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. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to empower women and achieve 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. It 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 diversity.

Job Overview:
The Audit Specialist position at UN Women involves performing risk-based audits of business processes at UN Women Headquarters and its offices worldwide. The role is crucial for ensuring the adequacy and effectiveness of governance arrangements, risk management, and internal controls. The Audit Specialist will work under the supervision of the Chief of the Internal Audit Service (IAS) and will be responsible for developing and managing the Internal Audit Plan, conducting audits in accordance with international standards, and leading audit engagements. The position requires a strong understanding of methodologies for assessing value for money and the ability to analyze both financial and non-financial data to make evidence-based recommendations. The Audit Specialist will also provide substantive support and advice on operational and program matters, collaborate with various stakeholders, and contribute to knowledge management and sharing within the organization.

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

• Developing and managing the Internal Audit Plan, contributing to the risk-based audit plan development and implementation, and completing assigned audits and advisory reviews.
• Leading risk-based end-to-end audits, including performance/value for money engagements, governance, compliance, and project management audits.
• Monitoring the progress of audit assignments, managing team members, and ensuring that gender mainstreaming aspects are considered in the engagement planning.
• Preparing and presenting clear audit reports detailing findings, recommendations, and corrective actions.
• Collaborating with the Chief of IAS and Director of IEAIS on various operational matters, including quality assurance reviews of other auditors' work.
• Supporting training and guidance to staff and partners on governance, risk management, and compliance.
• Identifying and disseminating best practices and lessons learned, and participating in the implementation of personal learning and training development plans.

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 with a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Internal Auditor designation, along with an additional two years of experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation is desirable, and additional professional certifications such as CISA or CFE are considered advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of auditing standards and practices, risk assessment, and applicable rules and procedures.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or Auditing. A first-level university degree combined with relevant certifications may also be acceptable. The emphasis is on having a solid foundation in auditing principles and practices, as well as a comprehensive understanding of governance and risk management.

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

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and candidates must also be fluent in at least one of the following languages: Spanish, French, or Arabic. Knowledge of additional official UN languages, such as Chinese or Russian, is desirable and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve travel to UN Women offices at various levels, including regions and countries with hazardous working conditions. The role requires a commitment to UN Women’s values and competencies, including integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. Candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, and all selected candidates are expected to adhere to the organization's policies and procedures.