UNICEF Internal Control Associate

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, was established in December 1946 to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries that were devastated by World War II. Today, UNICEF works in over 150 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child, focusing on the most disadvantaged and excluded children. The organization aims to ensure that all children survive and thrive, learn, and are protected from violence and exploitation. In Pakistan, UNICEF has been actively involved since the country signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990, working closely with the government and various stakeholders to improve the lives of children and adolescents across the nation. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing the acute challenges faced by children in Pakistan, particularly in areas such as health, education, and protection.

Job Overview:
The UNICEF Internal Control Associate position is designed to support the coordination and implementation of assurance activities within the Field Office in Quetta. This role is crucial for strengthening accountability and risk management in UNICEF's operations, particularly in the context of Baluchistan, where the risk level is significant. The Internal Control Associate will work closely with various teams to ensure compliance with UNICEF policies and procedures, conduct risk assessments, and maintain assurance records. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying operational gaps and compliance risks, as well as the ability to suggest practical risk mitigation measures. The Internal Control Associate will also play a key role in training and raising awareness among UNICEF staff and partners regarding internal control practices and anti-fraud policies, thereby contributing to the overall effectiveness of UNICEF's programs in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UNV Internal Control Associate will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties aimed at enhancing internal controls and compliance within UNICEF's operations. Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting Operations and program sections in strengthening vendor-related internal controls and ensuring compliance with UNICEF policies and procedures.
• Identifying programmatic, operational, and financial risks through field visits, document reviews, and data analysis, and suggesting practical risk mitigation measures.
• Conducting on-site and remote verifications of program activities to ensure alignment with partnership agreements, approved workplans, and UNICEF quality standards.
• Reviewing supporting documentation submitted by implementing partners (IPs) to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance with financial and operational requirements.
• Supporting the development and improvement of tools, templates, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at strengthening verification, documentation, and reporting practices across the office.
• Maintaining regular coordination with the FO Operations, PCO Risk & Compliance section, and FO program teams to ensure effective information sharing and consistent oversight practices.
• Conducting periodic reviews of key operational processes at the field level to assess the effectiveness of internal controls and ensure alignment with UNICEF policies, procedures, and SOPs.
• Undertaking field visits, including spot checks, to UNICEF-supported projects and implementing partners to identify operational gaps, compliance risks, and potential areas for improvement.
• Facilitating or supporting training and awareness sessions for UNICEF staff, implementing partners, and vendors on internal control practices and anti-fraud policies. 1
• Working with program officers and focal points at partners’ level to follow up on recommendations arising from verification activities and risk reviews, maintaining a tracking mechanism to monitor progress. 1
• Supporting special verification exercises related to program expenditures and preparing summary reports outlining key findings, risks identified, and recommended corrective actions. 1
• Providing additional support to the FO Operations on other assignments as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the UNICEF Internal Control Associate position should possess a strong understanding of internal control frameworks and compliance monitoring. They should have excellent analytical skills to identify risks and propose mitigation strategies. Strong communication skills are essential for effective collaboration with various stakeholders, including government partners and implementing organizations. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a commitment to UNICEF's mission and values, particularly in relation to children's rights and welfare. Familiarity with UNICEF's policies and procedures, as well as experience in program monitoring and evaluation, will be advantageous. Additionally, candidates should be detail-oriented and capable of managing multiple tasks efficiently.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field is required for the UNICEF Internal Control Associate position. Advanced degrees or certifications in relevant areas such as internal auditing or risk management will be considered an asset. Candidates should have a solid understanding of financial management principles and practices, as well as familiarity with compliance and regulatory frameworks relevant to the non-profit sector.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant professional experience in internal control, compliance monitoring, or risk management. Experience working in the non-profit sector, particularly in a UN agency or similar organization, will be highly regarded. Familiarity with program monitoring and evaluation processes, as well as experience in conducting audits or assessments, will be beneficial for this role. The ability to work effectively in a team and independently, as well as a strong commitment to achieving results, is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the UNICEF Internal Control Associate position, as it is the working language of the organization. Proficiency in Urdu or other local languages spoken in Pakistan is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local partners and stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing engagement with diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UNV assignment, and the selected candidate will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) provided is PKR 105,097 per month, which is intended to cover housing, utilities, and normal living expenses. The position includes life health and permanent disability insurance, with health coverage extended to up to three dependents. Additionally, the assignment may include final repatriation benefits if applicable, as well as a resettlement allowance for satisfactory service. The role is full-time and requires a commitment to the mission and values of UNICEF.