Director of Internal Oversight Services

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff across five areas of operation. Established to support Palestine refugees, UNRWA is primarily funded through voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual donations. The agency's mission is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development despite the challenging circumstances they face. UNRWA is currently undergoing a modernization agenda aimed at enhancing its agility and adaptability while remaining committed to its core mandate. The organization is focused on strengthening partnerships, embracing modern technologies, promoting environmental sustainability, and prioritizing inclusive programming to empower women, youth, and individuals with disabilities. This is a pivotal time for UNRWA as it seeks to make a tangible difference in the lives of one of the world's most vulnerable communities.

Job Overview:
The Director of Internal Oversight Services (DIOS) plays a crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of governance, risk management, and control processes within UNRWA. This position involves setting clear objectives for DIOS, implementing performance reviews, and fostering a learning environment that emphasizes staff development and technical expertise. The Director is responsible for developing and executing a long-term strategy and risk-based internal audit and evaluation plan that aligns with the Agency's strategic objectives. The role requires leading audit investigations and evaluations, maintaining optimal relations within DIOS and with senior management, and ensuring compliance with professional standards and ethical codes. The Director will also oversee the development of high-quality reports and recommendations, monitor management's implementation of these recommendations, and direct internal audit activities to add value to UNRWA. This position requires a strong commitment to safeguarding the Agency's resources and proactively assessing fraud risks, as well as conducting investigations into various irregularities. The Director will represent UNRWA at oversight-related meetings and collaborate with other UN agencies on mutual interests, ensuring that the Agency's evaluation program aligns with its strategic priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Set clear work objectives for DIOS and ensure effective performance reviews and feedback mechanisms.
• Develop and implement a long-term strategy and risk-based internal audit and evaluation plan.
• Lead and supervise audit investigations and evaluations, ensuring effective communication within DIOS and with senior management.
• Direct the development of high-quality reports and recommendations on internal audits and evaluations, monitoring management's actions to implement these recommendations.
• Provide independent assurance and advice on governance, risk management, and control processes as the Chief Audit Executive of UNRWA.
• Safeguard UNRWA's financial and other resources by assessing fraud risks and recommending preventive measures.
• Conduct investigations into suspected irregularities, including fraud, corruption, and breaches of conduct.
• Align the Agency's evaluation program with its strategic priorities and provide technical guidance for decentralized evaluations.
• Represent UNRWA at oversight-related meetings and collaborate with other UN agencies. 1
• Report regularly to the Commissioner-General and the Advisory Committee on Internal Oversight on DIOS activities and ensure effective responses to complaints.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in public or business administration, auditing, finance, economics, social sciences, law, or a related field is required.
• Professional certification in at least one of the oversight functions (audit, evaluation, investigation) from a recognized body is required.
• Strong understanding of UN financial rules, regulations, and procedures is desirable.
• Excellent writing skills and the ability to handle complex issues with diplomacy and tact are essential.
• Familiarity with risk management in large organizations is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) from an accredited institution in relevant fields such as public or business administration, auditing, finance, economics, social sciences, law, or related areas. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least 15 years of progressively responsible relevant combined national and international professional experience in an oversight function. A minimum of eight years of relevant professional experience at a supervisory level is required. Additionally, candidates must have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and their country of citizenship, unless they are already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System. Experience with risk management in large organizations is desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Arabic is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration is for 2 years, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum total tenure of six years. The incumbent will be required to travel within UNRWA's Area of Operations in the Middle East. Applications must be fully completed in UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, and late applications will not be accepted. UNRWA is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages applications from qualified candidates with disabilities. A roster may be created from the selection exercise, and successful candidates may be eligible for appointment to similar posts. UNRWA does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is a non-smoking work environment.