Audit Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as a response to the United Nations General Assembly's call for a dedicated entity to promote gender equality and empower women. The organization is grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and works towards the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, the empowerment of women, and the achievement of equality between women and men. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to ensure that every woman and girl can exercise her rights and live up to her full potential. The organization combines resources and mandates from four previously distinct parts of the UN system, focusing exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women has a diverse workforce and is committed to creating an inclusive environment that respects and values diversity.

Job Overview:
The Audit Specialist position at UN Women is a critical role within the Internal Audit Service (IAS) of the Independent Evaluation, Audit, and Investigations Services (IEAIS). The primary responsibility of the Audit Specialist is to perform risk-based audits of business processes at UN Women Headquarters and its offices worldwide. This includes auditing programs, projects, corporate functions, systems, internal controls, and the implementation of policies and procedures. The Audit Specialist will work under the supervision of the Chief of IAS and will be expected to contribute to the development and management of the Internal Audit Plan, ensuring that audits are conducted in accordance with international standards and UN Women’s guidelines. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying risks and providing recommendations for improvement, as well as the ability to lead audit engagements and collaborate with various stakeholders to enhance governance and compliance within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Audit Specialist will be responsible for a variety of duties, including but not limited to: developing and managing the Internal Audit Plan, contributing to the risk-based audit plan development and implementation, completing assigned audits and advisory reviews, conducting audit assignments in accordance with international standards, leading risk-based audits for performance/value for money engagements, and undertaking audit missions to UN Women offices. The role also involves monitoring the progress of audit assignments, planning and supervising the work of team members, ensuring gender mainstreaming in audit processes, identifying potential misconduct, utilizing data analytics and AI tools to enhance audit efficiency, preparing and presenting audit reports, and monitoring the status of audit recommendations. Additionally, the Audit Specialist will provide substantive support and advice on operational and program matters, collaborate with senior management, perform quality assurance reviews, support knowledge management initiatives, and contribute to the ongoing development of professional practices within the team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Auditing, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation and an additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. The CIA designation is desirable, and additional professional certifications such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) are considered advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of auditing standards and practices, risk assessment methodologies, and governance processes.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Audit Specialist position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or Auditing. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree, they must also possess a CPA or CIA designation along with additional relevant experience. The role may also benefit from candidates who have obtained additional professional certifications, which can enhance their qualifications for the position.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of professional experience in audit, evaluation, monitoring, risk management, or another directly relevant area is required. Candidates should have experience working in an international organization and conducting value for money or performance audits. Proficiency in developing audit criteria, key performance indicators, and benchmarks to assess program performance is essential. Familiarity with audit management software and computer-assisted audit techniques is also required, along with experience in using modern web-based Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP), preferably Oracle Cloud.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional official UN languages such as Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian is desirable and can be considered an asset for candidates applying for the role.

Additional Notes:
The Audit Specialist position is a full-time role within UN Women, which emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. It is important for applicants to complete all sections of the application form to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.