Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below.
Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates) Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidatesBackground
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. As part of its assurance work, OAI also supports the annual audit exercise of non-governmental/nationally implemented projects (HACT/NIM projects) in some 150 countries where UNDP operates and reviews and analyses the resulting audit reports submitted by audit firms and government audit institutions.
OAI has a decentralized organizational structure with Directorate and other headquarter units based in New York, and Regional Audit Centre’s (RACs) located in five regions: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Asia Pacific), Pretoria, South Africa (East and South Africa), Dakar, Senegal (North, West and Central Africa), Panama City, Panama (Latin America and the Caribbean) and Istanbul, Turkey (Europe and the CIS).
The Audit Analyst reports to the Chief, Regional Audit Center for Europe, Middle East and CIS based in Istanbul.
Position Purpose
RAC ECME covers a portfolio of 32 UNDP country offices in the region. Under the supervision of the Chief, the primary role of the Audit Analyst is to perform internal audits of UNDP country offices in the regions and to review the reports resulting from the DIM annual audit exercise. The incumbent may also contribute to other engagements in OAI’s global portfolio. The location of the offices covered by the RAC ECME may include undertaking audit assignments in areas with hardship or hazardous working conditions.
UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Audit Risk Assessment and oversight of work by audit firms
As member of an audit team and under the supervision of the team leader, prepare/participate in the preparation of risk-based audit plans/programmes. Prepare working papers for review by the audit team leader. Draft specific parts of audit reports for review by the team leader. Monitor the implementation of agreed recommendations and advise on problem areas. Participate in the annual exercise for the audit of projects directly implemented by UNDP, which includes the following tasks: Review the annual DIM plan and support the preparation of RFP to external audit firms. Assess qualitatively and quantitatively proposals for audit services received from audit firms. Oversee the work by audit firms and provides clarifications to external audit firms. Assess draft and final reports produced by external audit firms. Assess the performance of the work performed by the audit firms.Provide efficient services to clients
As member of an audit team, conduct specific elements of the assignment in accordance with the International Standards for Internal Auditing and OAI policy guidelines. Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls and risk management practices. Document findings and communicate orally and/or in writing to the country offices on their compliance, performance and potential for improvement. Recommend actions to address shortcomings identified, strengthen internal controls and improve business processes. Under the overall supervision of the Chief, conduct special assignments including management reviews, advisory services or consulting assignments, special audits, and training workshops. Undertake frequent, and at times extended, missions to UNDP offices in the region, including to areas with hazardous working conditions.Performs other tasks as required by the Chief
Contribute to the ongoing development of professional practices within OAI. Participate in the implementation of his/her personal learning and training development plan. Perform other assignments or tasks as determined by the RAC Chief or OAI Directorate.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies
Core competencies:
Achieve Results
Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.Think Innovatively
Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.Learn Continuously
Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.Adapt with Agility
Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.Act with Determination
Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.Engage and Partner
Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.Enable Diversity and Inclusion
Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Business Direction and Strategy: System Thinking
Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.Business Management: Communication
Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.Audit & Investigation: Audit - Internal auditing standards, practices, and techniques
Knowledge of key notions and concepts, practices, and methodologies of internal auditing (IPPF and Other IIA Standards, COSO). Undertake audit assignments in accordance with international professional standards in respect of operational audits, financial audits, performance audits, project audits and provision of advisory services.Business Management: Portfolio Management
Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization’s programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity. Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio managementDigital: Machine learning
Skilled in computer algorithms that improve automatically through experience and by the use of data.Digital: Data analysis
Ability to extract, analyze and visualize data (including Real-Time Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision making.Digital: Data literacy
Understand the potential as well as the limitations of using data driven innovation. Ability to use a mix of data sources (quantitative, qualitative or real- time techniques) to develop understanding, identify patterns to inform decision making or identify opportunities for further exploration.Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (master´s degree) in Economics, Development, International Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, or related field is required, OR A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. Program Management Certification (MSP Foundation, Prince2, or similar) is desirable. Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRM) is desirable. Designation as Chartered Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is an advantage.Experience:
A minimum of 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of professional experience in programme management, project management, audit, analysis, evaluation and oversight. Work experience in an International Organization and field experience are desirable. Working experience in Supreme audit institution is desirable. Working experience in Major Accounting Firms is desirable. Demonstrated analytical, investigative and problem-solving skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience in dealing with financial data and writing public-facing reports. Willingness to travelLanguage:
Fluency in Arabic and English is required. Working knowledge of other United Nations official languages (Spanish, Chinese, Russian) is desirable.Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Probation
For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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