Head of Internal Audit Capability

## VACANCY NOTICE – Head of Internal Audit Capability (AD9) Ref. eu-LISA/26/TA/AD9/16.1 Sector | Internal Audit Capability Sector / Deputy Executive Director 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^{1} 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. ¹ Date of publication: 18/09/2026 ## About the function The Internal Audit Capability Sector (IACS) strengthens eu-LISA's ability to create, protect and sustain value by providing the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, the Audit Compliance and Finance Committee as well as the Management Board with independent, risk-based and objective assurance, advice, insight and foresight. IACS supports the achievement of the Agency's strategic objectives by assessing and contributing to the continuous improvement of its governance, risk management and internal control processes. In accordance with the Internal Audit Charter, IACS operates with organisational independence and professional objectivity and provides unbiased assessments and recommendations to enhance accountability, transparency, operational effectiveness and sound financial management. The sector develops and delivers a risk-based audit programme and monitors the implementation of agreed recommendations. It also coordinates relations with external assurance providers, including the Internal Audit Service (IAS) and the European Court of Auditors (ECA), ensuring effective cooperation and follow-up of audit recommendations. In addition, IACS promotes ethics, integrity and fraud prevention throughout the Agency, contributes to the implementation of the Anti-Fraud Strategy and serves as the Agency's contact point for the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). ## About the job eu-LISA aims to establish a reserve list from which to source the best talent. 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. Your tasks will include a wide range of responsibilities that extend beyond the following list: - 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; ² Subject to formal assignment of the staff member to the role of a Head of Sector by the Appointing Authority - 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 Switzerland³ and you enjoy full rights as a citizen4. 2. You produce the appropriate character requirements for the duties involved. 3. You are physically fit to perform your duties5. 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 tocompleted university studiesattested by a diploma when the normal period of university education isfour yearsor more,or ³ Appointment of a candidate from countries associated with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis and with Dublin- and Eurodac-related measures is subject to the conclusion of the arrangements defined in article 42 of the eu-LISA regulation. 4 Prior to an appointment, the successful candidate will be asked to provide a certificate of absence of any criminal record issued by the competent authority. 5 Prior to an appointment, the successful candidate shall be medically examined by a selected medical service in order that the Agency may be satisfied that they fulfil the requirement of Article 82 (3)d of the Conditions of employment of other servants of the European Communities. You have a level of education which corresponds tocompleted university studiesattested by a diploma when the normal period of university education isleast three years or moreandappropriate 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 leasttwelve (12) yearsof 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 d