Deputy Director, Audit

Job Description

Job Description

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) is responsible for internal audit and investigations services to UNDP and its affiliated entities. OAI assists the Administrator and Associate Administrator of UNDP in their oversight responsibilities. OAI’s audit and investigation activities are governed by the UNDP Financial Regulations and Rules and by the Charter of OAI, which stipulate, inter alia, OAI’s mission, the scope of its work, responsibilities and authorities as well as the operational independence OAI enjoys in conducting its duties.

Internal audits conducted by OAI serve as an independent, objective assurance and advisory activity designed to add value and improve the operations of UNDP. OAI conducts investigations into allegations of fraud, corruption and other wrongdoing committed by UNDP personnel, such as workplace harassment, sexual harassment and abuse of authority, or retaliation on whistle-blowers. OAI has the sole responsibility for the conduct of all investigations within UNDP.

OAI has a decentralized organizational structure with the Directorate, the Investigations Section, the ICT Audit Section, the Headquarters Audit Section and other units located at Headquarters and Regional Audit Centres located in the five regions covered by UNDP (Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia, Pretoria/South Africa, Dakar/Senegal, Panama City/Panama and Istanbul/Turkey).

Duties and Responsibilities

The Deputy Director (Audit) reports to the Director, OAI. S/he assists the Director in providing organizational leadership and guidance to OAI in audit-related matters. S/he is responsible for the efficient and effective delivery of internal audit services at country level by OAI’s Regional Audit Centres, and Headquarters Audit Section. The Deputy Director (Audit) is also responsible for OAI’s resource management, supervising and guiding the Operations Manager. As a member of the OAI Directorate and senior management team, the Deputy Director (Audit) provides leadership on issues of strategy, policy, and methodology.

The Deputy Director (Audit) will be responsible for:

• Delivering an annual programme of risk based audit and assurance work, and preparing an annual opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of UNDP’s systems of governance, risk management and control.
• Leading the Internal Audit Department, setting the right tone, and creating an inclusive, supportive and dynamic culture.
• Guiding the Chiefs of the Regional Audit Centres and Headquarters Audit Section in the development and execution of risk­ based audit plans, ensuring coherence in the audit approach and in the interpretation of policies and procedures.
• Developing and maintaining a strategy for the audit of directly implemented projects (DIM) and providing guidance on its annual implementation.
• Supervising and guiding the Operations Manager in the management of OAI’s resources.
• Move towards continuous auditing in 2021 and onwards by the use of data analytics, such as Artificial Intelligence, data mining, text mining, early warning systems in all COA/DIM/GF/HQs, working together with ICTAS.
• Manage advisory requests for reviews of audit clauses in MOUs/contracts/write ups/ donor agreements etc.
• Managing, providing guidance, and further develop the annual external audit exercise for non-governmental/nationally implemented (NGO/NIM) projects.
• Managing the development of Advisory Services as a separate line of business of OAI. This includes identifying new products and Transforming the Special Assignment Section into Special Advisory Services Section.
• Developing further Performance auditing in the HQ/CO/GF/DIM audits, including organizing PA seminars and other relevant trainings together with the Learning Committee.

Supervision of country level audits

• Oversees and provides advice on the development of audit engagement plans at the country level; Supervises the timely execution of the audit plan and the preparation and issuance of audit reports; incl. performing the quality check/clearance of all audit reports (HQ, COA, DIM, GF,..) after QAPU review, and be in copy of all APMs.
• Contributes to the further development of risk assessment and manage on behalf of the Director the annual risk assessment process.

Promoting further OAI Advisory services

• Oversees the activities of the Special Advisory Services unit, including planning all engagements and other advisory notes
• Identify new services lines to promote further OAI’s advisory services.

Ensuring the timely execution of annual audit of directly implemented projects

• Maintains and develops further an audit strategy, ensuring adequate audit coverage of DIM projects,
• Supervises and guides the Chiefs of the RACs in contracting audit services.
• Supervises and guides the Chiefs of the RACs in executing the DIM audit plan and the timely delivery of related audit reports.
• Preparing a consolidated report of the DIM audits to the UNDP Administrator.

Operations management

• Advises the Director on operational matters and on the management of OAI resources (human, financial and technical).
• Supervises and guides the Operations Manager in the management of OAI’s resources, which includes the following:

• Preparing the OAI budget and monitoring the utilization of OAI’s financial resources;
• Managing OAI’s procurement;
• Premises management;
• Administering OAI’s human resources.

• Ensures the effective update and maintenance of OAI IT systems and equipment.

Other tasks

• Provides advice to the Director of OAI on issues of strategy, policy and methodology
• Liaises with the UN Board of Auditors.
• Answers queries from management and external stakeholders
• Clear audit clauses in MoU and donor agreements.
• Serves as Officer-in-Charge of OAI during the absence of the Director.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Director.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced University degree (Masters) in Investigations, law or other relevant field; OR
• A first-level degree (Bachelors) in additional 2 years of relevant experience.
• Relevant professional qualifications (e.g. chartered accountancy and/or audit) is required.

Experience:

• A minimum 15 years (with a Master’s degree), or 17 years (with a Bachelor’s degree), of progressively responsible professional work experience, of which at least 10 years should be in audit, including internal audit.
• Audit experience in the public sector and/or development organization is an advantage.

Language:

• Fluency in English.
• Knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage.

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

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.

Scam warning

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Apply before September 13, 2023

About the Organization

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in nearly 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.