Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

The Internal Audit Service (IAS) of the Independent Evaluation, Audit, and Investigations Services (IEAIS) is responsible for the internal audit function to UN Women. IAS provides independent, objective assurance on the adequacy and effectiveness of governance arrangements, risk management and controls. It manages the internal audit function for UN Women covering its Headquarters and offices away from headquarters.

Under the supervision of the Chief, Internal Audit Service (IAS), the Audit Specialist is responsible for performing risk-based audits of business processes at UN Women Headquarters and Offices away from headquarters, of programmes and projects, corporate functions, systems and internal controls, and implementation of policies and procedures.

Key functions and accountabilities

Develop and manage the formulation and achievement of the Internal Audit Plan

Contribute to the risk-based audit plan development and implementation.
Complete assigned audits and advisory reviews under the Risk-Based Audit Plan.
Conduct audit assignments in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and the UN Women Charter of the Independent Evaluation and Audit Services as well as the IEAS audit guidelines.
Lead risk-based end-to-end audits for performance/value for money engagements, maturity and risk assessments, governance, compliance, and project management audits.
Undertake audit missions to UN Women offices in Headquarters, and away from Headquarters, at the regional, sub-regional and country level, including to areas with hazardous working conditions.

2. Lead audit engagements

Monitor the assignment’s progress vs. plan to manage potential or actual deviations and ensure objectives are met;
Plan, manage and supervise the work of team members (staff and consultants);
Ensure Gender Mainstreaming aspects are considered as part of the engagement planning risk assessment;
Identify and report potential misconduct red flags to the Chief, IAS.
Utilize data analytics and AI tools to increase assurance coverage and/or increase efficiency of procedures.
Lead consultative debriefing and validation meetings with stakeholders on risks identified, root causes, and potential corrective actions.
Prepare and present clear and concise audit reports detailing findings, root causes and potential consequences, recommendations, and corrective actions.
Monitor the status of audit recommendations and appraise the adequacy of action taken on audit recommendations.

3. Provide timely substantive support and advice on operational and programme matters as requested

Collaborate with Chief, IAS and Director, IEAIS in requests for advice, investigation support, updates of the audit programme and methodology tools, contributions to divisional reports, preparation of training activities, participation in working groups or committees, review of corporate policies and procedures and other tasks.
Perform quality assurance reviews (peer reviews) of other auditors’ work as required.
Participate in the IAS Quality Assurance and Improvement Plan (QAIP) based on the specific tasks assigned.

4. Provide timely substantive support and advice on operational and programme matters as requested

Collaborate with Chief, IAS and Director, IEAIS in requests for advice, investigation support, updates of the audit programme and methodology tools, contributions to divisional reports, preparation of training activities, participation in working groups or committees, review of corporate policies and procedures and other tasks.
Perform quality assurance reviews (peer reviews) of other auditors’ work as required.
Participate in the IAS Quality Assurance and Improvement Plan (QAIP) based on the specific tasks assigned.

5. Support technical contributions to knowledge management and sharing

Support training and guidance to staff and partners on governance, risk management, controls and compliance.
Provide guidance and advice to business units on audit-related matters.
Contribute to the ongoing development of professional practices within the team including the development of audit guidelines and standard operating procedures for the effective and efficient conduct of audits.
Identify, collect, and disseminate best practices and lessons learned;
Design analytics, perform trend analyses, and develop visual narratives that enhance assurance and advisory work.
Participate in the implementation of his/her personal learning and training development plan.

6. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities

Coordinate and manage the work of staff and consultants on audit assignments

Competencies

Core Values

Integrity
Professionalism
Respect for Diversity

Core Competencies

Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
Accountability
Creative Problem Solving
Effective Communication
Inclusive Collaboration
Stakeholder Engagement
Leading by Example

Functional Competencies

Demonstrated ability to perform and manage risk-based internal audits, operational/performance audits, special audits, financial audits, project audits, and advisory services.
Due professional care by considering the: extent of work needed to achieve the audit plan; relative complexity, materiality, or significance of matters in risk management, control, and governance processes, probability of significant performance issues, irregularities, or non-compliance; and cost of control in relation to potential benefits.
Strong understanding of methodologies for assessing value for money, including the ability to analyze financial and non-financial data to make evidence-based recommendations for cost savings, efficiency gains and improved outcomes.
Proficiency in developing audit criteria, key performance indicators, and benchmarks to assess program performance.
Demonstrates professional competence and has knowledge of auditing standards and practices, risk assessment, and applicable rules and procedures.
Ability to motivate and coach team members.
Strong consultative communication skills, both verbal and written.
Strong presentation skills and ability to listen actively and respond effectively.

Recruitment Qualifications

Education and Certification

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Auditing or related field is required.
A first level university degree with Certified Public Accountant or Certified Internal Auditor designation and additional 2 years of experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation desirable. Additional professional certifications (CISA, CFE) are an advantage.

Experience

A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in audit, evaluation, monitoring, risk or another directly relevant area.
Experience working in an international organization is required.
Experience conducting value for money and/or performance audits or reviews of functions, processes and projects, including proficiency in developing audit criteria, key performance indicators, and benchmarks to assess program performance.
Experience using Microsoft office suite, audit management software, computer assisted audit techniques (e.g. ACL, IDEA, TeamMate Analytics and AI tools for auditing) for supporting internal audit work, data management, innovation and technology is required.
Experience in the use of a modern web-based Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP), preferably Oracle Cloud, is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English
Fluency in at least one of the following: Spanish, French or Arabic
Knowledge of additional official UN languages is desirable (Chinese, or Russian).

Statements

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.

Diversity and inclusion

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)

Note: Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form, including the sections on education and employment history, are completed. If all sections are not completed the application may be disqualified from the recruitment and selection process.

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