Head of Internal Audit Capability (AD9) ref. eu-LISA/26/TA/AD9/16.1

VACANCY NOTICE – Head of Internal Audit Capability (AD9) ref. eu-LISA/26/TA/AD9/16.1

Unit and Department: Internal Audit Capability Sector

Contract Duration: Initial contract of 5 years subject to renewal

Function Group/Grade: AD9 (Temporary Staff)

Place of Employment: Tallinn (Estonia)

Working model: Hybrid working arrangements – Permanent relocation required

Level of Security Clearance: SECRET UE/EU SECRET

Deadline for Application: 19 October 2026 12:59 pm Tallinn time / 11:59 am Strasbourg time

Validity of the Reserve List: 31 December 2029

About the Agency

We are eu-LISA, the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice. We help implement the European Union’s policies by designing, developing, and operating large-scale information systems in internal security, border management, and judicial cooperation. Our teams develop and manage the technological architecture of the Schengen area and the EU justice domain. By equipping law enforcement and border management operators and juridical practitioners with cutting-edge technological infrastructure, we help ensure security and justice for citizens. With a workforce of more than 24 nationalities, eu-LISA embraces an international work environment and values collaboration among colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Join us to become part of our organisational culture that fosters inclusivity and diversity. Our belief is 'Together as one, we are making it happen'. We want our people to feel respected, valued and empowered. Please visit our website and discover more about eu-LISA’s core activities.

About the Role

You will report administratively to the Deputy Executive Director for day-to-day operations, while functional reporting will be to the Management Board. You will work closely with other internal assurance providers (e.g. Security Officer, Accounting Officer and Data Protection Officer), contributing to the strategic goal of further evolving the Agency towards an efficient, agile and resilient organisation within the EU regulatory framework.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the activities of the Internal Audit Capability Sector2, ensuring the effective delivery of audit and advisory engagements in accordance with professional standards;
• Develop and implement risk-based multiannual and annual audit plans, taking into account the Agency's strategic objectives, risk profile and management priorities;
• Conduct and supervise financial, compliance, performance and operational audits assessing the adequacy, effectiveness and efficiency of the Agency's governance, risk management and internal control processes, including IT controls and key projects;
• Identify emerging risks and opportunities for improvement and provide strategic insight to support the achievement of the Agency's objectives;
• Provide independent assurance, advice and recommendations to the Deputy Executive Director and Management Board on governance, risk management, internal controls, ethics and anti-fraud matters;
• Report significant audit findings, risk exposures and recommendations, while monitoring and reporting on the implementation of agreed corrective actions;
• Coordinate audits and maintain effective cooperation with the Internal Audit Service (IAS), the European Court of Auditors (ECA), OLAF and other relevant assurance providers;
• Act as the Agency's principal contact point for external audit activities and ensure effective coordination of audit-related matters across the organisation;
• Manage the resources of the Internal Audit Capability Sector and ensure compliance with applicable professional standards and quality assurance requirements.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for recruitment and selection, you need to meet the following formal criteria, which need to be fulfilled by the deadline for application:

General conditions

1. You are national of one of the EU Member States or Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland and you enjoy full rights as a citizen.
2. You produce the appropriate character requirements for the duties involved.
3. You are physically fit to perform your duties.
4. You have fulfilled any obligations imposed on you by the laws concerning military service.

Education

1. You have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by a diploma when the normal period of university education is four years or more,

or

You have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by a diploma when the normal period of university education is least three years or more and appropriate professional experience of at least one year.

* Only qualifications awarded in an EU Member State or that are subject to an equivalence certificate issued by an authority in a said EU Member State shall be taken into consideration.

Professional experience

1. You have at least twelve (12) years of proven full-time professional experience relevant to the duties after the award of the qualification certifying the completion of studies required as a condition of eligibility as above.

Language

1. You have a thorough knowledge (C1 level) of one of the 24 EU official languages and a satisfactory knowledge (B2 level) of another EU official language for the performance of your duties.

Selection criteria

eu-LISA aims to establish a reserve list from which to source the best talent. The suitability of candidates will be assessed during different stages of the selection procedure against the following criteria:

Professional experience and knowledge

1. Solid experience similar to those duties outlined in the paragraph “About the job”. The Selection Committee will assess the range of fields covered, the length, the type and level of work done, and its relevance to the areas listed in section “About the job”;
2. Professional qualification(s) in auditing, demonstrated by internationally recognised certifications (e.g. CIA, CISA, CGAP or equivalent).

Personal competencies

1. Ability to lead, motivate and coordinate the work of a team, fostering collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement;
2. Ability to think strategically, anticipate emerging risks and opportunities, and provide forward-looking, risk based advice to support organisational objectives and decision-making;
3. Ability to act with the highest standards of integrity, independence, objectivity and confidentiality while promoting a strong ethical culture within the Agency;
4. Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation and influencing skills with the ability to build effective working relationships while maintaining professional independence;
5. Outstanding ability to interface senior management and to report at governance level;
6. Ability to analyse complex organisational, operational, financial and information technology risks and develop risk-based and pragmatic recommendations.

Language

1. Strong drafting and communication skills in English, both orally and in writing, at least at the C1 level.

Advantageous

1. Professional experience at an International Organisation or EU Institution or body;
2. Experience with IT and/or cybersecurity audit.

Apply today: Head of Internal Audit Capability