Founded in 2002, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is a not-for-profit organization tasked with the safe, long-term management of Canada’s intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste, in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.
The NWMO has been guided for more than 20 years by a dedicated team of world-class scientists, engineers and Indigenous Knowledge Holders who are developing innovative and collaborative solutions for nuclear waste management. In 2024, the NWMO selected Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (WLON)-Ignace area as the site for our Deep Geological Repository for used nuclear fuel.
This decision means our office and staff will, in the future, be relocating to Ignace, ON, and the DGR will be situated in the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation-Ignace area. Infrastructure planning and development is underway to support this transition and ensure that both the community and our employees are well-served and supported now and in the future.
Director, Internal Audit
Position Location: Toronto Head Office – 22 St. Clair Avenue E
OR Ignace, Ontario – 304 Main Street
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Chief Financial & Risk Officer, this position is responsible for the internal audit function and establishes and maintains an integrated corporate assurance program providing value added, business focused internal audit support to the NWMO.
Key Responsibilities:
- Establish annual and five-year Internal Audit plan based on risk assessment and liaises with executive management and leadership. Ensures audit program supports compliance with relevant standards, i.e., internal audits are planned on a three-year cycle to ensure that the NWMO’s management system continues to be compliant with the CSA N286-12 standards.
- Provide leadership and oversight of predetermined annual internal audits.
- Gain approval of annual and five-year Internal Audit plan by Audit, Finance and Risk Committee (AFRC) and Board. Executes audit plan consistent with best practices for internal audit and provide value added status and findings reporting to leadership, AFRC and the Board.
- Monitor external industry experiences for trends and lessons learned in quality and establishes a phased plan to evolve the Internal Audit function to meet NWMO’s needs. Ensures that Internal Audit function oversight and deliverables are aligned with business needs and deliverables timing.
- Demonstrate leadership by adopting and reinforcing cultural behaviours including commitment to the management system. Take ownership of applicable governing documents ensuring they address relevant regulatory, legislative, and business requirements; are effectively implemented, and used as designed. Hold staff accountable for procedural compliance; and seeks opportunities to continuously improve.
- Establish short- and long- term internal audits in conjunction with NWMO five-year business plan and strategies to meet organizational and departmental objectives. Develops and manages Internal Audit departmental budget. Develops departmental operating metrics and reports to support continuous improvement and learning.
- Provide direction to departmental staff, establishes clear roles and responsibilities and annual performance objectives as well as provide regular performance feedback, coaching and training.
- Ensure employee health and safety, supporting a strong safety culture and ensure employee activities meet or exceed the health, safety and environment requirements as outlined in NWMO policies, procedures, and standards.
- Effectively liaises with external organizations for OPEX, benchmarking and to keep abreast of changes that affect functional areas of accountability at NWMO.
- Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications:
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation is required.
- Certified Professional Accountant designation.
- An asset to have an undergraduate bachelor’s degree in science or engineering of another related field.
- A minimum of 10 years’ experience is required.
- Prior management of Internal Audit function.
- Experience with project planning and management.
- Proven successful outcomes in dealing with external stakeholders such as regulatory organizations.
- An understanding of both technical and social aspects of the NWMO’s Adaptive Phased Management (APM) program.
- Knowledge of CSA N286-12 Management System Requirements for Nuclear Facilities.
- Effective presentation skills (oral and written) for executive audiences and Board members.
- Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
- Possess good judgment and sound business acumen.
- This is a management level position requiring occasional extended hours and some travel.
Must be eligible to work in Canada and must be able to meet security clearance requirements.
Candidates residing in the Greater Toronto Area: Office Location – 22 St. Clair Avenue East until their role is required to relocate.
NWMO currently operates in a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office (Tuesdays being universal) and 2 days working from home.
We offer a competitive base salary, health care benefits and a defined benefit pension plan.
The NWMO is committed to contributing to Reconciliation in all its work by co-creating a shared future built on rights, equity and well-being. As an employment equity employer, NWMO actively seeks Indigenous Peoples, members of visible minorities, women, people with disabilities, and additional diverse identities for our workforce. The NWMO will provide accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation, please contact us.
