Head of Internal Auditing

Head of Internal Auditing

International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Contract Duration: 48 months

Group/Unit: Directorate

Employment Type: Full-time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Location: Braga, Portugal

Basic salary range: 60K-66K (annual gross)

Job Reference: Ref.08.26.103

Open Date for Applications: April 7th, 2026

Closing Date for Applications: April 27th, 2026, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #internalauditor #riskassessment #reporting #auditfindings #CIA #CPA #CISA #ISO #auditplanning #internalaudit

Overview

The 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).

This 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.

We’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.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

Establishing the Internal Audit Function

• Define the responsibilities and authorities of the Internal Audit Service in a formal audit charter, for approval by the appropriate governance organs.
• Develop and implement the internal audit strategy, aligned with INL’s institutional objectives, Financial Rules, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Propose and establish audit plans for consideration by the Finance Committee, enabling the Internal Audit function to fulfil its mandate effectively.

Audit Planning, Execution and Reporting

• Carry out approved audit plans, ensuring all work is conducted with rigour and in accordance with professional standards.
• Lead internal audits across all relevant areas, including grants, financial management, procurement, human resources, legal compliance, operations, project management, and IT.
• Prepare comprehensive audit reports, setting out key findings, risks, and actionable recommendations.
• Present audit findings to the Finance Committee, the INL Council, and the Director-General, and follow up on the implementation of recommendations.

Risk Assessment and Management

• Identify and assess risks across the Organisation, with particular attention to those arising from scientific research activities, data integrity, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop risk-based audit plans and ensure their effective execution.

Compliance and Regulatory Affairs

• Ensure that INL’s activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• Monitor changes in the regulatory environment and update audit plans and procedures accordingly.
• Advise management on compliance-related matters and emerging regulatory issues.

Internal Controls Assessment

• Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls across INL's operations, identifying weaknesses and reporting findings to the appropriate governance bodies.
• Promote awareness of control and compliance obligations throughout the Organisation, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with senior management, external auditors, and regulatory bodies to address audit findings and compliance issues.
• Provide advisory observations to management on risk management, the functioning of internal controls, and governance processes, while maintaining the independence of the audit function.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders inside and outside the Organisation.

Data Integrity and Security

• Ensure the integrity and protection of organisational data through robust auditing of data management practices.
• Work closely with IT and data management teams to audit and strengthen data security measures.

Training and Development

• Assist 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.

Qualifications

Education

•         BSc in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.

•         MSc or relevant professional certification (i.e., CIA, CPA, or CISA) is preferred and will be given significant weight in the selection process.

Experience and Technical Skills

•         Minimum 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.

•         Demonstrated experience in the public sector, an international organisation, or a similarly complex institutional and regulatory environment is strongly preferred.

•         Familiarity with INTOSAI governance standards, in particular INTOSAI GOV 9140 and INTOSAI GOV 9150, is an advantage.

•         Strong working knowledge of internal audit standards and practices, including IIA International Standards.

•         Sound understanding of risk-based audit methodologies and audit management tools.

•         Proficiency in audit software and the Microsoft Office Suite.

Other Valued Experience

• Experience in international and research organisations.
• Understanding of research environments, grants, or public/academic sector governance.

Regarding 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.

Personal Skills

• High standard of professional ethics and integrity.
• Empathetic and approachable, building relationships based on trust and professional respect.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to convey complex findings clearly and persuasively to non-specialist audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with sound judgement under ambiguity.
• Resilient and adaptable, comfortable in a dynamic international research environment.
• Results-oriented and well-organised, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and respect deadlines.
• Collaborative by instinct, whilst capable of working independently and exercising professional autonomy.

Our Benefits

• Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges [1]
• Relocation support (travel expenses included)
• Guest House on-site included for the 1st month when relocating
• Private health insurance
• 30 working days of annual leave, plus 14 official holidays
• 9 days of paid sick leave per year
• Family allowance (160€/month according to family situation)
• Child allowance (200€/month for each dependent child)
• Nursery service on-site (subject to availability)
• Support for education fees of dependent children
• Support for fitness and sports expenses

How to Apply

The application must be in English and include the following mandatory documents:

a)     Cover letter

b)     Curriculum Vitae

c)      Academic and/or Professional diplomas

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button;
2. The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form;
3. The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above in pdf format by including them in the “Additional files” section using the “Add portfolio” button.

Important note:

Incomplete applications including the failure to provide mandatory documents or providing inaccurate information will result in the application not being considered.

How the Selection Process works
 

A. Applications eligibility check

This stage will be carried out on the basis of the mandatory requirements, education, experience and technical skills defined for the job, as well as the validation of the mandatory documents. Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will move forward to the next stage.

B. CV Assessment

The Selection Committee will evaluate the eligible applications based on their CV and other submitted documents and the suitability for the position. The best ranked candidates will be shortlisted for the interview stage(s).

C. Interview(s)

The interview(s) may be done in different formats: video recording, online or onsite.

The question based interview will evaluate the match between the candidate’s profile and the requirements for the position, including the technical and personal skills. To better support this stage, the candidate may be requested to prepare a short presentation.

D. Nomination

The selected candidate will be nominated and formally offered the position, including the disclosure of the contractual conditions. 

Additional Information

Application Deadline

The application deadline may be extended for an additional period without previous notice to improve the suitability and effectiveness of the recruitment process. Until the closing date, all applications will be considered and evaluated.

Application Feedback

It is important for INL to maintain good communications with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback.

Background Check Disclaimer

The selected candidate may be required to complete background checks as part of our R&S process. This may include criminal, educational, employment history, and other background information relevant to the employment qualifications.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics.

[1]About INL’s Special Status:

The INL is an Intergovernmental Organisation established by its Member States, Portugal and Spain, under international law. As such, INL enjoys a privileged diplomatic and legal status, comparable to that of other international organisations.

This unique status is governed by the INL Statute and the Headquarters Agreement with the Portuguese Republic, which provide both INL and its employees with specific rights and obligations, including:

• Exemption from certain national laws and taxes, as outlined in the Headquarters Agreement, specifically in relation to work-related matters
• Eligibility for a diplomatic ID card issued by the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which serves as the only residency document required in Portugal for the duration of the employment contract
• Protocol obligations, including the duty to respect local regulations while exercising privileges with responsibility and discretion
• Non-application of national labour laws, as INL operates under its own legal framework and Staff Rules, approved by INL Council

INL’s legal framework is designed to support a diverse and international workforce, enabling the organisation to operate independently from its Member States, drive cutting-edge research, and foster international scientific cooperation.