Background

The Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) reports to the Administrator and is responsible for internal audit and investigations services to UNDP and its affiliated entities. OAI provides independent, objective assurance on the effectiveness of risk management and the effectiveness and adequacy of internal controls.
 
OAI has a decentralized organizational structure with the Directorate, the Quality Assurance and Policy Unit, the Investigations Section, the Headquarters Audit Section and other units located at Headquarters and Regional Audit Centres (RAC) located in the five regions covered by UNDP.
 
The RAC is normally staffed with a Chief (P-5 level), one Programme Specialist Audit (P-4 level), two or three Audit Specialists (P-4 or P-3 level), and one Audit/Administrative Associate (G-6 level). The combination of staff with audit and with programme background enhances the capacity to perform audit assessments of programme related matters.
 
The Programme Specialist reports to the Chief, Regional Audit Centre, OAI. The primary role of the Programme Specialist is to perform, as a team leader or a team member, comprehensive audits of UNDP country offices with a focus on the programme related functions and activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Principal functions:

Management

  • As a team leader, assumes responsibility and accountability for achieving the audit objectives. This involves:

           - preparation of risk-based audit plans/programmes
           - conduct of audit field work
           - preparation and review of working papers
           - preparation of Exit Conference notes
           - preparation of draft audit reports, incorporating input from other team members

  • Assesses the team members performance in a participatory manner and documents lessons learned
  • Provides direction and guidance to, and coaches team members ensuring effective team functioning
  • Presents audit results to management
  • Monitors the status of audit recommendations and appraises adequacy of action taken on audit recommendations
  • Acts as Officer-in-Charge for the RAC when necessary
Client Services
  • As a team leader or as a member of an audit team, conducts audit assignments in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and OAI Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Assesses the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls and risk management.
  • Documents findings and communicates orally and/or in writing to the country offices on their compliance, performance and potential for improvement.
  • Recommends actions to address shortcomings identified, strengthen internal controls and improve business processes.
  • Under the overall supervision of the Chief, conducts other assignments, such as management reviews, consulting assignments, special reviews, and training workshops.
  • Undertakes frequent, and at times extended, missions to UNDP offices in the region, including to areas with hazardous working conditions.
  • Provides guidance and advice to country offices and business units on audit-related matters.
Other Tasks
  • Provides training and coaching to Audit Specialists in the audit of programme and project related matters.
  • Contributes to the ongoing development of professional practices within OAI, in particular, to the programme related parts of the OAI Country Office Audit Guidelines.
  • Participates in the implementation of his/her personal learning and training development plan, including preparation for CIA examination.
  • Performs other assignments or tasks as determined by the RAC Chief or OAI Director.

Competencies

Core Values & Ethics:
  • Demonstrates integrity and fairness.
  • Display cultural sensitivity.
  • Shows strong corporate commitment.
  • Complies with UNDP regulations, rules, and code of conduct.
Teamwork:
  • Motivates and coaches team members.
  • Embraces extra responsibility.
  • Build team morale & consensus.
Task Management Skills:
  • Produces timely, quality outputs.
  • Exercises sound judgment/analysis.
  • Develops creative solutions.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks.
Communications:
  • Writes clearly and convincingly.
  • Speaks clearly and convincingly.
  • Has good presentation skills.
  • Listens actively and responds effectively.
Building & Sharing Knowledge:
  • Actively builds deep knowledge in one or more areas,
  • Makes valuable practice contributions.
  • Applies existing knowledge to work.
  • Provides advice & support to others.
Learning:
  • Provides constructive coaching and feedback.
  • Acts as long-term mentor for others.
  • Acts on personal development plan.
Professional:

Demonstrated ability to perform and/or manage the following services, in accordance with professional standards:
  • Operational audits
  • Performance audits
  • Project audits
  • Advisory services
Technical:

Demonstrated ability to use the following tools:
  • Microsoft office suite
  • Electronic working paper software
  • Computer assisted audit techniques (ACL or IDEA)
  • Enterprise Resource Planning systems

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 
  • Advanced university degree in Economics, Development, International Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, or related field.
  • Certification in project management (preferably PRINCE2) is desirable.
  • Designation as Chartered Accountant, Certified Public Accountant or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is an advantage.
Experience: 
  • A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in development programme management or other directly relevant experience in programme countries, preferably within the United Nations system.
Language Requirements: 
  • Fluency in English is required.
  • Working knowledge of French and/or Arabic desirable.
  • Knowledge of additional UN official languages is an advantage.