Audit Analyst (Open to South Africa Nationals Only) – Pretoria (1 Position)
JOB DETAIL
Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
The Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) reports to the Administrator and is responsible for internal audit and investigations services to UNDP and its affiliated entities. OAI provides independent, objective assurance on the effectiveness of risk management and the effectiveness and adequacy of internal controls. As part of its assurance work, OAI audits projects directly implemented by UNDP (DIM projects). Normally, OAI engages audit firms to conduct such project audits on its behalf and under its supervision. Project audits may be limited to an audit of the project’s financial statements or may also encompass an audit of the project’s internal controls and systems. The resulting audit reports are disclosed to donors. OAI also supports the annual audit exercise of non-governmental/ nationally implemented projects (HACT/NIM projects) in some 150 countries where UNDP operates and reviews and analyses the resulting audit reports submitted by audit firms and government audit institutions.
OAI has a decentralized organizational structure with Directorate and other headquarter units based in New York, and Regional Audit Centre’s (RACs) located in five regions: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Asia Pacific), Pretoria, South Africa (East and South Africa), Dakar, Senegal (North, West and Central Africa), Panama City, Panama (Latin America and the Caribbean) and Istanbul, Turkey (Europe and the CIS).
The Audit Analyst reports to the Chief of the RAC for East and Southern Africa (RAC-ESA). The RAC-ESA is staffed with a Chief (P-5 level), four Audit Specialists (3 P-4 and 1 P-3), one Audit Analyst (P2), and one Administrative Associate (GS-6 level).
Position Purpose
The Regional Audit Centre for East and Southern Africa (RAC-ESA) covers a portfolio of 23 UNDP country offices in the region. The primary role of the Audit Analyst is to perform internal audits of UNDP country offices in the region, to review the annual Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfer (HACT)/National Implementation (NIM)/NGO and Direct Implementation (DIM) audit exercises under the direct supervision of the RAC Chief. The location of the offices covered by the RAC-ESA may include areas with hardship or hazardous working conditions.
UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.
Duties and Responsibilities
1) Participates in the annual exercise for the audit of projects directly implemented (DIM) by UNDP
This includes:
- Review the annual DIM plan and support the preparation of RFP to external audit firms;
- Assess qualitatively and quantitatively proposals for audit services received from audit firms;
- Oversee the work by audit firms and provides clarifications to external audit firms;
- Assess draft and final reports produced by external audit firms;
- Monitor the implementation of agreed recommendations and advises on problem areas; and
- Assess the performance of the work performed by the audit firms.
2) Participates in the annual review of Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfer (HACT)/NIM/NGO audit reports that cover projects implemented by either, national institutions or non-governmental organizations
This includes:
- Review of annual HACT/NIM/NGO audit plans submitted by country offices;
- Qualitatively assess the HACT/NIM/NGO audit reports received;
- Assess country office follow-up action plans; and
- Preparation of HACT/NIM/NGO review letters and supervision of consultants engaged in the HACT/NIM/NGO exercise.
3) Performs other assignments or tasks as determined by the RAC Chief or OAI Director
- For example, as a member of an audit team conducts specific elements of the assignment in accordance with the Global Internal Audit Standards and OAI policy guidelines.
4) Contributes to the ongoing development of professional practices within OAI
- Participates in knowledge sharing sessions, learning activities, etc.
- Participates in the implementation of his/er personal learning and training development plan.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies
Core Competencies
- Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work.
- Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking.
- Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning.
- Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process.
- Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously.
- Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build and/or /maintain coalitions/partnership.
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making.
Functional/Technical competencies
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Business Direction and Strategy
- Systems Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
Business Management: Communication
- Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
- Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.
Audit & Investigation – Audit: Internal auditing standards, practices, and techniques
- Knowledge of key notions and concepts, practices, and methodologies of internal auditing (IPPF and Other IIA Standards, COSO).
- Undertake audit assignments in accordance with international professional standards in respect of operational audits, financial audits, performance audits, project audits and provision of advisory services.
Audit & Investigation – Audit
- Critical creative and foresight applied to audit and investigations: Possess essential critical thinking and foresight capacity to analyze facts to form a judgment.
Audit & Investigation – Audit
- Performance key concepts and techniques: Ability to understand and use various concepts such as efficiency, effectiveness, and economy.
Audit & Investigation – Audit
- Fraud awareness and investigation techniques: Basic knowledge to understand the foundations of fraud, how to detect red flags and conduct initial fact findings.
Business Direction and Strategy
- Negotiation and Influence: Ability to reach an understanding, persuade others, resolve points of difference, gain advantage in the outcome of dialogue, negotiates mutually acceptable solutions through compromise and creates win-win situations.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or related field is required;
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with one or more of the following: a) certification as a Chartered Accountant, b) certification as a Certified Public Accountant, or c) 2 years of an additional relevant experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree;
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation desirable; in the absence of CIA certification, willingness to successfully/ timely complete professional audit qualifications required/ sponsored within acceptable parameters set by OAI.
Experience:
- A minimum of 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of professional experience in audit or another directly relevant area, such as internal audit, program evaluation, international policy, or project management is required;
- Working experience in International Organizations or national Supreme Audit Institutions is desirable;
- Field experience is an advantage;
- Experience in performance audits is an advantage.
Language:
- Fluency in English is required.
- Working knowledge of other languages (e.g., French, Spanish, Portuguese) is an advantage.
Professional Certificates:
- Additional professional certifications (e.g., CISA, CFE) are an advantage.
Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
Disclaimer
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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