Proj Audit Off (Partn. Fin)

Project Audit Officer (Partnership Financials)

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Implementing Partnership Management Service (IPMS) is responsible to the Controller for all matters  related to the management of the Framework for Implementing with Partners organisational-wide, including setting policies, designing procedures, the implementation of strategies, coordination, efficient implementation of strategies and regulations and oversight in accordance with UN/UNHCR rules and regulations.

As a member of IPMS team, the incumbent will operate from Budapest, and will directly report to the Senior Project Audit Officer, under the overall leadership and guidance of the Head of Service.

The incumbent will be responsible for the proper analysis of audit certificates, identifying corrective and mitigation measures, following up with operations and recording the outcome in MSRP and other required formats. The incumbent will also provide support to the supervisor and closely collaborates with other staff members in IPMS, DFAM and other units in UNHCR.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability

- Proper and effective management of project audit is in place in accordance with UNHCR policies and procedures.
- Timely analysis, reporting, overseeing compliance and improved quality of audit reports.
- Partner Audit related reports submitted to oversight bodies are accurate and up-to-date.
- Effective support is provided to field and headquarters operations, to ensure their proper understanding and application of policies and procedures related to project audit.

Responsibility

- Ensure that UNHCR's policy and procedures on project audit of funds provided to partners are effectively applied across the organization.
- Advise the supervisor and the Head of the Service on improvements related to financial management and internal controls and project audit in order to enhance the management of the Framework for Implementing with Partners.
- Design and validate tools for the application of the enhanced project audit management and project internal control.
- Analyse project audit certificates (financial reports and management letters) and identify financial and internal control risks, errors, possible fraud, and challenges related to project audits.
- Scrutinize the quality of audit reports and prepare reports for the review of the Head of Service and subsequent use by senior management, and external auditors.
- Ensure accurate and timely recording of all project audit related data and reports in MSRP and other required formats.
- Propose mitigation measures, improvements, and solutions to address weaknesses in the internal project controls and audits through the adoption best practices in this sector.
- Follow- up on the clearance of outstanding audit recommendations and follow- up with the field and headquarters operations on actions to be undertaken.
- Monitor the compliance with UNHCR policies and procedures on project audit by the field and headquarters operations and escalate non-compliance to higher management.
- Participate and contribute in the strengthening of the capacities related to project control function and project audit in field offices, including through on-the-job training and field support missions, as required.
- Perform any other relevant duties as required by the supervisor.

Authority

- Propose and implement resolutions to project audit-related issues and/or risks, as required.
- Review and analyse the audit certificates and carry out the required follow up and remedial actions.
- Access to the MSRP to record adjustments, in coordination with IPMS team.
- Have relevant access to financial records, and audit reports, within area of responsibilities relating to projects and related documents and other information needed to discharge his/her functions.
- Contact and follow up with the field on matters related to partnership financial transactions and for project management.
- Verify the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control for improved audit reports.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

- Advanced University Degree in External Audit or Accounting, Finance, or Risk Management with a professional qualification in external audit (CPA, CA or equivalent).
- Minimum six years of relevant in-depth experience, at the professional level, in the areas of, finance, risk management and/or audit, of which at least two years of service in field operations at the professional level...
- Strong experience in setting standard operating procedures and internal control design and implementation
- Strong analytical skills in data and financial review.
- Solid knowledge of accounting including IPSAS or IFRS.
- Command of financial management systems, PeopleSoft or a similar ERP system.
- Excellent computer skills, in particular in MS Office applications.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Fluency in English, including strong drafting skills.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

- Grant Management and Project Management including related software.
- Experience in delivering training in the fields of finance, evaluations, risk or programme management.
- Knowledge of another UN language, in particular French.
- Fair knowledge of reporting requirements within the UN/UNHCR system.
- Experience in UNHCR field operations or partnership and humanitarian operations.
- Ability to formulate innovative and creative technical, financial, audit, and/or system solutions.