Operations Specialist (Internal Control), P3, Niamey, Niger # 110824

The Operations Specialist (Internal controls) is responsible for a broad range of activities, including but not limited to: (i) strengthening accountabilities; (ii) Enforcing and strengthening internal controls systems; (iii) Promoting value for Money, effectiveness and efficiency; (iv) supporting the implementation of the UNICEF Anti-Fraud strategy.

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.

For every child, hope

• Review internal work process in Programme and Operations to make sure that accountabilities are clear and placed at the adequate level as per global policies and/or best practices;
• Periodically conduct a quality review of the table of authority to ensure compliance with the existing policies;
• Periodically test compliance with the Table of authority and adherence to the delegation of authorities in line with UNICEF policies and Procedures;
• Advise the management of the office on actions to be taken to enforce and strengthen accountabilities.

2. Enforcing and strengthening internal controls to ensure that systems are in place to prevent, detect and report non-complianc

• Assess completeness, adequacy and compliance of work processes in Programme and operations;
• Establish a risk-based system to periodically and systematically review a sample of activities (Programme and Operations) to ensure they are carried out according to established work processes and in compliance with UNICEF policies and Procedures;
• Establish a system to document and report weaknesses in internal control;
• Implement actions aimed at addressing internal controls gaps and building the capacity of responsible staff;
• Assist in the follow-up on the implementation of the internal/external audit recommendations and provides feedback on the status to the supervisor;
• Assist in the identification of operational and programmatic risks and weaknesses and make recommendation to mitigate them. Ensure the Annual Risk Assessment (ARA) Plan development, update, implementation and monitoring.

3. Promoting value for money, cost effectiveness and efficiency

• In reviewing work processes and enforcing internal controls, the incumbent should systematically identify opportunities for more efficiency and value for money;
• Establish a system to collect information on losses of resources (Cash, Assets, Supplies, etc.), report to the management of the office and advise on measures to be taken to minimize such losses.

4. Supporting implementation of an Anti-Fraud Strategy at the country office level

• Operationalization of the upcoming global anti-fraud strategy at the CO level;
• Support the management of the office in collecting evidences to respond to OIAI's queries when initially assessing allegations of wrongdoings or during actual investigations;
• Advise the management on lessons learned from investigations and measures to be taken accordingly.

5. Undertake specific tasks as advised by the Supervisor

• With due consideration to the level of independence required for this position which shouldn't be involved in the day-to day Programme and Operations activities. 

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

• Advanced university degree in Business Administration, Finance/Accounting, or Audit is required. Audit, Investigation or Accounting certifications are considered as assets.
• At least five (5) years of continuous professional work experience in audit or another directly relevant area, several of which in internal audit. Experience in financial management, particularly developing and implementing financial control systems, audits, preferably with international organizations, NGOs and UN.
• Field experience /familiarity with Emergency.
• Fluency in both French and English is required.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

Functional competencies

• Leading and Supervising (II)
• Formulating Strategies and Concepts (I)
• Relating and Networking (II)
• Deciding and Initiating Action (II)
• Following instructions and procedures (II)
• Creating and innovating (I)
• Entrepreneurial Thinking (I)
• Analyzing (III)

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

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.

Remarks

* Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

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