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Qualifications

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The mission of the Office of Internal Audit is to provide independent, objective assurance and advisory services to the Director of PASB, in order to improve PAHO’s operations, risk-mitigating internal controls, and governance. OIA delivers its advice through internal audit reports; comments delivered as observers at internal committees and working groups; and through ad-hoc communications. OIA bases its professional activities on the Professional Practices Framework of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). OIA has also has investigatory remit, at the request of the Director of PASB.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Director (D), and the direct supervision of the Auditor General (OIA), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to the following duties:

a)   Collaborate in the design and development of the OIA’s annual risk – based internal audit work plans, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and strategic priorities;

b)   Perform at least 4 internal audits annually, covering all aspects of the Organization (at Headquarters, subregional, and country levels);

c)    Prepare comprehensive work papers for individual internal audits, documenting detailed test results, findings, and conclusions and ensuring clear linkage to audit objectives and criteria;

d)   Effectively communicate audit findings and recommendations to senior PASB officials through clear and concise verbal presentations, ensuring timely and impactful delivery of key insights and actionable advice;

e)   Develop and finalize comprehensive internal audit reports for individual audits, including draft and final versions, that clearly present findings, conclusions and recommendations and ensures accuracy, completeness and quality in accordance with professional standards;

f)    Define methodologies, IT tools and approaches appropriate for individual internal audits;

g)   Supervise auditors, as necessary, in the conduct of internal audits;

h)   Contribute to the activities of the United Nations’ internal audit network, the “Representatives of Internal Audit Services” (RIAS);

i)     Control the OIA budget, using the support of the Internal Audit Technician;

j)    Participate as an observer in internal committees and working groups, as directed by the Auditor-General;

k)   Deputize for the Auditor-General during his absences from work;

l)     Participate in the follow-up of findings raised in OIA’s internal audit reports;

m)  Contribute to the preparation of information to support the work of the Audit Committee;

n)   Perform and report on investigative activity (when OIA is instructed to undertake investigations);

o)   Coordinate with External Auditors in order to avoid duplications and fill gaps in audit coverage;

p)   Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: A bachelor’s and a master’s degree from a recognized university, in public or business administration, auditing, finance or other related area plus professional certification from an internationally recognized oversight body, such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA); Certified Public Accountant (CPA); and Chartered Accountant (CA).

In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position.  PAHO, only considers official degrees obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process.

Experience:

Essential: Thirteen years of combined national and international professional experience in internal audit activities, and related “Lines of Defense” activities, including supervisory and management experience. Demonstrated experience and knowledge in using a risk-based internal audit framework and in applying IIA standards in the performance of internal audits.

SKILLS:

PAHO Competencies:

Overall attitude at work: Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization’s mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts.

Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences: Relates well to diversity in others and capitalizes on such diversity. Treats all people with dignity and respect. Relates well to people with different cultures, gender, orientations, backgrounds and/or positions; examines own behavior to avoid stereotypical responses; considers issues from the perspective of others and values their diversity.

Teamwork: Advocates for collaboration across the Organization. Creates and encourages a climate of team- working and collaboration across the Organization; sees cooperation as a key Organizational priority and creates collaborative systems and processes to achieve Organizational goals. Actively identifies and tackles disagreements between internal and external counterparts that compromise the Organization’s goals and mandate; diplomatically facilitates the resolution of conflicts between others and ensures strategic partnerships with a range of key stakeholders; maintains and extends an effective collaborative network of individuals inside and outside the Organization.

Communication: Articulates the Organization’s strategic objectives when formulating and delivering information and presentations and adapts presentation methodology to address the needs of different audiences. Establishes a safe environment for others to express their views and takes those views into consideration in decision making as needed. Is aware of cultural differences and uses culturally appropriate non-verbal communication.  Supervises (or oversees) and coordinates the development of guidelines, policies and strategies; ensures the Organization’s strategic objectives are well reflected through written communication and provides quality control for written documents.  Shares decisions and directives of senior management and communicates them in a manner that ensures both understanding and acceptance; shares knowledge and best practice at the three Organizational levels (country, regional and global), as necessary.

Creating an empowering and motivating environment: Oversees and provides teams and departments with clear managerial directions which are translated from Organizational strategy.  Builds a performance culture in the Organization; contributes to setting Organizational performance goals and standards; monitors Organizational performance against milestones and strategic goals; identifies and nurtures talent as appropriate. Promotes autonomy and empowerment throughout the Organization; inspires enthusiasm and a positive attitude in people towards their work and contribution to the Organization’s success.

Promoting innovation and Organizational learning: Ensures that knowledge and learning are shared across the Organization, transmitting a sense of responsibility and empowerment down the Organization; builds a culture that encourages learning and development by coaching and mentoring others.  Drives and advocates for change as needed, continually promoting new ways to position the Organization for success; is recognized as a key resource within the Organization for generation of alternative perspectives on the Organization’s mission and work.

Ensuring effective use of resources: Sets specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely objectives for own team and/or the Organization; systematically analyses and anticipates priority projects for own team and allocates necessary resources to achieve them; identifies the cross-Organizational resources needed for large- scale projects in line with key Organizational objectives.  Anticipates foreseeable changes and adapts own and team’s projects in the face of unforeseen circumstances and/ or challenges; creates measures and criteria to monitor progress of overall projects against key Organizational objectives; creates cost-effective solutions for the Organization.

Technical Expertise:

·       Thorough knowledge of internal auditing and investigative practices, procedures and principles and their application.

·       A broad knowledge of operational, administrative, managerial and financial matters.

·       Strong organizational skills, including the ability to work at times with minimal supervision.

·       Thorough knowledge of strategic, business and financial planning processes in international organizations, including technical knowledge to assess, recommend and defend internal auditing practices and policies.

·       Thorough understanding of internal auditing concepts and practices, e.g., in the Professional Practices Framework of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), and the internal control framework of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

·       Strong professional oral and writing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, PowerPoint presentations, and technical/persuasive documents for consideration at all levels of the Organization.

Languages:

Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

IT Skills:

Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, spreadsheets and presentations as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). Proficient in a range of tools and software applications with expertise in Microsoft Office Suite (word, excel, PowerPoint, Teams SharePoint and Outlook). Additionally, possess knowledge of audit management and related software, including audit workflow, risk assessment and compliance tools.

REMUNERATION

Annual Salary: (Net of taxes)

USD $92,731.00 post adjustment

Post Adjustment: 70.2% of the above figure(s).  This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.

Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual.

For information on PAHO please visit: http://www.paho.org

PAHO/WHO is an ethical organization that maintains high standards of integrity and accountability. People joining PAHO are required to maintain these standards both in their professional work and personal activities.

PAHO/WHO also promotes a work environment that is free from harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other types of abusive behavior. PAHO conducts background checks and will not hire anyone who has a substantiated history of abusive conduct.

PAHO/WHO personnel interact frequently with people in the communities we serve. To protect these people, PAHO has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoing will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution.

PAHO/WHO is committed to workforce diversity. PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

PAHO/WHO offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary and post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance).  Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. Benefits for internationally recruited staff may include home leave, travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, education grant for dependent children, assignment grant and rental subsidy.

Candidates appointed to an international post with PAHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post.

Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. A written test and/or interview will be held for this post.  The post description is the official documentation for organization purposes.