Back Audit Specialist

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Female candidates and People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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 a Headquarters Audit Section based in New York and Regional Audit Center’s (RAC) located in five locations: Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Pretoria (South Africa), Dakar (Senegal), Panama City (Panama) and Istanbul (Turkey).

OAI has a decentralized organizational structure with Directorate and other headquarter units, based in New York, and Regional Audit Centres (RAC) located in the five regions: Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Pretoria (South Africa), Dakar (Senegal), Panama City (Panama) and Istanbul (Turkey).

The Audit Specialist reports to the Chief of the RAC for Latin America and the Caribbean (RAC-LAC); the RAC LAC  is staffed with a Chief (P-5 level), four Audit Specialists (2P-4 and 2 P-3), and one Administrative Associate (G-6 level).

1.)As a member of an audit team and under the supervision of the team leader, prepares / participates in the preparation of risk-based audit plans/programmes.

Main tasks include the following:

• 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.
• Apply to the extent possible the concept of Performance Audit in all audit engagements.

2.) Participates in the annual review of HACT/NIM audit reports that covers projects implemented by either national institutions or non-governmental organizations. 

Participate in the annual review of HACT/NIM audit reports that covers projects implemented by either national institutions or non-governmental organizations. This includes:

• Review of annual HACT/NIM audit plans submitted by country offices;
• Qualitatively assess the HACT/NIM audit reports received;
• Assess country office follow-up action plans;
• Preparation of HACT/NIM review letters and supervision to consultants engaged in the HACT/NIM exercise.

3.) Participates in the annual exercise for the audit of projects directly implemented (DIM) by UNDP.

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.

4.)As a member of an audit team conducts specific elements of the assignment in accordance with the International Standards for Internal Auditing and OAI policy guidelines.

Tasks include:

• 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.

5.) Provides guidance and advice to country offices in respect of the HACT/NIM audit process

Provides clarification, as required on the scope of the exercise or elements included in the Annual Call letter. 

6.) Under the overall supervision of the Chief, conducts special assignments as required.

Conducts management reviews, advisory services or consulting assignments, special audits or training workshops.

Perform other assignments or tasks as determined by the RAC Chief or OAI Directorate.

7.) Contributes to the ongoing development of professional practices within OAI

Participates in knowledge sharing sessions, learning activities, etc. Participates in the implementation of his/er personal learning and training development plan.

Achieve Results:

Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact

Think Innovatively:

Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems

Learn Continuously

Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt with Agility

 Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands

Act with Determination

Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

Engage and Partner

Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and Inclusion

Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Business Direction and Strategy

Negotiation   and influence

Ability to reach an understanding, persuade others, resolve points of difference, gain advantage in the outcome of dialogue, negotiates mutually acceptable solutions through compromise and creates win-win situations.

Effective Decision Making

Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources.

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.

Critical creative and foresight applied to audit and investigations.

Possess essential critical thinking and foresight capacity to analyse facts to form a judgment.

Performance key concepts and techniques.

Ability to understand and use various concepts such as efficiency, effectiveness and economy.

Fraud awareness and investigation techniques

Basic knowledge to understand the foundations of fraud, how to detect red flags and conduct initial fact findings

Computer Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs)

  Proficiency in the use of CAATs (Computer Assisted Audit Tools) such as Electronic working        paper    software and ACL or IDEA

Education

• Master’s degree (Advanced university degree) in Accounting, Auditing, Law, Finance, or related field.
• A first level degree in combination with a certification as Chartered Accountant or Certified Public Accountant may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation required
• Additional professional certifications (CISA, CFE) are an advantage.

Experience

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in forensic auditing or another directly relevant area, several of which in an international setting.
• Working experience in International Organizations of Supreme Audit Institutions is desirable
• Field experience is an advantage.
• Experience in performance audits is an advantage

Language

• Fluency in English and Spanish required
• Working knowledge of other UN official languages (e.g. French) is an advantage

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: 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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Contract Duration: 2 Years with possibility for extension