PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER, Audit, Oversight and Internal Control Unit

Org. Setting and ReportingThe United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat promotes urbanization as a positive transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination and poverty. The position is located in the Oversight and Internal Controls Unit of the Management, Advisory and Compliance Service (MACS) of UN-Habitat in Nairobi. MACS is responsible to coordinate and provide administrative support for the implementation of UN Habitat's work programme, either directly or through the engagement of third-party service providers. The Oversight and Internal Controls Unit is responsible to provide expert advice and support on audit-related matters and is the focal point in UN-Habitat for both internal auditors (e.g. the Office of Internal Oversight Services - OIOS) and external auditors (e.g. UN Board of Auditors - BOA); to review audit findings, coordinate UN-Habitat's responses to audit reports, monitor organizational risks and prepare overviews and analyses of key audit observations and trends. The position is heading the Unit and reports directly to the Director of MACS. Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: Responsibilities• Coordinates as UN-Habitat's focal point for audits and organizational risk management audits /special reviews with respect to large and complex operations in UN-Habitat. • Conduct risk-based reviews of programmes and projects in accordance with the UN Risk management framework in close cooperation with UN-Habitat Senior Management. • Supervises and coach staff in the Unit throughout the period with the view to ensuring conformity, client oriented effective and efficient support and guidance to other divisions. • Empowers junior staff to actively participate in the management of the audit/review. • Documents, evaluates and test systems and controls to determine their adequacy and effectiveness, ensuring (i) compliance with policies and procedures, (ii) accomplishment of management's objectives, (iii) reliability and integrity of information, (iv) economical use of resources, and (v) safeguarding of assets. • Reviews and discusses OIOS and BOA findings, agrees on recommendations and timelines for corrective action with responsible officers of operations audited, and monitors the implementation status of agreed recommendations. • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Prepares presentations, using available technology tools (e.g., PowerPoint) • Monitors the status of audit recommendations • Appraises adequacy of follow-up action taken on audit findings and recommendations • Maintains and updates audit programs • Identifies training needs, develops training programs and materials, and conducts workshops with respect to internal controls and risk management. • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge of the substantive field of work in oversight and internal controls. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, accounting or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable. Job - Specific QualificationCertification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or equivalent is desirable. Work ExperienceA minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in audit, finance, accounting, statistics, or related area is required. A minimum of four (4) years’ experience in analyzing audit reports, applying financial control and reporting procedures is required. Experience in overseeing services provided to or in field locations of the United Nations or a comparable international organization is desirable. Experience in drafting data-based reports and preparing policies/guidance documents including standard operating procedures is desirable. Two (2) years or more experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).