Director, Office of Internal Audit & Investigation (OIAI), D2, New York,USA

New York City

Organization: UNICEF - United Nations Children’s Fund
Location: New York City
Grade: Senior Executive level - D-2, Director - Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Accounting (Audit, Controlling)
- Internal audit, Investigation and Inspection
- Internal Audit Management
- Managerial positions
Closing Date: Closed

The post manages the Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI), which is a key component of UNICEF's independent internal oversight system. OIAI reports to the Executive Director, and also reports to the Executive Board independently on its findings and concerns. Its work is overseen by UNICEF's Audit Advisory Committee, which consists of five independent experts. OIAI is responsible for conducting internal audits, and for conducting or supervising investigations related to known and suspected cases of fraud, corruption, and other forms of misconduct.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential - to the benefit of a better world.

For every child, dedication.

The Office exercises operational independence in the performance of its duties. OIAI's Director is appointed for a term of five years, renewable once for a maximum of five years, and is barred from re-entry into UNICEF after the expiry of his/her term.

How can you make a difference?

Key functional accountabilities include:

Direct the development and submission of a risk-based annual work plan for OIAI, that is flexible and adaptable to the emerging trends and issues in UNICEF, for review by the Audit Advisory Committee and approval by the Executive Director.
Direct the implementation of the approved annual work plan and the provision of timely engagement reports to the Executive Director and other senior managers as appropriate.
Periodically provide information to the Executive Director and the Audit Advisory Committee on the status of the annual work plan including any modifications, scope restrictions, or limitations.
Periodically provide reports to the Executive Director, Audit Advisory Committee, and Executive Board summarizing results of OIAI activities including the Office's follow up of the implementation of its recommendations.
Coordinate OIAI's activities with UNICEF's External Auditors and Evaluation Office for the purpose of providing optimal assurance coverage to UNICEF at a reasonable overall cost.
Provide Member States and other approved external parties access to internal audit reports in accordance with the disclosure policies that have been approved by UNICEF's Executive Board.
Serve as the primary focal point to the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services with regard to the work of that office, and as the organization's focal point with Member State supreme auditing institutions and oversight services of multilateral and other bodies.
Ensure that OIAI's internal audit activities are in conformity with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing promulgated by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), and the reporting standards of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI).
Interface (through the office of UNICEF's legal adviser) with Member State law enforcement authorities, as necessary, for investigation purposes.
Direct the operation of secure and confidential channels for receiving reports of alleged misconduct.
Direct the conduct or supervision of all investigations within UNICEF in accordance with relevant Executive Directives and Administrative Instructions, and submit investigations reports to relevant divisions for disciplinary and other appropriate follow up actions.
Ensure that OIAI's investigation activities are in conformity with the Uniform Principles and Guidelines for Investigations that are periodically endorsed by the Conference of International Investigators.
Establish a quality assurance and improvement program that covers all aspects of OIAI activities, and continuously monitor its effectiveness.
Maintain a professional internal audit and investigation staff with sufficient qualifications, knowledge, skills, and experience to meet OIAI's requirements.
Keep UNICEF management, Audit Advisory Committee and Executive Board informed of emerging trends and practices affecting internal audit and investigation activities.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Strong academic and professional credentials including a university degree in a relevant field combined with appropriate professional qualifications (e.g. Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor or equivalent) from reputable professional bodies, and preferably an advanced university degree.
At least 15 years progressively responsible experience and demonstrated technical competence in audit, a significant part of it in an international environment. Experience in managing investigations is desirable.
Demonstrated ability to manage a large complement of multi-disciplinary staff in a multi-cultural environment.
Audit experience with the United Nations system or a multilateral or bilateral development organization is an advantage.
Fluency in English. Another U.N. working language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

Core Values