Head of Internal Audit (m/f)

C-27001 HEAD OF INTERNAL AUDIT

Permanent contract | Belval

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The 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: https://www.list.lu/

Context

As 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 environment

Your 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 activities

The 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.

Description

You 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 on responsible and independent research projects
• Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society
• Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do
• An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas
• Personalized learning programme to foster our staff's soft and technical skills
• Multicultural and international work environment with more than 60 nationalities represented in our workforce
• Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions
• Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science
• 32 days' paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance
• Flexible working hours, home working policy (not remote) and access to Digital lunch vouchers

Apply online

Your application must include:

• A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience
• A CV with contact details
• Contact details of 2 references

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes. LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.

As part of our recruitment process, the selected candidate might be subject to a background check in accordance with applicable laws and institutional policies. Further checks and restrictions might apply to candidates in compliance with export controls requirements. For the purposes of the position and in accordance with applicable legislation, the successful candidate may be requested to provide a recent criminal record certificate.

This position offers a gross monthly salary between €8.195 and €10.703, paid over 13 months (€106.535 and €139.139 annually) based on full time employment.

The final salary offer within this range will be determined based on the candidate's overall profile, qualifications and professional experience.