Background
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.
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 (NGO/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 the Directorate, the Investigations Section, the Headquarters Audit Section, the Special Advisory Services Section, the ICT Audit Section, the Quality Assurance Unit, all located in New York. There are five Regional Audit Centres (RAC) located in the regions covered by UNDP.

The Headquarters Audit Section (HAS) provides internal audit services for Headquarters units and corporate functions, including the Staff Administrative Services in Copenhagen, Liaison Offices away from Headquarters and United Nations Volunteers Programme in Bonn.  It also contributes to the improvement of risk management and internal controls and promote effectiveness and efficiency of operations. It is staffed with a Chief (P-5 level), six Audit Specialists (3 P-4 and 3 P-3 levels), and one Audit Administrative Associate (G-6 level).

Position Purpose:

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Chief of HAS, the Audit Specialist will perform compliance and performance audits of, primarily, business units as well as corporate systems and functions that are in the audit universe of HAS. These audits aim to improve governance, risk management and internal controls as well as promote effectiveness and efficiency of operations. They might require the audit specialist to travel.

Duties and Responsibilities
General Management 

As member of an audit team and under the supervision of the team leader:

  • Prepares/participates in the preparation of risk-based audit plans/programmes. 
  • Prepares working papers for review by the audit team leader/Chief.
  • Drafts specific parts of audit reports for review by the team leader.
  • Monitors the status of audit recommendations and appraises adequacy of action taken on audit recommendations.

Client Services

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

  • Assesses the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls and risk management.
  • Documents findings and communicates orally and/or in writing to the business units on their compliance, performance and potential for improvement.
  • Recommends actions to address shortcomings identified, strengthen internal controls and improve business processes.
  • Under the overall supervision of the Chief, conducts special assignments including management reviews, consulting assignments, special audits, and training workshops.
  • Undertakes occasional missions to UNDP offices away from Headquarters, including to areas with hazardous working conditions.

Other activities:

  • Contributes to the annual risk assessment for HAS audit universe.
  • Contributes to the ongoing development of professional practices within OAI.
  • Participates in the implementation of his/her personal learning and training development plan.
  • Performs other assignments or tasks as determined by the Director and Chief of HA.
Competencies

Core    

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

People Management:

UNDP People: Management Competencies can be found on the dedicated site.

Technical/ Cross-Functional Competencies

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.

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 analyze facts to form a judgment.

Performance key concepts and techniques.

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

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

Procurement concepts, processes, and management       

  • Knowledge of procurement processes and management

Collection and analysis of evidence

  • Ability to extract and analyze all relevant types of evidence and be able to draw reasonable inferences and conclusions
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
  • Master’s degree (Advanced university degree) in Accounting, Auditing, Law, Finance, or related field.
  • A Bachelor’s degree in combination with a certification as Chartered Accountant or Certified Public Accountant will be given due consideration in lieu of a Master’s degree.
  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation is required.
  • Additional professional trainings and certifications (CISA, CFE) are an advantage.
Experience:
  • A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in auditing or another directly relevant area, several of which in an international setting.
  • Proven ability to gather evidence and conduct reviews is required. Working experience in Major Accounting Firms is desirable. 
  • Fluency in English is required. 
  • Proficiency in French or Spanish is desirable.
Knowledge of additional United Nations official languages is an advantage.

Language Requirement:

  • Fluency in English is required.
  • Proficiency in French or Spanish is desirable.
  • Knowledge of additional United Nations official languages is an advantage.
Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
Disclaimer
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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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.