Chief of Peacekeeping Audit Service

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Position Title: Chief of Peacekeeping Audit Service
Location: Entebbe
Country: Uganda
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is within the Peacekeeping Audit Service, part of the Internal Audit Division (IAD) of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) of the United Nations. OIOS serves as the internal oversight body for the UN, assisting the Secretary-General in fulfilling oversight responsibilities regarding the organization’s resources and staff. Established to provide audit, investigation, inspection, and evaluation services, OIOS operates globally, covering various UN entities including the Secretariat, Peacekeeping Missions, and other specialized agencies. The Peacekeeping Audit Service specifically focuses on internal oversight for peacekeeping missions and special political missions, employing around 65 staff members to ensure effective program and project management, procurement, logistics, and administrative operations. The service aims to enhance internal controls, provide independent assessments, and support decision-making processes within the UN framework.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Peacekeeping Audit Service is tasked with managing the substantive work program and resources of the Service. This role involves developing an annual risk-based audit plan, executing the audit plan with a focus on data analytics, and ensuring efficient use of resources in line with OIOS policies and international auditing standards. The Chief will foster collaborative relationships with client entities to enhance the relevance and impact of the Service's outputs. The position also requires assisting the Director of IAD in establishing operational guidelines and managing staffing strategies. The Chief will lead a diverse team, ensuring high-quality outputs and effective communication across organizational boundaries. This role is critical in providing substantive support to various committees and intergovernmental bodies, ensuring that reports are clear and focused, and that meetings are well-organized and comprehensive.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Peacekeeping Audit Service will be responsible for:

• Developing an annual risk-based audit plan for the Service's activities.
• Managing the execution of the audit plan, integrating data analytics into the audit lifecycle.
• Ensuring effective collaboration with client entities to enhance the Service's outputs.
• Overseeing the quality of outputs produced by the team to meet required standards.
• Assisting in establishing operating guidelines and internal audit manuals.
• Identifying resource requirements for staffing strategies and budget requests.
• Recruiting staff with attention to geographical balance.
• Guiding, developing, and training team members.
• Leading data collection and analysis efforts to identify trends for decision-making. 1
• Participating in international meetings and providing programmatic expertise. 1
• Representing the Service within the UN and other organizations as needed. 1
• Carrying out additional tasks as assigned by the Director of IAD.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in auditing, finance, business administration, accounting, or a closely related field. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Professional certifications such as CPA, CA, CIA, or CISA are desirable. Successful completion of programs in data analytics or business analytics is an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of internal auditing standards and practices, as well as the ability to apply UN rules and regulations in their work.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as auditing, finance, business administration, or accounting. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by relevant experience. Additional qualifications in data analytics or related fields are considered advantageous, enhancing the candidate's ability to integrate data-driven methodologies into the audit process.

Experience:
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in auditing is required, with at least five years at a management level supervising a culturally diverse team. Candidates should have experience embedding data analytics into the audit cycle and managing complex internal audit work with multiple stakeholders. Field experience in audit within peace operations is desirable, as is experience in implementing initiatives to enhance internal audit efficiency.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, is desirable and may enhance a candidate's competitiveness for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is financed from the Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations and is subject to budgetary approval and availability of funds. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extension. Staff members must fulfill lateral move or geographical requirements to be eligible for this position. Candidates from underrepresented member states are strongly encouraged to apply. The UN promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and is committed to gender balance in staffing. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities will be provided upon request.