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 eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to enhance the rights and opportunities of women and girls in various contexts, including development, humanitarian action, and peace and security. The organization merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender equality and women's empowerment, thus having a significant impact on the global agenda for gender equality. UN Women employs 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 improvements, as well as the ability to lead audit engagements and collaborate with various stakeholders. The Audit Specialist will also support knowledge management and training initiatives within the organization, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the internal audit function.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Audit Specialist will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Developing and managing the formulation and achievement of the Internal Audit Plan, contributing to the risk-based audit plan development and implementation.
• Completing assigned audits and advisory reviews in accordance with the Risk-Based Audit Plan and international auditing standards.
• Leading risk-based end-to-end audits, including performance/value for money engagements, governance, compliance, and project management audits.
• Conducting audit missions to UN Women offices, including those in hazardous working conditions.
• Monitoring the progress of audit assignments, managing team members, and ensuring objectives are met.
• Preparing and presenting clear audit reports detailing findings, recommendations, and corrective actions.
• Collaborating with senior management on operational and program matters, providing timely advice and support.
• Performing quality assurance reviews of other auditors’ work and participating in the IAS Quality Assurance and Improvement Plan.
• Supporting training and guidance to staff and partners on governance, risk management, and compliance. 1
• Contributing to the development of audit guidelines and standard operating procedures, and identifying best practices and lessons learned.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a set of qualifications that include:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Auditing, or a related field.
• A first-level university degree with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation and an additional 2 years of experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation is desirable, along with additional professional certifications such as CISA or CFE, which are considered advantageous.
• Strong understanding of auditing standards and practices, risk assessment, and applicable rules and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to perform and manage various types of audits, including operational, performance, and financial audits.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or Auditing. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with a CPA or CIA designation and additional relevant experience may be accepted. Professional certifications such as CIA, CISA, or CFE are highly regarded and can enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in audit, evaluation, monitoring, or a directly relevant area is required. Candidates should have experience working in an international organization and conducting value for money and/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 an asset in the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve travel to various UN Women offices, including those in challenging environments. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that recruitment and employment practices are free from discrimination. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and expects all personnel to adhere to its standards of conduct. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form are completed to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.