Quality Assurance and Policy Lead

Job Identification (Reference Number): 17873
Position Title: Quality Assurance and Policy Lead (P)
Duty Station City: Vienna
Duty Station Country: Austria
Grade: P-3
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 22 December 2025

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration.

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates
2. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:
   Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope 

The Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIO) reports to the Director General and is responsible for internal audit, advisory, investigations, and evaluations services. OIO provides independent, objective assurance on the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and the effectiveness and adequacy of internal controls. 

The Quality Assurance and Policy Officer will report to the Deputy Director, Internal Audit, and will be responsible for implementing and maintaining key elements of the quality assurance and improvement program (QAIP) for the Internal Audit Division. The successful candidate will review internal audit documentation and verify they meet the Division's standards for quality and effectiveness.

Quality Assurance and Improvement:

• Support the implementation of the Internal Audit Division's QAIP in accordance with the new Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS).
• Conduct periodic internal quality assessments and coordinate arrangements for external quality reviews.
• Participate in internal engagement inspections, identify areas for improvement and assist senior staff in implementing corrective actions.
• Supports continuous improvements in internal processes to enhance assurance services efficiency and maintain high-quality service delivery, which includes contribute to root cause analysis and supporting the implementation of improvement actions. 
• Conduct independent technical research to detect areas of non-compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements and provide recommendations to senior management.
• Prepare reports on audit quality and policy compliance for Deputy Director, Internal Audit.
• Provide training and guidance to audit staff on quality standards and best practices.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and promote continuous improvement across the division.

Policy Development and Oversight:

• Support the development, review, and update of internal audit policies, procedures, and manuals.
• Support efforts to ensure audit practices are consistent with professional standards and organizational governance frameworks through technical review and analysis.
• Stay informed on evolving audit methodologies, quality management standards, and regulatory changes.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned. 

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master's degree in Audit, Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.
• CIA Professional certification is required.

Experience

• Progressive experience in internal auditing, including quality assurance and policy development;
• Experience in an international organization or public sector environment is an asset;
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams of experienced professionals in a multi-cultural setting;
• Demonstrated experience managing and delivering on timelines with tight deadlines and across disciplines; and,
• Significant experience preparing high-quality, professional documents for senior audiences.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of the new Global Internal Audit Standards and other relevant audit frameworks is required;
• Proven success in collaboration, teamwork and knowledge sharing;
• Evidence of effective and successful stakeholder management at operational and management levels within an organization;
• Exhibits strong analytical ability, critical thinking capacity, and diligently performs assigned tasks with the highest degree of professionalism and integrity;
• Exhibit a high degree of professionalism including the ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality;
• Able to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, innovative, and continuously changing environment;
• Strong writing and communication abilities;
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality;
• Ability to work collaboratively and lead cross-functional initiatives; and,
• Proficiency in audit management systems and data analytics tools.

Languages

IOM's official languages are English, French, and Spanish. 

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russia, and Spanish) is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM's competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization's priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization's vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization's goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings. 

Notes

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations.  Recommended candidates endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station's country and who do not have prior experience outside the duty station's country as staff member in the Professional category can be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies