HACT CONSULTANTS

This vacancy is open to Nigerians only

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

In preparation of the 2019 HACT Assurance Plan activities, the HACT unit will require to engage individual consultants to conduct approximately 150 planned spot checks and provide capacity building to Implementing Partners (partners) identified with weak financial management systems and internal controls. Spot checks are a review of financial records to obtain reasonable assurance that amounts reported by partners on the FACE Form are accurate. Spot checks are performed in the office of partners where financial records are kept. The contractors will be required to analyze spot check reports from 2019 HACT assurance activities to identify high priority observations that require follow up and management action. The HACT Unit will require to engage at least 5 individual contractors with adequate financial management and accounting technical skills.

Specific Tasks/Scope

The Individual Contractors will provide relevant support in ensuring full compliance with the 2019 HACT Assurance Plan for UNICEF Nigeria;

• Conduct spot check activities of identified 2019 partners according to the spot check TOR & guidelines
• Discuss high risk observations from spot checks and other assurance activities with Chiefs of Section and Chiefs of Field Office
• Share the draft spot check report with responsible Programme Specialist/Officer for review and to provide any comments or inputs for finalization
• On a weekly basis, update the high-risk recommendations on the spot check tracker and internal reporting tools for each Section/FO on SharePoint. Send the link to the responsible Chief and HACT Focal point for follow up action/closure
• Identify results of assurance activities that may be used to prioritize capacity development activities or change the cash transfer modality to the IP
• Provide capacity building on basic financial management to partners identified as having weak financial management capacity as per detailed established TOR
• Follow up of high risk and unresolved open items from prior spot checks and audits for closure
• Follows up with the programme team on high priority issues observed during micro-assessments, spot checks and audits
• Aid with the preparation of audit activities and update on the HACT Assurance Plan/eTools on the conducted HACT assurance activities
• Provide support in conducting HACT trainings for partners and UN staff as required
• Maintain a well-organized and easily accessible filing system of all HACT related documents on SharePoint monthly

Academic qualifications or specialized knowledge/experience and competencies required:

• Professional accounting qualification (eg CPA, ICAN, and ACCA) is required and a University degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration.
• A minimum of five years experience in internal/external audit or financial management experience in a reputable organization.
• Experience in fraud/investigative work is desirable
• In-depth knowledge of internal auditing, accounting and auditing standards and application of IPSAS.
• First-rate analytical skills and proven knowledge of management principles.
• Ability to establish priorities, conceive and execute work in a busy work environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Maturity of judgment, tact, integrity and discretion.
• Initiative and resourcefulness. Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other team members.
• Experience with training and facilitation of group learning processes.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite
• Fluency in English is required 
• Personal drive for results and resilience

The duration of the contract is 7 months

All applicants should quote an all inclusive fee in their cover letters

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.