Head of Internal Audit in Heidelberg bei European Molecular Biology Laboratory

EMBL is Europe’s life sciences laboratory – an intergovernmental organisation with more than 110 independent research groups and service teams covering the spectrum of molecular biology. It operates across six sites in Heidelberg (headquarters), Barcelona, Cambridge, Grenoble, Hamburg and Rome. Our mission is to perform basic research in molecular biology; train scientists, students and visitors at all levels; offer vital services to scientists in the public and private sectors within the member states; develop new instruments and methods; and engage actively in technology transfer.

The EMBL Head of Internal Audit provides an independent and objective assurance to the Director General with a view to evaluating and improving the Laboratory’s risk management effectiveness, internal control and governance processes in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. The Head of Internal Audit reports directly to the Director General on all audit matters.

The role is expected to examine and evaluate EMBL’s activities with a view to assisting leadership and management in the effective discharge of their responsibilities. The Head of Internal Audit through the assessment of activities provides the Director-General with an assurance as to the reliance that can be placed upon the activities, controls and processes evaluated. Specifically, the post holder examines and evaluates the adequacy and effectiveness of EMBL’s systems of internal control and the extent to which they meet established standards.

Areas that are supported include:

• monitoring of adherence and compliance with EMBL´s rules and regulations through the systematic assessment of its processes and whether operations and programmes are carried out as planned.
• consistency of results with objectives and goals as well as the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which resources are deployed.
• safeguarding of processes that link to the laboratories’ assets and interests, with a view to the deterrence of fraud, theft or loss of any kind.
• reliability and integrity of data and information collected and the means used to process data and report information.

• Audit and compliance
  • Executing the audit programme to best international audit standards and to the approved timetable including maintaining and developing procedures in line with developments in international audit best practices.
  • Preparing full and summary audit reports that are clear and concise. The reports should highlight good practises, weaknesses, associated risks and audit recommendations in detailed action plans aiming to address any remedial measures required. This will include timely and effective clearance of the reports and plans with the auditees, and senior management.
  • Deliver ad hoc additional audits where required and as defined by the Director General. Such audits may include compliance or value for money audits.
  • Performing other non-audit reviews or projects
  • Establish and maintain relationships with key internal audit stakeholders such as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Deputy, Heads of Finance, Human Resources, Legal and Compliance and the wider senior EMBL Leadership.
  • The role is expected to support the ongoing monitoring and management of the agreed action plans across themes and feedback to the Director General and the COO and the members of EMBL’s governing Council.
  • Assist leadership and management in process and policy development in relation to audit and compliance matters.
• Assurance and Reporting
  • Preparing a strategic risk-based audit programme for EMBL for approval by the Director General and EMBL Council.
  • Co-operate with the External Auditors appointed by EMBL Council and be a point of contact with other senior relevant managers and leaders.
  • Annually present internal audit plans and submit the internal audit annual report to the Committee by 31 May each year. The Head of Internal Audit is expected to attend meetings of the Finance Committee and Council at which the report is discussed to present findings and make recommendations as necessary.
  • External and Internal Auditors shall, in conducting their work, ensure that the Internal Financial Policies drawn up by the Director General accord with the governing principles and requirements laid down in the Financial Regulations and Internal Financial Rules.

• Standards and Processes
  • The Head of Internal Audit shall have access to all files, records, vouchers and members of personnel and as such sees privileged information and so confidentiality and handling information and data with professional integrity is key.
  • The Head of Internal Audit