Auditor Consultant

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level : Level 2 - Middle

Hiring Unit :Internal Oversight Service (IOS)

Duty Station : Paris

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 11 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC1 Time) : 24/07/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization Integrity Respect for Diversity Professionalism

Under the authority of the Director of the Internal Oversight Services (IOS) and the supervision of the Head of Internal Audit (IOS/AUD) the incumbent will be tasked with carrying out audits of the Organizations activities in both Headquarters and field locations to assess adequacy of governance risk management and internal control arrangements and practices in accordance with the applicable professional standards and criteria adopted by the Organization.

While working with IOS the consultant will support IOS/AUD team in:
(1) planning audit missions (2) performing and documenting assigned audit tests and (3) preparing reports on systemic issues or any other analysis/data statistics related to UNESCOs programmes and operations.

The engagement is scheduled to begin in September 2026. The initial estimate is for 11 months of full-time equivalent work for the consultant with the potential for extension pending further discussions.

The assignment will be managed by a principal auditor from IOS. Activities of the consultant may include the following tasks:
conduct interviews
conduct targeted testing as per the workplan
review information systems to determine whether they are adequately protected reliable and properly managed
review financial transactions and performance data for accuracy and compliance with UNESCOs regulations rules and policies
assess the overall control environment
appraise the economy efficiency and effectiveness of programmes and administrative/support functions
analyse the results of the testing and interviews and develop appropriate conclusions and recommendations
draft audit findings for final clearance by the audit team leader
monitor follow-up actions taken in response to audit recommendations

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

For detailed information please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

University degree (Masters degree or equivalent training) in Auditing Accounting Business Administration Economics Data Science or other related fields.

At least 3 years of professional experience in auditing and/or accounting.

Excellent analytical skills ability to collect synthesise and analyse information.
Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to deal with clients on complex and sensitive matters.
Excellent communication (oral and written) skills including the ability to prepare present and discuss findings and recommendations clearly and concisely.
Ability to work in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.
Good IT skills in particular of MS365 and MS Suite (PowerPoint Word Excel and PowerBI).
Good knowledge of risk management principles.
Thorough knowledge of Internal Control methods tools and techniques.

Excellent knowledge of English or French and good knowledge of the other language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE
Previous experience in the conduct of audits with a UN organization international financial institution international commercial organization and/or international public accounting firm.
Work experience in developing countries and the development sector.
Work experience in data management and/ or data visualisation Work experience leveraging AI-powered tools (e.g. Copilot) to enhance audit efficiency analytics or reporting.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES
Knowledge of TeamMate and other audit systems.
Knowledge of programming language Python VBA SQL.
Familiarity with generative AI tools and prompt engineering techniques to support audit planning data analysis and report drafting.
Experience applying AI/machine learning tools for risk assessment anomaly detection or audit sampling.
Certification from an internationally recognized accountancy body or internal audit certification.
Experience in developing Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme
General knowledge of UN system policies rules regulations and procedures.

LANGUAGES
Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Spanish Arabic Chinese and/or Russian).

Following the closing date for online applications our recruiting team will carefully review all submissions. Candidates who are pre-selected will be contacted to take part in a competency-based interview which may include a case study or use case analysis relevant to the role.
Based on the outcome of this stage the successful candidate will be contacted directly with an offer.
We thank all applicants for their interest; due to the volume of applications received we regret that we may not be able to respond individually to every candidate.

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information by the above deadline.

To apply please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted.

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments interviews with a Panel as well as reference addition candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the positions qualifications.

Please note that all candidates whether selected or not will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course.

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.