Audit and Verification Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East, established to provide assistance and protection to Palestine refugees. With over 30,000 staff members, UNRWA operates in five areas of operation, focusing on delivering education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance to some of the most vulnerable communities in the region. The agency is committed to helping Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development despite the challenging circumstances they face. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual contributions. For more information about UNRWA, please visit their official website at https://www.unrwa.org/.

Job Overview:
The Audit and Verification Specialist plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial operations within UNRWA. Reporting to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of Finance and Chief of the Accounts Division, the specialist will coordinate verification missions across various fields, providing technical leadership and strategic support. This position requires a deep understanding of audit practices, financial regulations, and the ability to assess internal audits for consistency with professional standards. The specialist will be responsible for managing the interim and final audits conducted by the UN Board of Auditors, ensuring timely responses to audit queries, and implementing corrective actions based on audit findings. The role also involves training and supervising staff, as well as liaising with various departments to ensure compliance with donor agreements and financial reporting standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as the focal point for coordinating verification missions across UNRWA fields, providing technical leadership and operational support.
• Assess internal audits and verifications for consistency with professional standards and applicable regulations.
• Review and ensure the accuracy and completeness of documents submitted for verification missions.
• Identify issues and trends in audit findings and recommend improvements for data quality and timeliness.
• Manage the interim and final audits by the UN Board of Auditors, including planning, meetings, and communication with management.
• Develop and lead mechanisms for data collection and consolidation to oversee responses from department and field directors.
• Coordinate timely responses to audit queries and draft management responses.
• Track and monitor the implementation of audit recommendations to meet required benchmarks.
• Serve as the focal point for audits and inspections by the Department of Internal Oversight Services and other bodies. 1
• Provide technical guidance and training to staff within the Finance Department. 1
• Analyze problems related to compliance and audit, formulating strategies and policies to address them. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, or business administration.
• Minimum of three years of experience at the international level in a large multinational, governmental, or non-profit organization.
• Experience in budgeting, accounting, and financial management using computer-based financial systems.
• Candidates must have a minimum of two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and their country of citizenship.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited institution in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of financial management and audit processes within the UN system.

Experience:
The position requires at least seven years of progressively responsible experience in the relevant fields of accounting, finance, or business administration. Candidates should have a minimum of three years of experience at the international level, particularly in large organizations, and must demonstrate proficiency in budgeting and financial management. Additionally, candidates must have relevant international experience outside their country of citizenship unless they are already serving as international staff members in the UN Common System.

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 I. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
This is a UN Regular Budget post with a contract duration of one year, which may be extended based on performance and organizational needs. The position is full-time, and UNRWA is committed to achieving gender balance and diversity in its workforce. Female candidates and candidates with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Background checks will be conducted for all recommended candidates, and applicants must provide complete and accurate information in their applications. UNRWA has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.