Head, Internal Oversight and Ethics Office (D.1)

Country: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Organization: International Maritime Organization Closing date: 23 Oct 2026 Under the overall supervision of the Secretary-General, the incumbent will provide leadership and administrative responsibility for the management of Internal Oversight and Ethics Office. Main Duties and Responsibilities Under the overall supervision of the Secretary-General, the incumbent will: • Provide strategic vision and leadership in establishing and meeting the objectives and priorities of the Internal Oversight and Ethics Office in IMO and prepare accordant strategic plans, divisional business plans and budget proposals. • Provide authoritative advice and guidance to the Secretary-General on all matters dealt with by the Office and represent the Organization in UN wide initiatives, professional networks and projects on all areas under mandate. • Lead and oversee the implementation of annual work plans ensuring outputs are produced within the planned time, cost and quality standards; ensuring effective relationship with senior management and other stakeholders. • Manage an internal audit portfolio that focuses on key risks and opportunities to strengthen the Organization's governance, risk management, and internal control systems and value-for-money, expanding the use of modern internal audit tools and practices. • Direct and guide in the systematic conduct of independent evaluations of the Organization’s programmes, projects, activities, policies and functions in accordance with the norms and standards of the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) and promote the use of overall evaluation findings, lessons and recommendations in policy and programme formulation throughout the Organization. • Lead the investigation function, which examines cases of alleged fraud, misconduct, prohibited conduct, unsatisfactory conduct or other violations of the regulations, rules and policies, while ensuring that investigations and inquiries are conducted in a professional and timely manner and the due processes and procedures are followed in line with the established policies and practices. • Direct the preparation of high-quality reports and recommendations on audits, inspections, evaluations as well as investigations performed, monitor the actions taken on recommendations, and review and report on the adequacy and effectiveness of implementation. • Provide expert guidance to the Organization and its staff on ethical behaviours, code of ethics, standards of conduct, and conflicts of interest. Reinforce and promote the standards of integrity called for under the Standards of Conduct of the International Civil Service Commission. • Handle and address with the highest level of confidentiality all reported cases of misconduct, including initial screening and referral for early resolution, whenever feasible, and coordination of the matter with respect to Investigation. Ensure thorough and seamless end-to-end processes in accordance with staff regulations and staff rules and all relevant issuances. • Manage and administer the relevant sections of staff regulations and staff rules on investigation, misconduct and fraud, protection from retaliation policy and procedures, financial disclosure programme, code of ethics including conflicts of interest, outside activities, policy on gifts and all relevant policies. • Manage the human resources assigned to the Office in an effective and efficient manner, including fostering a positive work environment, the management and development of staff performance and ensuring completion of the work programme to highest professional standards and its timely delivery. • Programme and monitor financial resources, business and work plans. Report on budget/programme performance and prepare inputs for business planning and results-based budgeting in internal oversight and ethics activities. • Liaise and coordinate the response as the corporate focal point for the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU). Conducts analysis, prepare and provide coordinated responses to JIU, reports and comments on the status of implementation by IMO of all recommendations issued. Assess organizational risk of non-compliance with various frameworks and make recommendations on remedial actions. • Develop and implement standards, training and other awareness-raising initiatives for internal audit, evaluation, investigation and ethics, contributing to enhance effectiveness of oversight and ethics functions, standards and expected behaviours of staff. • Keep abreast of all trends, challenges and developments in the areas of internal audit, investigations, evaluations, and ethics. Collaborate and coordinate with internal Divisions and offices and other UN agencies and bodies as appropriate. • Prepare reports, documents and briefs to the IMO Council and Assembly. • Perform any other task, representation and work as required and as assigned by the Secretary-General. Required Competencies • Strategic vision and make decisions with a focus on impact on the Organization. • Strong leadership skills and experience in managing a team of staff in diverse disciplines and budgetary resources. • Takes ownership and accountability with a focus on outcome and thorough implementation of tasks. • Demonstrates sound judgement and analysis of situation and a solution- oriented approach. • Excellent planning skills and a high level of efficiency together with the ability to work under pressure and manage conflicting priorities to deliver high-quality outputs within prescribed time and costs. • Aptitude to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities. • Experience in analysing and handling, with tact and due professional care, sensitive and complex issues, maintaining the highest level of confidentiality. • Excellent spoken, written and presentation skills, and ability to provide guidance and explain complex issues and positions clearly to a variety of audiences. • Excellent diplomatic skills including ability to work in a multicultural environment and to establish and maintain effective relationships, strategic networks and partnerships. Professional Experience Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience, including five years within a senior management position in an oversight or ethics function. Experience in the development, management or implementation of oversight or ethics programmes, and management of human and financial resources is essential. Experience at senior levels of the United Nations, government service and/or the maritime sector would be an asset. Education Advanced university degree from an accredited institution in a job related field such as business administration, public administration, social science, or law is essential. Professional certification in audit, investigation, or ethics from an officially recognized professional body (e.g. CIA, CPA, CA, CFE, CISA or similar) is essential. Language Skills Proficiency in English (both written and oral), with excellent report writing skills is essential. Working knowledge of other official language(s) of the United Nations would be an asset. Other Skills Proven expertise in providing authoritative advice to chief executives and senior teams is essential. In-depth knowledge and practical experience of auditing and/or evaluation standards, methodologies and practices, provision of ethics advice is essential. Experience in fraud examinations and investigations would be an asset. Proficiency in MS Office applications is essential and familiarity with an ERP system, ideally SAP would be an asset. Experience with audit management tools (e.g. TeamMate) would be an asset. How to apply https://recruit.imo.org/vacancies/1081