GRC Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results by 2030: ending preventable maternal deaths, fulfilling unmet needs for family planning, and eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, while also advocating for the protection of fundamental human rights.

Job Overview:
The GRC Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting governance, risk management, and internal controls within the East & Southern Africa Region (ESARO) of UNFPA. This position involves working closely with the ESARO Support Team and various country offices to enhance governance and risk management practices. The consultant will be responsible for developing and implementing a Regional Oversight Support Plan, conducting periodic reviews and assessments, and ensuring compliance with UNFPA policies and procedures. The consultant will also facilitate communication and collaboration between the Regional Office and Country Offices, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and engaged in oversight activities. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying potential risks and non-compliance issues, as well as providing actionable recommendations for improvement.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain a comprehensive understanding of governance, risk management, and internal controls within the Regional Office and 23 Country Offices.
• Conduct periodic interactions with ESARO Management and Country Office representatives to discuss oversight activities.
• Assist in monitoring controls and identifying potential non-compliance with policies and procedures.
• Develop and implement a Regional Oversight Support Plan based on Business Unit priorities.
• Lead regular meetings with direct reports to discuss progress and accountability.
• Monitor governance, programmatic, and risk management processes and their impact on UNFPA's mandate.
• Conduct remote and in-country desk reviews to analyze governance and operational areas, providing insights to management.
• Produce reports with observations and implementable recommendations for corrective action.
• Strengthen oversight functions such as spot-checks and supplies management reviews. 1
• Track events and visibility of UNFPA Country Offices and assess risk impacts. 1
• Assist Business Units in preparing for audits and ensure timely responses to auditor recommendations. 1
• Maintain positive interactions with oversight units and ensure compliance with UNFPA policies.

Required Qualifications:

• Completed Master's degree in accounting, auditing, business administration, commerce, or a related field.
• Professional accounting or auditing designation (CA, CPA, or equivalent) is required.
• Ten years or more of relevant experience in internal audit or related fields, preferably at the international level.
• Fluency in English with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of internal auditing standards, practices, and financial controls.
• Previous experience with UNFPA or other UN agencies is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in a relevant field such as accounting, auditing, business administration, or commerce. Additionally, a professional accounting or auditing designation is required, and further certifications will be considered an asset.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of internal audit experience or related fields, with a preference for candidates who have worked at the international level. Experience with UNFPA or other UN agencies is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of an official UN language is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration is from November 14, 2025, to November 13, 2026, with the possibility of extension based on the needs of the Business Units and Regional Office. The consultant will work remotely, in-country, and at the ESA Regional Office. Compensation includes a daily fee of $525, with travel costs and a Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) provided when applicable. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.