Background

 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

 
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 (HACT/NIM projects) in some 150 countries where UNDP operates, reviews, and analyses the resulting audit reports submitted by audit firms and government audit institutions. OAI has a decentralized organizational structure with a Headquarters Audit Section based in New York and Regional Audit Center’s (RAC) located in five locations: Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Pretoria (South Africa), Dakar (Senegal), Panama City (Panama) and Istanbul (Turkey). 

OAI has a decentralized organizational structure with Directorate and other headquarter units, based in New York, and Regional Audit Centres (RAC) located in the five regions: Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Pretoria (South Africa), Dakar (Senegal), Panama City (Panama) and Istanbul (Turkey).

The Audit Specialist reports to the Chief of the RAC for North, West and Central Africa (RAC-NWCA); the RAC NWCA  is staffed with a Chief (P-5 level), four Audit Specialists (2P-4 and 2 P-3), and one Administrative Associate (G-6 level). 

Position Purpose

The Regional Audit Centre for North, West and Central Africa (RAC-NWCA) covers a portfolio of 27 UNDP country offices in the region. The primary role of the Audit Specialist is to perform internal audits of activities carried out by UNDP country offices in the region with a special focus on activities that are funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (The Global Fund or GF). At times, this may include undertaking audit assignments in areas with hardship or hazardous working conditions.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Exercises management functions

  • As a team leader, assumes responsibility and accountability for achieving the audit objectives.  This involves:
    • Preparation of risk-based audit plans/programmes;
    • Conduct of audit field work;
    • Preparation and review of working papers;
    • Preparation of Exit Meeting notes;
    • Preparation of draft audit reports, incorporating input from other team members.
  • Assesses the team members’ performance in a participatory manner and documents lessons learned.
  • Provides direction and guidance to, and coaches team members ensuring effective team functioning. 
  • Presents audit results to management.
  • Monitors the status of audit recommendations and appraises adequacy of action taken on audit recommendations.
  • Contributes to the annual audit risk assessment for UNDP’s portfolio of Global Fund projects.

Acts as Officer-in-Charge for the RAC when necessary

2. Provides services to clients

  • Conducts audits of activities that are managed by UNDP country office and/or activities funded by the Global Fund.
  • As a team leader or as a member of an audit team, conducts audit assignments in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing as published by the Institute of Internal Audit 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 country offices 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 frequent, and at times extended missions to UNDP offices including to areas with hazardous working conditions. 
  • Assists country offices in the arrangements for the audits of Sub-Recipients.
  • Plans and oversees the engagement of audit firms for annual audits or special purpose audits as required under grant agreements with The Global Fund.

3. Performs other tasks as required by the Chief or OAI Director 

  • Acts as OAI focal point for Global Fund related audit matters.
  • Liaises with the HIV, Health & Development Group of UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS).
  • 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 RAC Chief or OAI Director.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: N/A
 

Competencies
Core Competencies - UNDP Core Competencies can be found here.
  • Achieve Results - Level 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
  • Think Innovatively - Level 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
  • Learn Continuously - Level 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
  • Adapt with Agility - Level 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
  • Act with Determination - Level 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
  • Engage and Partner - Level 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion - Level 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
  • Business Direction and Strategy
    • Business Direction and Strategy: 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. 
  • Business Direction and Strategy
    • Effective Decision Making: Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources.
  • Audit & Investigation - Audit
    • 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 analyse facts to form a judgment. 
    • Performance key concepts and techniques.: Ability to understand and use various concepts such as efficiency, effectiveness and economy. 
    • Fraud awareness and investigation techniques: Basic knowledge to understand the foundations of fraud, how to detect red flags and conduct initial fact findings 
    • 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 
       
Required Skills and Experience
This position may require undertaking frequent, and at times extended, missions to UNDP offices in the region, including to areas with hazardous working conditions. 
 
Education:
  • Master’s degree (Advanced university degree) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or related field. 
  • A Bachelor’s degree in combination with a certification as Chartered Accountant or Certified Public Accountant  will also be considered in lieu of Masters degree.
  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation is highly desirable
  • Additional professional certifications (CISA, CFE) are an advantage.

 Experience:

  • A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in audit or another directly relevant area, several of which in internal audit (planning, leading, and undertaking internal audit assignments).
  • Experience in auditing  health projects  is an advantage. 
  • Working experience in an International Organization and field experience are desirable

Language:

  • Fluency in French and English is required.
  • Good working knowledge of other UN languages is desirable.
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.

 
Non-discrimination

 
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

 
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

 
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