Internal Auditor

 Background

 The mandate of the Internal Audit and Investigations Group (IAIG) is to support the achievement of the objectives of UNOPS by strengthening the accountability system through the provision of internal audit, advisory and investigations services. IAIG reports to the Executive Director of UNOPS.

 In internal audit, IAIG brings a systematic approach to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes. IAIG reviews and reports to the Executive Director on the use of resources administered by UNOPS. IAIG performs its internal audit work in accordance with the International Professional Practices Framework promulgated by the Institute of Internal Auditors (referred to later as ‘IIA Standards’).

 IAIG also leads investigations into reports of misconduct, such as mismanagement, fraud, corruption, retaliation on whistleblowers, abuse of authority, harassment, violation or willful disregard of UNOPS regulations, rules and other administrative instructions that involve UNOPS personnel, contractors and other applicable persons.

 Duties and Responsibilities

 Regarding internal audit work on organizational units or processes:

 Under the general supervision of the Director, IAIG, and under the guidance of and cooperation with the Senior Internal Auditor, participates in complex internal audit work as team member and/or performs independently simple to mid-complex internal audit work, either as team leader or as team member; assumes responsibility and accountability for achieving the audit objectives assigned to him/her in accordance with the IIA Standards and IAIG policies and procedures. This involves:

 oContributing to yearly audit risk assessment; contributing to and/or preparing risk-based audit plans;

 oConducting audit field work as assigned to him/her;

 oPreparing working papers and, where appropriate, review those of other team members;

 oPreparing, contributing and/or conducting (as appropriate) exit conference communication, in collaboration with IAIG management;

oPreparing quality draft audit reports or draft audit report sections for review;

 oFinalizing audit reports or audit report sections, after reviewing auditees’ answers as necessary;

oCommunicating orally and in writing audit results to management;

oUndertaking frequent, and at times extended, missions to UNOPS offices, including to areas with hazardous working conditions.

Regarding project audit work:

 Under the general supervision of the Director, IAIG and under the guidance of and close cooperation with the Senior Internal Auditor and/or the P4 Internal Auditor:

 oReview project agreements with regard to audit clauses and proposed project audit terms of references;

oReview draft and final project audit reports; raise issues with project management and IAIG management as appropriate; help prepare submittal for final issuance to Executive Director;

 oInteract, as necessary, with audit firms under long term agreement with UNOPS, for the areas assigned to him/her.

Regarding general contributions and responsibilities in IAIG

 Monitors the status of audit recommendations assigned to him/her and appraises adequacy of action taken thereon by management;

 Identifies recurring and systemic issues in audit reports, as well as lessons learned for inclusion in synthesis reports;

 When working as team leader, provides direction and guidance to, and coaches team members ensuring effective team functioning; contributes to the team members’ performance in a participatory manner;

 Contributes to the ongoing development of professional practices and knowledge management within IAIG and for oneself, including internal and external quality assessments of the internal audit function;

 Performs other assignments or tasks as determined by the Director, IAIG; e.g. advisory services on audit matters, support to investigations/ fact-finding work (e.g. forensic accounting, interviews) or to IAIG reporting to its stakeholders;

 Abides by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

 Required Selection Criteria

 Competencies

 Desired Competencies would be:

 Conceptual thinking;

 Thoroughness; analytical skills;

 Ability to see details and big picture;

 Structured, crisp and to the point communication;

 Adaptability and flexibility;

 Integrity, tact and discretion, used to dealing with confidentiality;

 Sound judgment, objectivity;

 Constructive attitude and good interpersonal skills with team and auditees;

 Ability to be a team player, developing ability to manage a team.

 Education/Experience/Language

 Education:

 Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in accounting, audit, business or public administration, economics, commerce. A first-level university degree in combination with professional auditing certification and relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree or a diploma in relevant fields

 Professional Qualifications:

 A Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or National Audit Certification (CPA, CA, etc.) is a requirement.

 Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and/or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA or equivalent) is desired.

 Experience:

 Minimum 5 years of internal audit or other directly relevant experience. Significant experience with internal auditing practices. Other experience: e.g. administration, accounting, procurement, HR, an asset.

 Knowledge of IPSAS, UNSAS or other internationally recognized accounting standards necessary.

 Working experience in auditing in an international organization (e.g. UN system, international development) and in self-financing entity, highly desirable.

 Language skills:

 Fluent in English with proven ability to express well verbally and in writing is required.

 Working knowledge of either Spanish or French is strongly desired.

 Working knowledge of Arabic, Chinese or Russian would be an asset.

 Computer skills:

 Demonstrated ability to use the following tools:

 Microsoft office suite

 Electronic audit management software (e.g. AutoAudit)

 Computer assisted audit techniques (e.g. IDEA)

 Enterprise Resource Planning systems (e.g. Oracle/PeopleSoft)

Submission of Applications

Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated United Nations Personal History Form (P.11) (available on our website), via e-mail to

Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line when applying by email.

Additional Considerations

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

Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.

Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.

For more information on UNOPS, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org.