Internal Controls Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on reproductive health and rights, aiming to ensure that every pregnancy is intended, 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 dedicated to advancing the goals set forth in the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 203

• UNFPA's mission emphasizes the importance of human rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls, striving to create a world where everyone can lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

Job Overview:
The Internal Controls Specialist plays a crucial role within the Quality Management Unit (QMU) of UNFPA's Division for Management Services (DMS). Reporting directly to the Chief of QMU, the specialist is tasked with assessing, developing, implementing, and monitoring internal control policies and systems to mitigate risks, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks. The position requires collaboration with various UNFPA offices and external parties to identify control weaknesses and recommend improvements. The specialist will also engage in fraud risk management and contribute to the implementation of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) processes, ensuring that the organization maintains a culture of accountability and integrity while achieving its strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Internal Controls Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Developing and maintaining processes, procedures, and systems related to the Internal Control Framework, ensuring that policies are up-to-date and effective.
• Leading centralized controls testing to assess the effectiveness of key controls and processes, preparing reports on findings and recommendations.
• Conducting regular fraud risk assessments and collaborating with business units to mitigate identified risks.
• Providing technical support and capacity building to process owners, optimizing controls and streamlining processes.
• Overseeing global performance and compliance with internal control policies, serving as a focal point for audits and coordinating responses to audit findings.
• Developing training materials and delivering training sessions on internal control and fraud risk management to staff across the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in public or business administration, risk management, finance, accounting, or a related field. A Bachelor's degree with relevant professional accreditation (e.g., CPA, ACA) may be considered equivalent. Professional certifications such as CIA, CRMA, or CFE are desirable. Candidates should have at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in internal controls, risk management, financial management, or internal audit, with a minimum of 5 years at the international level. Proven experience with internal control frameworks, advanced knowledge of ERP systems, and familiarity with UN regulatory frameworks are essential. Strong analytical skills, the ability to write user-friendly policies, and excellent communication skills are also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in public or business administration, risk management, finance, accounting, or a related field is required. A Bachelor's degree with suitable professional accreditation (e.g., CPA, ACA) is considered equivalent. Professional certifications such as CIA, CRMA, or CFE are highly desirable and will enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in internal controls, risk management, financial management, or internal audit. At least 5 years of this experience should be at the international level, ideally within complex organizations. Proven experience with internal control frameworks, including design, documentation, testing, and assessment of risk-based controls, is essential. Familiarity with ERP systems and data analytics tools is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other official UN languages is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics.