The posting
C-27001 HEAD OF INTERNAL AUDITPermanent contract | Belval Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join usThe Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a leading Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) that drives innovation for the economy and society in Luxembourg and beyond. With cutting-edge expertise in Natural, Built, Industrial environments, Space, AI, Security and defence technologies, LIST bridges scientific excellence and applied research to design solutions that address real-world challenges and create positive impact. Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: <a href="https://www.list.lu" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.list.lu</a>/ ContextAs the Head of Internal Audit, you will lead, structure and continuously develop LIST's Internal Audit Service, an independent and objective assurance and advisory function serving the Board of Directors through the Finance and Audit Committee.The role provides independent assurance on the adequacy and effectiveness of governance, risk management and internal control, while supporting compliance with applicable laws and regulations and contributing to the continuous improvement of LIST's organisation and operations.In addition to defining the internal audit strategy and the risk-based annual audit plan, you will oversee the full audit lifecycle, from planning and execution to reporting, follow-up and quality assurance. The role also leads specific assurance, advisory and investigation assignments and ensures that Internal Audit methodologies, policies, processes and the Internal Audit Charter remain robust and aligned with professional internal audit standards.Working closely with the Board of Directors, the Finance and Audit Committee, the CEO, Executive Management, Risk Management, external auditors and auditees, you will provide clear insights and recommendations to support informed decision-making while safeguarding the independence, objectivity and credibility of the function. Your team and environmentYour team - 3 people• Head of Internal Audit - 1 | leadership of the function, audit strategy, governance and stakeholder engagement• Internal Audit collaborators - 2 | contribution to assurance, advisory, audit follow-up and continuous improvement activitiesThe Internal Audit Service operates as an independent function within LIST and coordinates with Risk Management, where relevant, to leverage synergies and avoid duplication of work without prejudice to its independence.You will report to the Chair of the Board of Directors, or to the Vice-Chair in the event of replacement of the Chair, in accordance with the Internal Audit Charter. For administrative and day-to-day matters, you will report to the CEO. DescriptionYou will be mainly responsible for: Internal Audit Leadership & Governance• Lead and develop the Internal Audit Service, setting a high standard for performance, integrity, objectivity, confidentiality and competence• Define and implement the internal audit strategy in alignment with LIST's goals and objectives• Develop, maintain and continuously improve the Internal Audit Charter, policies, methodologies, processes and procedures• Act as a trusted and independent reference for the Board of Directors, Finance and Audit Committee, CEO and Executive Management on governance, risk and internal control matters Risk-Based Audit Planning & Delivery• Identify and prioritise LIST's key risk areas and prepare the annual risk-based internal audit plan for validation by the Finance and Audit Committee and approval by the Board of Directors• Oversee and conduct assurance, advisory and investigation assignments, including complex and specific missions, in accordance with the Internal Audit Charter and the IIA Global Internal Audit Standards• Adapt the audit plan and mission work programmes when emerging events or risks require timely action• Ensure audit work is appropriately planned, documented, reviewed and archived, and that audit conclusions are supported by robust evidence Governance, Risk, Internal Control & Compliance• Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of governance, risk management and internal control systems and procedures, with a focus on preventing or detecting risks, losses, errors and fraud• Coordinate Internal Audit activities with Risk Management and other assurance providers where appropriate, while preserving independence and avoiding duplication• Escalate significant deficiencies, fraud concerns and other material issues to the appropriate governance bodies and management Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement• Review and validate internal audit reports and ensure recommendations are clear, concise, operational and improvement-oriented• Present audit results, insights and recommendations to auditees, Executive Management, the Finance and Audit Committee and the Board of Directors• Build constructive relationships with key internal and external stakeholders while maintaining the independence and objectivity required of the function Follow-up, Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement• Lead the follow-up of agreed actions and report progress to the CEO, Finance and Audit Committee and Board of Directors, ensuring that actions are implemented or that residual risk is formally accepted by management• Establish and maintain a quality assurance and improvement programme for Internal Audit• Monitor developments in governance, risk management and internal audit practices, including relevant professional standards, and translate them into continuous improvement of the function Team Leadership & Capability Development• Lead, coach and develop the Internal Audit team, supporting colleagues in complex assignments and helping remove obstacles to successful audit delivery• Foster continuous learning and rapid familiarisation with audited subjects across a broad and evolving organisational environment• Promote LIST's mission, values, internal codes and rules within the Internal Audit Service Background & experience• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Audit, Internal Control, Risk Management or a similar field.• Extensive experience in internal and/or external audit, with demonstrated exposure to complex assurance, advisory and investigation assignments.• Ability to evaluate complex data and business processes.• Proven ability to lead, structure and continuously develop an internal audit function, including strategy, annual planning, methodologies, quality assurance and team development.• Strong knowledge of professional internal audit standards and internal control frameworks, together with a deep understanding of risk management principles and practices.• Broad knowledge of regulatory and business requirements relevant to LIST's environment, including accounting, finance, IP valorisation, GDPR, competition law, commercial law, labour law, State aid and public procurement.• Proficiency in data analytics and relevant audit and ERP tools.• Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills, with a methodical and rigorous approach and high attention to detail.• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and French, with the ability to present findings and recommendations.• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with the Board of Directors, Finance and Audit Committee, Executive Management, auditees, external auditors and other stakeholders.• High ethical standards, integrity, independence and objectivity, with proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.• Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage short deadlines.• Familiarity with Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) is a plus. Your LIST benefits• An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works [...]
