Position Summary

Under the overall guidance and supervision of UNFPA audit engagement team leaders, the Chiefs, Internal Audit, and the Director, OAIS, the Individual Consultant will contribute to internal audits to evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control, in accordance with IIA Standards and the internal audit methodology adopted by OAIS. The consultancy will involve, as part of an engagement team, the performance of programme, financial, operational, performance and compliance audits, as may be necessary, at any of the UNFPA offices (business units), including its Headquarters in New York, USA, its Country Offices and Regional Offices, some of which may be located in hardship areas and/or sites of UNFPA operations.

DUTY STATION:  Work to be performed in multiple locations, including areas with hazardous working conditions

DURATION:   15 May – 31 December 2019 (subject to change) for a total maximum of 130 business days

CONTRACT TYPE:  Consultancy renewable subject to UNFPA requirements, satisfactory performance and availability of funds

CLOSING DATE:  24 May 2019 - 5:00pm (New York time)

Background information

The Office of Audit and Investigation Services (OAIS) 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 UNFPA’s operational and programmatic performance. UNFPA performs its internal audit work in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Audit issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). The Internal Audit Branch is seeking suitable individual consultants to assist in its internal audit work.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the designated engagement Team Leader and the Chief, Internal Audit overseeing the engagement, the consultant will be involved and responsible for one or more work areas in the engagement process as follows:

1. Engagement planning phase

• Obtain and analyze information on the audited Business Unit;
• In consultation with the audit engagement Team Leader, revise, update and tailor, as appropriate, assigned risk-based audit programmes;
• Collect and analyze relevant data and information related to each of the assigned work components and areas, in accordance with the engagement audit plan and programmes, taking into consideration the nature and relevance of identified risk factors.

2. Engagement fieldwork phase

• Build, document and analyze evidence related to each assigned risk area identified at the audit planning phase and included in the audit scope;
• Document work performed for each of the assigned audit areas;
• Ensure completeness and accuracy of work papers;
• Formulate value-adding and implementable recommendations that address the root causes of audit findings;
• Obtain the business unit management acceptance of audit findings and concurrence with recommendations;
• For each finding identified, assess and document:
  • (i) the nature of the issue (condition);
  • (ii) the applicable audit criteria;
  • (iii) the root cause of the issue; and
  • (iv) the issue’s effect and resulting risk level, measured in terms of likelihood and impact.
• Participate in the scheduling, conduct and documentation of exit meetings organized by the audit engagement Team Leader
• Provide OAIS with appropriately completed audit work papers for all work performed and be available to respond to queries of the audit engagement team leader, the Chief, Internal Audit, and the quality reviewer, in relation to audit work papers or at the report drafting phase.

3. Engagement reporting phase

• Prepare relevant section(s) of the draft report for each of the assigned work components and areas, summarizing the audit findings and related recommendations.
• Under the direction of the audit engagement team leader, participate in the discussion and presentation of draft audit findings to business unit management.
• Assist in coordinating the receipt of initial Management comments to draft audit report findings and recommendations.
• All deliverables shall be written in English.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education and qualifications:

• University degree in accounting, auditing, business administration, commerce or other related field.
• Professional accounting, auditing or related designation (CA/CPA/CIA or an internationally recognized national equivalent). Additional relevant certifications would be considered an asset.

Knowledge and experience:

• A minimum of seven years of external or internal audit and/or other directly relevant experience, preferably at the international level.
• Previous work experience in an international audit services firm or internal audit role in the UN context and/or supreme audit institution, is desirable.
• Proven ability to conduct internal audit engagements covering the planning, fieldwork and reporting phases in accordance with International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.
• Strong knowledge of internal auditing standards and practices, audit tools and techniques, financial and internal control.
• Excellent communication skills, and proven ability to express himself/herself well verbally and in writing.

Languages

• Fluency in English required, with proven ability to express well verbally and in writing.
• Good knowledge of other UN official languages (French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian or Arabic) would be an advantage.

Required Competencies

• Integrity and objectivity
• Judgment and conceptual thinking: ability to identify key audit issues, present sensitive and difficult audit findings and recommendations to management
• Creativity, innovation and initiative
• Analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, particularly in the English language
• Tactful and balanced approach in dealing with audit matters
• Excellent interpersonal skills within a range of professional contexts
• Result orientation and client focus; and
• Demonstrated ability to use the following tools - Microsoft Office suite, Google suite, electronic audit management software (e.g. TeamMate) and Computer Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs).

HOW TO APPLY:

An application letter which states the candidate's motivation to apply for this consultancy, as well as a curriculum vitae/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 ‘Internal Audit Consultant’ by the specified deadline.