Closing date: Sunday, 11 January 2015
Job Title: Snr Oversight Officer (Audit)
Job ID: 10219
Location: Nairobi, RSH, Kenya
APA Location: Nairobi, RSH, Kenya
Salary Grade: Hardship Level: B
P4
Family Type Location: Family
Eligibility Information
Operational Context
Current Situation
The IGO is currently working on reinforcing its inspection function with the ultimate goal of merging the internal audit and inspection functions.
In doing so, the IGO has established an oversight unit in Nairobi, Kenya, where this post is based.
The Senior Oversight Officer (Audit) will reinforce the Inspection Service’s capacity to undertake standard inspections of UNHCR operations and activities in the field, particularly inspections in Africa that include an audit/pre-audit component.
S/he will contribute to all aspects of the inspection management cycle, notably: planning, organization and coordination of inspections, drafting of mission reports, monitoring and follow up of recommendations.
During inspections, s/he will examine, review and appraise the use of resources (financial, human and programmatic) of UNHCR; and monitor the effectiveness of the systems of internal control of the organization.
The Senior Oversight Officer (Audit) will be co-located with Investigation staff of the IGO and will be asked to support relevant investigations where his/her audit skills may be required.
Desirable Attributes
- Solid and varied professional experience, preferably with UNHCR or other UN agencies, in audit, finance, accounting and/or administration.
- Certification as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
- Demonstrated competence and knowledge of auditing standards and practices, risk assessment and UN financial rules and procedures.
- Excellent drafting skills in English as the primary results of the Inspection Service’s work are demonstrated through the succinct and timely publication of written reports.
- Ability to conduct inspections in French, particularly as the incumbent will inspect operations in Francophone African countries.
- Knowledge of a third UN language would be an asset.
Working and Living Conditions
- Despite being at Security Level 3 (Moderate), Nairobi is still considered a family duty station with good medical, banking and recreational facilities.
- There are internationally-recognized schools and hotels are of international standards.
- Means of communication, such as internet connectivity and mobile telephone networks are also adequate and readily available.
There is no malaria in Nairobi.
Security Considerations
Nairobi is in UN security level 3 (Moderate), with terrorism being a major security challenge, with threats increasing following Kenyan military engagement in Somalia.
General crime in Nairobi is high like in many other large cities. There are occasional violent demonstrations and riots organized by students, trade unions and civil society organizations.
The most significant hazards concern road traffic accidents which may result in injuries and fatalities.
A high sense of vigilance and alertness is required.
The incumbent will need to undertake missions to UNHCR operations located in duty stations in Africa and beyond where the security level ranges from 1 (Minimal) to 4 (Substantial).
Inspections missions will require medical clearance.
Additional Factors
The delivery of successful inspections requires coordination with other UNHCR and UN offices/services associated with oversight responsibilities, including investigation, audit and evaluation.
Prior professional experience of key oversight functions with UNHCR or UN agencies would thus be an advantage.
Given the nature of oversight work, the IGO requires that applicants have demonstrated a high level of tact, and discretion in the conduct of previous assignments.
In view of the foreseen merging of the internal audit function with the inspection function, the incumbent of this position will need to have demonstrated flexibility and adaptability to changing situations throughout his/her career.
Being the only member of the Inspection Service located in Nairobi, s/he will need to exercise a certain degree of autonomy and coordinate closely with the Investigation Service staff co-located with her/him.
Duties and Qualifications
Senior Oversight Officer (Audit)
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The Senior Oversight Officer (Audit) will be physically located in Nairobi, and report directly to the Head of the IGO Unit in Nairobi. S/he will have primary responsibility for coordinating the preparation, planning, organization and follow-up of oversight assignments, especially inspection/audits, entrusted to him/her, including timely and appropriate formulation of resulting oversight reports. S/he will participate in oversight assignments, particularly but not exclusively in the Africa region, as a core member of the audit/inspection teams assembled for this purpose and will advise and assist the head of the team in the management and conduct of the actual audit/inspection process. S/he will contribute to the preparation of the annual audit/inspection plans and to other reports, analyses, reviews and assessments related to or deriving from oversight functions/activities as required. S/he will also contribute, on a continuing basis, to efforts to further develop, refine and update a methodology and tools that integrate the audit and inspection functions.
The work of the Senior Oversight Officer (Audit) will involve interaction with staff of the IGO’s Investigation Service, especially those based in the IGO Unit in Nairobi, as well as staff at Headquarters and in the field at all levels. When and if required, s/he will also work with UNHCR’s interlocutors in other oversight bodies (including OIOS), in host governments, NGOs, embassies and other UN and non-UN international agencies, as well as with independent experts.
Staff members working in the IGO are required to demonstrate respect for the principles governing the work of the IGO. These include impartiality, objectivity and appropriate confidentiality, as well as high standards of professional competence and integrity in all aspects of an audit and/or inspection.
FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
Accountability
- Oversight missions, especially those having and audit/inspection component, are thoroughly planned and prepared and carried out in accordance with procedures, protocols and criteria established by the IGO, in accordance with established international standards (in particular the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, ‘IIA Standards’).
- Reports are issued in a timely manner and the implementations of resulting recommendations are closely monitored to ensure compliance.
- Lessons learned from audit/inspections are disseminated to relevant units/offices and when/where appropriate, new integrated audit/inspection procedures and training materials are developed.
Responsibility
- Prepare/participate in preparations for risk-based, integrated oversight plans of UNHCR field offices and Headquarters units.
- Plan and prepare oversight missions through compilation and analysis of background information related to the operation or unit to be audited/inspected, including through interviews of and briefings by concerned staff and review of relevant documentation.
- Carry out oversight assignments of UNHCR field offices focusing on specific aspects of operations, as assigned, notably operation management, programme and administration, including finance and personnel functions, in accordance with procedures, protocols and criteria established by the IGO, in accordance with international audit standards (IIA Standards).
- As part of an integrated oversight team, document, evaluate and test systems and controls to determine their adequacy and effectiveness to ensure (i) compliance with policies and procedures, (ii) accomplishment of management’s objectives, (iii) reliability and integrity of information, (iv) economic use of resources, and (v) safeguarding of UNHCR assets.
- Debrief audited/inspected field offices upon the completion of oversight activities, together with other members of the oversight team,
- Draft in a timely manner relevant sections of oversight mission reports and related documentation and compile, edit and coordinate the finalization of these reports and documents.
- Follow up on the implementation of the recommendations contained in oversight reports through the course of the audit/inspection cycle, and take appropriate action to address any problems or difficulties arising from his/her monitoring of the process.
- Extract lessons learned from oversight assignments, formulate conclusions/recommendations that have a wider relevance to the work of the organization, and assist in disseminating them.
- Contribute to improving procedures that integrate oversight functions, especially audit and inspections, and to the development of training and public information materials and oversight-related management tools.
- Keep abreast of and contribute to, as appropriate, the development of UNHCR’s oversight policies and procedures.
- Promote the integrated audit/inspection function as an important tool for enhancing the quality of management and for ensuring accountability.
Authority
- Decide on the agenda for integrated oversight missions, including the selection of all external interlocutors to meet with during the mission.
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, accounting or related field.
- Certification as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
- A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in audit (including supervisory functions), finance, accounting, administration, or programme/project evaluation and monitoring, with at least four years of field experience, preferably with UNHCR or other UN agencies.
- Professional competence and knowledge of auditing standards and practices, risk assessment, and applicable financial rules and procedures.
- Excellent analytical and drafting skills.
- Fluency in English and French (both oral and written) is required.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
- Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or equivalent is desirable.
- In-depth technical knowledge and hands-on experience in the field of auditing.
- Knowledge of specialized IT audit applications, such as IDEA, ACL, and AutoAudit.
Position Competencies
- C001L3 – Accountability Level 3
- C002L3 – Teamwork & Collaboration Level 3
- C003L3 – Communication Level 3
- C004L3 – Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3
- C005L3 – Client & Result Orientation Level 3
- C006L3 – Organizational Awareness Level 3
- M003L3 – Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
- M004L3 – Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
- X001L3 – Analytical Thinking Level 3
- X005L3 – Planning and Organizing Level 3
- X009L3 – Change Capability and Adaptability Level 3
The post UNHCR Job Vacancy in Kenya : Senior Oversight Officer (Audit) appeared first on Jobs in Kenya.
