Background

Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations. It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.

Performed by professionals with an in-depth understanding of the business culture, systems, and processes, the internal audit activity provides assurance that internal controls in place are adequate to mitigate the risks, governance processes are effective and efficient, and organizational goals and objectives are met.

Evaluating emerging technologies. Analysing opportunities. Examining global issues. Assessing risks, controls, ethics, quality, economy, and efficiency. Assuring that controls in place are adequate to mitigate the risks. Communicating information and opinions with clarity and accuracy. Such diversity gives internal auditors a broad perspective on the organization. And that, in turn, makes internal auditors a valuable resource to executive management and the Executive Board in accomplishing overall goals and objectives, as well as in strengthening internal controls and organizational governance.

In UNDP, the internal audit function is managed by the Office of Audit and Investigations. The Office consists of approximately 60 staff, and it conducts its audits in conformance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing as published by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) standards. OAI follows a risk-based approach to planning and conducting its internal audit work. The internal audit reports serve to give senior management assurance about the activities undertaken by a given UNDP unit and bring to their attention areas of risk that require improvement.

Duties and Responsibilities

Working closely with OAI auditors, the Intern will actively assist in the audit assignments and delivery of the Headquarters Audit Section workplan.

The Headquarters Audit Section is responsible for the audit of organizational units at UNDP Headquarters and of corporate functions and systems.

Each audit assignment is broken into three parts; planning, fieldwork and reporting. In general, the following stages are included:

 

Planning/preliminary survey: A basic audit strategy and audit procedures are developed including a preliminary assessment of risk. At this stage of the audit, the intern will assist in gathering audit evidence to formulate the audit plan. This sets the direction of the audit and provides guidance for the development of an audit programme, which includes the detailed procedures required to implement the audit strategy.

 

Fieldwork: The intern will assist auditors in the detailed testing. Procedures used include:

  • Inspection: The examination of records, documents or assets.
  • Observation: Looking at the process being performed by others.
  • Enquiry and confirmation: Seeking information from knowledgeable persons within the organisation and confirming the response to an enquiry to corroborate information. Such a process requires the auditors to be inquisitive, speculative and observant.
  • Reviewing compliance: Often a significant part of the internal auditors’ work, which includes the review of compliance to specific regulations and policies and providing an insight to the impact that non-compliance has on the organisation.
  • Analytical review: Analysis of financial and other data to identify consistencies and predicted patterns of significant fluctuations and unexpected relations.

 

Reporting: Based on the documented findings, a draft audit report is prepared for discussion with and comments by management. The final audit report considers the comments provided by management and any corrective action taken since the audit fieldwork. It is addressed to senior management. The intern may contribute to documenting audit findings and drafting parts of the report.

Competencies

  • Demonstrates integrity;
  • Demonstrates the ability to remain objective, neutral and independent;
  • Displays cultural sensitivity;
  • Produces timely, quality outputs;
  • Exercises sound judgment/analysis;

  • Ability to handle multiple tasks;

  • Writes clearly and effectively; and
  • Speaks clearly and convincingly.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

  • Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher)

  • Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, Law; or

  • Have graduated with a university degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, Law; and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

 

Experience

  • Mastery of standard MS Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

  • Prior work experience in the field of accounting or auditing would be useful but is not necessary.

 

Language

  • Fluency in written and spoken English required;

  • Proficiency in other languages desirable.

 

Additional Information

  • Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP;

  • Internship is located at UNDP Headquarters in New York;

  • Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern;

  • Internship will be full time;

  • Internship starts on January 2019 or shortly thereafter; and

  • Internship will be for a period of six months.