Head, Member State Audits

Under the immediate supervision and direction of the Deputy Director, Sub-division for Member State Audit and Implementation Support (SDMSAI), Technical Cooperation Division (TCID) the incumbent will:

1. Manage and coordinate the delivery of the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) in line with the Framework and Procedures for the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (resolution A.1211(34)), including the implementation of the Continuous Monitoring Mechanism (ICMM).
   
2. Assist the Deputy Director in formulating and coordinating the substantive work programme for the MSA area of work, including the analysis of audit data, including and information generated through ICMM tools, and proposing further development of approaches, mechanisms, tools and guidelines for the enhancement of IMSAS and related technical cooperation support and thematic programme, taking into account the objectives of the Organization’s Strategic Plan.
   
3. Provide leadership and supervision of the audit work through the timely management of the agreed audit schedule and related workload. Coordinate the assignment of external auditors and IMO Audit Officers to specific audits, as well as the delivery of audit follow-up activities managed by the Audit Officers.
   
4. Ensure consistency in audit reporting in relation to the technical accuracy, content and language, by reviewing the various audit reports of Member States.
   
5. Formulate and propose policies for making use of the analysis of Consolidated Audit Summary Reports (CASRs) and other audit-derived information within the Organization, and coordinate the support of the Sub-division to relevant IMO organs, in particular, their consideration of audit-driven feedbacks and input into regulatory development and technical cooperation activities.
   
6. Provide high-level input for the implementation of the Audit Scheme, including leading and coordinating Secretariat support for related meetings, overseeing the review and maintenance of relevant guidance and circular letters, supporting the development of related data and online tools, and ensuring appropriate interaction with other verification mechanisms of the Organization and relevant external stakeholders.
   
7. Provide direction and oversight in further development and maintenance of the quality management and control system for the effective delivery of the audit programme, based on the adopted principles and policies, and its continual review and updating.
   
8. Validate nominated auditors’ qualifications and manage the evaluation of the curricula vitae, and review proposals of audit teams’ composition, taking into account the specific maritime activities of the Member States concerned.
   
9. Manage and prepare for the conduct of assigned audits of Member States by external audit teams in accordance with the Framework and Procedures IMSAS, ensuring efficient conduct of the audit and achieving of agreed milestones, and assist audit team leaders and serve as member of audit teams, as required.
   
10. Provide strategic oversight of audit team leaders’ mission reports and Member States’ feedback and coordinate analysis of actions arising therefrom for the continuous improvement of the management and implementation of the Audit Scheme.
    
11. Manage the audit follow-up process for assigned audits, as required, and liaise with the designated Single Point of Contact of Member States and nominated auditors, including assessing progress in the implementation of corrective action plans, conducting document-based verification, coordinating on-site follow-up audits and supporting the preparation and completion of audit follow-up reports.
    
12. Provide supervision and direction in continuous technical development and maintenance of the MSA module in GISIS and related ICMM digital tool, including quality control and analysis of data and information submitted by Member States.
13. Develop proposals, in cooperation and coordination with substantive divisions and external stakeholders, as necessary, on matters relating to the audit Scheme, including the use of audit outcomes and trends to inform policy development, regulatory work and technical cooperation priorities of the Organization.
    
14. Manage the human and financial resources assigned to the MSA area of work in an effective and efficient manner, including through the provision of strategic guidance for the development of audit programme and the management of staff performance, as well as assisting the Deputy Director in reporting on budget/programme performance and preparing inputs for results-based budgeting.
    
15. Manage and coordinate the preparation and delivery of audit-related activities under the Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP), ensuring that audit-driven outcomes and trends identified through IMSAS inform the planning and programming of capacity-development initiatives within the Organization’s technical cooperation thematic programme framework.
16. Carry out other related duties as may be assigned by the Deputy Director, including travel to represent the Organization at meetings with external stakeholders concerning IMSAS.
    

1. In-depth knowledge of international audit or verification mechanisms.
2. Proven organizational skills in coordinating activities and resources, with the ability to focus on outcomes and thorough implementation of activities.
3. Ability to provide technical and administrative oversight and ability to draft related documents and present complex issues in a clear and accurate manner.
4. Leadership, decision making skills and ability to communicate with people and teams and manage budgetary resources.
5. Ability to engage with Member Governments and other stakeholders, negotiate and influence effectively to build consensus and achieve objectives.
6. Diplomatic skills including ability to establish and maintain strategic networks and partnerships with Member States, UN agencies and other international partners.
7. Excellent spoken, written and presentation skills, and ability to provide guidance and explain complex issues and positions to a variety of audiences.
8. Demonstrable auditing skills and techniques (e.g. from a management system auditor training course, ISM Code auditor course or IMO Member State auditor training course, including audit experience).
9. Ability to ensure that audit-driven outcomes inform and guide the planning and programming of Technical Cooperation (TC) capacity-development initiatives and activities under the Organization’s TC thematic programme framework.

Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the maritime field of which at least 5 years within a line management capacity is essential. Experience in working at an international level and in quality management systems based on the ISO 9001 standard is essential. Experience working with international maritime conventions is essential. Knowledge or experience in the United Nations common system would be an asset.

Advanced university degree in the field of nautical, maritime engineering, naval architecture, maritime administration, maritime law or international transport discipline with emphasis on international regulations and their implementation is essential.* Certified ISO 9001:2015 Auditor/Lead Auditor from an internationally recognized body is essential.

*A first-level university degree with four additional years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Proficiency in English (written and oral) is essential. Proficiency in another official language(s) of the United Nations would be an asset.