Detail of the vacancy notice

  • Directorate: ​​ General Secretariat
  • Management: yes
  • Unit/Service: ​​ Internal Audit
  • Grade: AD9-AD14 
  • Location: Brussels
  • Deadline:  27 April 2026 at noon (Brussels time)

Your job and responsibilities

Do you wish to contribute directly to the successful implementation of the mission of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) by providing independent, objective assurance and strategic advice to senior management? As Head of Unit and Internal Auditor of the CoR, you will play a key role in strengthening governance, risk management and internal control systems across the institution. In this function, you will lead and manage the Internal Audit Unit, ensuring the effective planning, delivery and follow‑up of internal audit and advisory engagements. You will provide high‑level assurance on whether governance, risk management and control frameworks are adequate and effective in enabling the CoR to achieve its objectives in compliance with the applicable regulatory framework and the Global Internal Audit Standards.

You will have full responsibility for the supervision and development of a small team of highly skilled and motivated auditors. You will direct and oversee audit missions covering all stages of the audit cycle, from the preparation of the risk‑based annual audit work programme to the execution of audits, the formulation of conclusions and recommendations, and the issuance of audit reports. In addition, you will carry out advisory engagements. The scope of the audit and advisory activities includes all key processes of the CoR, as well as the joint services shared with the European Economic and Social Committee, notably the Directorates for Translation, Logistics and Innovation, and Information Technology.

You will ensure robust and systematic follow‑up of audit recommendations, assessing the implementation of agreed action plans and, where appropriate, providing support and advice to senior management and to audited entities to facilitate effective and timely implementation.

Furthermore, you will advise the Audit Committee on significant risk exposures, control weaknesses and governance issues. You will be responsible for preparation of the Audit Committee meetings in close cooperation with the Chair of the Audit Committee and in coordination with the Secretary-General and for ensuring the Audit Committee understanding about the effectiveness and efficiency of the organisation’s governance, risk management and control processes in line with the Charter of the Audit Committee of the CoR. You will also be responsible for preparing key reporting outputs, including contributions to Audit Committee documentation, and for maintaining a constructive dialogue with internal and external stakeholders.

As Head of Unit, you will also drive the continuous improvement of the internal audit function, including the development of audit methodology, tools and internal procedures, in line with professional standards and best practices. You will promote a culture of integrity, accountability and continuous improvement within the CoR.

Are you the talent we are looking for?

General abilities and capacities required

  • Think with a critical spirit, analyse and solve problems pragmatically.
  • Assess critically credibility and reliability of sources, data and information and use relevant digital tools to carry out the duties.
  • Organise own work, demonstrate responsibility, identify priorities, take appropriate decisions and deliver results.
  • Adapt to an evolving working environment, demonstrate commitment and adopt constructive attitude at all times. Remain effective and flexible even during periods of heavy activity.
  • Take initiative to achieve individual and shared objectives, demonstrate ownership and work autonomously.
  • Learn and professionally develop to continuously enhance job performance and knowledge of the organisation and working environment.
  • Work together with others in a constructive way by contributing to diverse and inclusive working environment and demonstrate respect and courtesy at all times.
  • Convey information and relevant opinions clearly and concisely both orally and in writing, facilitate interaction and engage effectively with others. Treat confidential or sensitive information accordingly.

Job-specific requirements

  • You have a comprehensive understanding of the Global Internal Audit Standards and leading internal audit practices.
  • You have a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the European Union and a satisfactory knowledge of another of the EU official languages. For functional reasons, a high level of English is required and a good level of French is highly desirable.
  • You have a good command of IT applications and tools, such as Outlook, Excel, Word and SharePoint, including AI tools in a secure environment.
  • You possess at least 10 years of relevant working experience, 5 of which must have been acquired in a position that required team management.
  • You have sound experience in implementing change, optimising use of resources and modernising working methods and tools through technologies.
  • You are able to propose pragmatic solutions aiming at improving processes and possess strong negotiation skills.
  • You have professional certification in internal auditing or other relevant professional education, certifications, and credentials.

Assets

  • Experience building and managing an effective internal audit function by recruiting, hiring, and training internal auditors and helping them develop relevant competencies is a major asset.
  • Leadership experience as a Head of Unit is a major asset.
At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.