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Project Management Support - Senior Officer (Audit support)

New York City

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: New York City
  • Grade: Junior level - IICA-1, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Accounting (Audit, Controlling)
    • Internal audit, Investigation and Inspection
    • Project and Programme Management
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

*Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.*

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects.  Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management

Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York.  The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the UNDP to implement the project activities for the Small Grants Programme.

The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) supports activities of non-governmental and community-based organizations in developing countries to address climate change abatement, conservation of biodiversity, protection of international waters, reduction of the impact of persistent organic pollutants, and prevention of land degradation while generating sustainable livelihoods. Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) as a corporate programme, SGP is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on behalf of the GEF partnership and is executed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). 

The incumbent of this position will be a personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the GMS Manager the incumbent will focus on the following main areas of work:

  1. Facilitate the overall audit work undertaken by GMS within the context of the Small Grants Programme (SGP);

  2. Ensure timely implementation and closure of GMS’ audit recommendations;

  3. Capture lessons learnt and propose improvements of policies/guidelines for the SGP programme.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Closely support the GMS audit work and prepare required documentation

  • Prepare annual audit calendar, develop work plan and audit ToRs and coordinate with UNOPS Internal Audit and Investigation Group (IAIG), GMS Team and clients, on audit scope and checklists.

  • Facilitate internal and external audit exercise for GMS and ensure timely submission of all audit requirements, including drafting and sending official memos/letters, gathering SGP countries documents on grants, operational budget, ERP entries, etc.

  • Analyze audit finding and prepare audit follow up and action plan with relevant GMS personnel.

  • Carry out regular monitoring and performance review on the effectiveness and efficiency of the overall audit recommendation implementation, assess risk areas, document lessons learned and provide on time update, facilitate solutions and make appropriate recommendations for improvement.

  • Monitor and provide technical support on the timely implementation of audit recommendations via oneUNOPS system and provide regular update status reports to the management

  • Provide guidance and technical advice on audit to ensure minimal audit findings and risk exposure and work closely with the relevant GMS team members in training and guiding SGP countries. 

  • With the support from the GMS Team, identify training needs, develop training programs and materials, provide guidance and conduct specific training sessions to SGP Team on audit processes, common findings

  • Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices and sharing with GMS managers in order to improve SGP Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and any other relevant policy/guidelines, as applicable. 

  • Contribute to business process improvement by reflecting on the audit recommendations and best practices from the project audits 

  • Perform other related duties as required, such as participating in opening and exit audit field work meetings with relevant counterparts, timely response to corporate audit requests, etc.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education
  • Advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) in accounting, finance, audit, business administration, economics, commerce or related field

  • First Level University Degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in above fields in combination with additional 2 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of Master’s degree.

Certification

  • Professional certifications in Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) are desired. 

 Work Experience   Required:

  • Minimum 2 years of experience in internal audit, finance and/or operations with an international organization in providing operations and financial management services. 

  • Significant experience with internal auditing practices; tools and techniques; and the assessment of management systems and practices, financial and internal controls, and utilization of resources is required.

  • Strong experience of working with general accounting principles and best practices required.

 Desirable:
  • Prior auditing experience, either as an auditor or auditee will be preferred.

  • Experience in project management, grant management would be an advantage.

  • Experience of working in the UN system and familiarity with UNOPS procedures an advantage.

Language
  • Fluency in English is required.
  • Knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset. 

Competencies


Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)  Contract level: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA 1)
Contract duration: 12 months (renewable subject to funds availability and satisfactory performance)

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx 

Additional Information

  • Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

  • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

  • Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

  • UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

  • Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

  • We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.


Terms and Conditions 

  • For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

  • For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

  • All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

  • It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.


This vacancy is now closed.
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