Contract type: Individual Consultancy Contract; renewable subject to UNFPA requirements, satisfactory performance, and availability of funds.
UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPAโs strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.
OAIS is an operationally independent office of UNFPA and reports to the Organizationโs Executive Director. It is responsible for supporting the achievement of UNFPAโs objectives by contributing to improvement of the Organizationโs operations, risk management, and results, through its internal audit, investigation, and advisory services. OAIS solely performs, manages, or authorizes others to carry out these services.
To fulfill this mandate, the Internal Audit Branch provides independent and objective assurance and advisory services with the objective of increasing accountability, enhancing risk management, governance, and control processes, and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of UNFPAโs operational and programmatic performance. UNFPA performs its internal audit work in accordance with the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
Purpose of consultancy
OAIS requires the services of independent consultants to conduct internal audits and advisory engagements under the supervision of its internal audit engagement team leaders, Chiefs of Units, and the Director, OAIS.
Functional responsibilities
Audit planning will be performed, as appropriate, and approved by OAIS Management. Audit field work and advisory engagements will be conducted at UNFPA field offices (e.g., Country and Regional Offices), Headquarters, and/or remotely. Audit work will be performed in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, and the internal audit methodology adopted by OAIS, which is outlined below:
Audit engagement planning phase
โฎ Obtain and analyze information on the audited business unit or the process areas.
โฎ Develop a risk-based engagement audit plan and programmes in collaboration with the team leader.
Audit engagement fieldwork and reporting phases
โฎ Build, document, and analyze evidence related to each of the risk areas identified in the planning phase and included within the scope of the audit.
โฎ Document work performed for each of the areas within the audit scope.
โฎ Formulate value adding and implementable recommendations that address the root causes of audit findings.
โฎ Prepare work-papers ensuring completeness and accuracy.
โฎ Attend audit exit meetings.
โฎ Prepare and present draft audit findings and recommendations.
โฎ Prepare and present the final internal audit report.
Advisory Services
โฎ Advisory services will involve a structured examination of processes, ERP system implementation and post-implementation, policies and guidance, programmatic assessments, special assignments, thematic assessments of business processes, global programmes, strategic review of policy and guidance, or other areas, as maybe assigned.
โฎ Advisory and consultative services will take the form of preventative and supportive analysis and/or reviews.
Required competencies
Values:
โข Exemplifying integrity,
โข Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
โข Embracing inclusion and cultural diversity, and
โข Embracing change and receiving feedback. Functional Competencies:
โข Excellent knowledge of auditing principles and their application,
โข Ability to lead and supervise an audit team to deliver on expected results,
โข Excellent interviewing skills,
โข Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, ability to analyze complex processes, identify risks and inefficiencies, and provide actionable recommendations for improvement.
โข Ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given,
โข Ability to plan work and manage conflicting priorities for self and others,
โข Excellent communication skills, both oral and in writing, and ability to draft and edit clear and concise reports in English, and effectively convey audit findings and recommendations to Management and other stakeholders,
โข Ability to handle sensitive relationships with tact, integrity, and discretion, and
โข Adaptability and cultural sensitivity - ability to work in diverse environments and adapt audit practices to different operational contexts and culture
Core Competencies:
โข Achieving results,
โข Being accountable,
โข Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
โข Thinking analytically and strategically,
โข Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
โข Communicating for impact, and
โข People Management - managing competencies and ability to improve performance, satisfaction, and mentor staff.
Duration: 01 June (or earlier) to 31 December 2024 (subject to change) for up to a total of 90 business days
Expected travel
Travel is expected to countries, areas of programme implementation, UNFPA field offices, Implementing Partners, and other Partners, as may be necessary to undertake assigned audit engagements, missions, and advisory services.
Minimum required qualifications and experience:
Education and qualifications:
a) Advanced university degree in Accounting, Business or Public Administration, Finance, or closely related field. A first level degree in any of these fields, in combination with a professional auditing certification and relevant professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
b) Professional accounting, auditing, or related designation (CA/ CPA / ACCA/ internationally recognized national equivalent or CIA). Additional certifications would be considered an asset.
Knowledge and experience:
a) At least seven (7) years previous internal audit and/or other directly relevant experience (e.g., external auditing), preferably at internal audit functions of the United Nations, international or regional organizations, and/or international professional services firms.
b) Proven ability to conduct internal audit engagements covering the planning, fieldwork, and reporting phases, in accordance with IPPF.
c) Demonstrated knowledge of internal auditing standards and practices, risk management, and internal controls.
d) Experience in effective use of modern audit management tools and techniques such as electronic working papers, Computer Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs), word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation software. Experience working with TeamMate+ and Google collaboration tools (i.e., Google Suite), an asset.
e) Excellent written and verbal communication skills and proven ability to express oneself well.
f) Knowledge of ERP systems, including their implementation, experience in IT auditing, deep understanding of IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, software development life cycles, and IT governance frameworks, is highly desirable.
Languages
Fluency in English with proven ability to express himself/herself well verbally and in writing. Spanish, and/or French are an asset.
How to apply
An application letter which states the candidate's motivation to apply for this consultancy, as well as a curriculum vita/resume and or an updated P.11 Form. All documents in PDF files must be sent by E-mail to oais-consultants@unfpa.org with a subject title โInternal Audit consultantโ by the specified deadline.
Only qualified candidates for further assessment or selection will be contacted by the Hiring Office/Unit prior to the recruitment and contracting processes. See all current vacancies