Chief (Professional Practices)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a culture of belonging and growth. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to its mission, providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Chief (Professional Practices) position is a leadership role within the Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) at UNICEF. This role is crucial for ensuring that the Internal Audit function is strategically aligned, high-performing, and responsive to organizational priorities and emerging risks. The Chief will oversee the Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme (QAIP), audit methodology, risk-based planning, and performance insights across the Internal Audit Section. The position requires a strong focus on continuous improvement, innovation, and the modernization of audit practices through data and technology. The Chief will report to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of Internal Audit and will be responsible for leading the strategic direction of the Internal Audit function, ensuring it meets the highest standards of quality and effectiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme (QAIP) by providing strategic leadership and ownership, ensuring alignment with Global Internal Audit Standards.
• Develop and enhance the audit universe and risk-based planning frameworks, aligning with UNICEF’s risk profile and organizational initiatives.
• Establish a comprehensive audit performance and analytics framework, including KPIs and dashboards for monitoring audit activities.
• Maintain and enhance audit methodologies, policies, and professional practices to ensure consistency and rigor.
• Oversee the governance and optimization of audit management systems and digital tools to improve audit quality and efficiency.
• Implement capability development and training strategies for the Internal Audit Section, aligned with evolving audit needs and organizational priorities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Information Systems, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in internal audit, risk management, or oversight functions is required, particularly in international or multilateral organizations. Candidates should demonstrate experience in leading professional practices functions, developing Quality Assurance and Improvement Programmes (QAIP), and risk-based audit planning. Strong analytical, conceptual, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to synthesize complex information and produce clear reports for senior stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Information Systems is required for this position. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of internal audit and risk management within a global organization like UNICEF.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in internal audit, risk management, or oversight functions. This experience should include work in international or multilateral organizations, demonstrating a strong understanding of audit practices and governance structures.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is desirable, enhancing communication and collaboration in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term appointment at the P5 level. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates may be required to undergo rigorous background checks and medical clearance, and compliance with vaccination requirements is mandatory. UNICEF does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.