Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

The Internal Audit Service (IAS) of the Independent Evaluation and Audit Services (IEAS) is responsible for internal audit function in UN Women. IAS provides UN-Women’s Executive Director with independent and objective assurance and advisory services designed to add value and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of UN-Women’s work. IAS’ primary objective is to assess whether UN-Women’s governance, risk management and internal controls are adequate, effective and functioning as intended to meet the Entity’s strategic and organizational objectives.

Under the supervision of the Chief, Internal Audit Service (IAS), the Audit Specialist is responsible for performing risk-based audits of business processes at UN Women Headquarters and Offices away from headquarters, of programmes and projects, corporate functions, systems and internal controls, and implementation of policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities

As team leader, assume responsibility and accountability for formulation and achievement of the audit objectives:

  • Contribute to the risk-based audit plan development and implementation.
  • Complete assigned audits under the Risk-Based Audit Plan.
  • Conduct audit assignments in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and the UN Women Charter of the Independent Evaluation and Audit Services as well as the IEAS audit guidelines.
  • Lead risk-based end-to-end audit cycle for performance/value for money engagements, maturity and risk assessments, governance, compliance, and project management audits.
  • As a lead auditor:
  • monitor the assignment’s progress vs. plan to manage potential or actual deviations and ensure objectives are met;
  • plan, manage and supervise the work of team members (staff and consultants)
  • ensure Gender Mainstreaming aspects are considered as part of the engagement planning risk assessment,
  • be alert of red flags for misconduct and report them back to Chief, IAS.
  • Undertake audit missions to UN Women offices in Headquarters, and away from Headquarters, at the regional, sub-regional and country level, including to areas with hazardous working conditions.
  • Lead consultative debriefing and validation meetings with stakeholders on risks identified, root causes, and potential corrective actions.
  • Prepare and present clear and concise audit reports detailing findings, root causes and potential consequences, recommendations, and corrective actions.
  • Monitor the status of audit recommendations and appraises adequacy of action taken on audit recommendations.

 

Provide timely substantive support and advice on operational and programme matters as requested:

  • Assist Chief, IAS and Director, IEAS in requests for advice, investigation support, updates of the audit programme and methodology tools, contributions to divisional reports, preparation of training activities, participation in working groups or committees, review of corporate policies and procedures and other tasks.
  • Perform quality assurance reviews (peer reviews) of other auditors’ work as required.
  • Participate at the IAS Quality Assurance and Improvement Plan (QAIP) based on the specific tasks assigned.

 

Oversee the work of team members:

  • Assess the team members’ performance in a participatory manner and documents lessons learned.
  • Provide direction and guidance to, and coaches team members ensuring effective team functioning.
  • Act as OIC for the Internal Audit Service (IAS) when necessary.

 

Provide technical contributions to knowledge management and sharing:

  • Provide training and guidance to staff and partners on governance, risk management and compliance.
  • Provide guidance and advice to business units on audit-related matters.
  • Contribute to the ongoing development of professional practices within the team including the development of audit guidelines and standard operating procedures for the effective and efficient conduct of audits.
  • Participate in the implementation of his/her personal learning and training development plan.

 

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.

Competencies

Core Values:

  • Respect for Diversity
  • Integrity
  • Professionalism

 

Core Competencies:

  • Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
  • Accountability
  • Creative Problem Solving
  • Effective Communication
  • Inclusive Collaboration
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Leading by Example

 

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies: https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-values-and-competencies-framework-en.pdf

 

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES:

  • Demonstrated ability to perform and manage risk-based audit, operational/performance audits, special audits, financial audits, project audits, and advisory services.
  • Due professional care by considering the: extent of work needed to achieve the audit plan; relative complexity, materiality, or significance of matters in risk management, control, and governance processes, probability of significant performance issues, irregularities, or non-compliance; and cost of control in relation to potential benefits.
  • Strong understanding of methodologies for assessing value for money, including the ability to analyze financial and non-financial data to make evidence-based recommendations for cost savings, efficiency gains and improved outcomes.
  • Proficiency in developing audit criteria, key performance indicators, and benchmarks to assess program performance.
  • Demonstrates professional competence and has knowledge of auditing standards and practices, risk assessment, and applicable rules and procedures.
  • Ability to motivate and coach team members.
  • Ability to produce timely and quality outputs.
  • Ability to develop creative solutions.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks.
  • Strong consultative communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Strong presentation skills and ability to listen actively and respond effectively.
  • Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft office suite, audit management software, computer assisted audit techniques (ACL or IDEA or TeamMate Analytics), Enterprise Resource Planning systems. 

Required Skills and Experience

Education and Certification:
 

  • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Auditing or related field is required.
  • A first level degree with Certified Public Accountant or Certified Internal Auditor designation and additional 2 years of experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation desirable.
  • Additional professional certifications (CISA, CFE) are an advantage.

 

Experience:

  • A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in audit, evaluation, monitoring or another directly relevant area, several of which in internal audit.
  • At least 4 years working experience in an international organization.
  • A minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience conducting value for money/ performance audits of functions, processes and projects, including Proficiency in developing audit criteria, key performance indicators, and benchmarks to assess program performance.
  • Experience in information systems technology, data management, innovation and technology is an asset.
  • Experience leading and coaching staff in international settings is required.
  • Experience in the CAATS includig Excel, ACL, IDEA and other data management tools is required.
  • Experience in the use of a modern web-based ERP System, preferably Oracle Cloud, is desirable.

 

Languages:

  • Fluency in English is required;
  • Good working knowledge of French or Spanish desirable;
  • Knowledge of additional official UN languages is desirable (Arabic, Chinese, or Russian).

 

Application: 
 
All applications must include (as an attachment) the completed UN Women Personal History form (P-11) which can be downloaded from https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-P11-Personal-History-Form.doc Kindly note that the system will only allow one attachment. Applications without the completed UN Women P-11 form will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment. 
 
Note: 
 
In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment. 
 
At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need. 
 
If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application. 
 
UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)