an email to E-Mail schreiben with your full name, the vacancy number you are applying for, and specific details of the accommodation needed in your request.

WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at E-Mail schreiben.

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