Internal Control Advisor

Contract

This is a IICA-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

UNOPS operating environment and projects are inherently risky. UNOPS is currently improving its Internal Control, Compliance and Accountability frameworks globally. Focus for Internal Control is on ensuring a realistic view of the current state of the control environment and providing reasonable 2nd Line of Defense assurance that processes are conducted effectively, efficiently and in adherence to set requirements. These to achieve process objectives and to ensure reliability of financial and performance reporting, as well as alignment with UN principles across all activities and regions.

In light of this, UNOPS is currently reviewing and redefining its Policy Portfolio and Compliance Management approach, as well as ramping maturity and level of automation across its key process controls as part of an overall Transformation and Digitalization Program. Furthermore, UNOPS is driving improvements in areas that will require alignment with and improvements in the Internal Control framework such as Delegation of Authority, Compliance, due diligence, anti-corruption, fraud prevention and Information Security.

Functional Responsibilities

The Internal Control Advisor is expected to bring in significant experience in redesigning and implementing Internal Control and Compliance Management systems and take responsibility over these activities at UNOPS. They shall define the functional strategy for Internal Control and the function’s annual focus areas, targets, performance indicators, resourcing and workplan. They are expected to lead reviews on existing capabilities specific to Policies, processes, systems, functions and offices. This can take the form of a capability gap analysis, review of control designs, validating Internal Control data as well as testing the effectiveness of control implementation in both system and manual contexts. The reviews may extend to cover elements of organizational culture, skills, roles and tools critical to effective control environment.

STRATEGIC ADVICE The position holder is expected to play a transformative role in firstly redefining the Internal Control agenda for UNOPS and uplifting the maturity of the Internal Control function across processes and regions. This will require aligning closely with a broader business transformation and digitalization agenda ongoing, and advising local and functional leadership on optimizing internal controls to ensure a right balance between segregation of duties and accountability for decision quality, project outputs and contribution. Secondly, they are expected to distinguish Internal Control’s role among other Line functions such as Compliance, Ethics and Internal Audit, as well as drive simplicity and effectiveness into the roll out of new governance frameworks.

The Internal Control Advisor shall guide and supervise their team and external advisors in organizing and evaluating control self-assessments across functions and regions. The position holder is also expected to oversee and quality assure sample-based testing of key controls under the guidance and supervision of line management and in collaboration with other assurance and oversight functions as well as field offices. The Advisor shall ensure that the sample-based testing supports UNOPS leadership in validating and signing off annual financial statements.

A key part of the role’s duties will be to lead and oversee the assessment of fraud and corruption risk schemes and how current Internal Controls support in addressing those as preventive, detective and corrective measures, and driving improvements needed across processes and stakeholder groups. They shall make sure that these improvements take into account risk-based priority as well as the cost-benefit of implementation.

The Internal Control Advisor shall oversee the development of Internal Control dashboards and associated data models. This will include advising teams in liaising with key stakeholders to gather the requirements, identifying and validating data sources, structuring the data model and setting up Proof-of Concepts on pilot contents as well as a full roll-out roadmap in collaboration with UNOPS IT Group. The position holder is responsible for keeping management and oversight roles informed of key trends and advancements in Internal Control effectiveness, and escalate any material issues proactively.

The Internal Control Advisor is expected to chair a Community of Practice for Internal Control and actively engage regional focal points and key functions such as Finance Group, risk management, information security, business continuity, Quality Assurance Group, Internal Audit and Investigations Group and Ethics Office to drive an effective knowledge exchange and capturing of synergies.

CAPACITY BUILDING AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT The Internal Control Advisor is expected to provide Internal Control training, coaching and facilitation support to UNOPS Policy units, process owners and its regional offices. These capacity building activities may cover but are not limited to the following: data analytics and control automation; specific good practice on controls over 3rd party management, procurement, HR, project management, financial reporting, Information Security and IT management; Identity and Access Management (IAM); Delegation of Authority and accountability.

The position holder is expected to provide regular updates on progress on priorities agreed with line management and hold themselves accountable for effective carrying of their duties.

IMPACT OF RESULTS The effective and successful achievement of results by the incumbent directly affects UNOPS ability to deliver against its mandate and protects UNOPS reputation. The role is imperative to the effective management of information security risks, impacting the visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and consequently strengthen its competitive position as a partner of choice.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

EDUCATION - An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or PhD) preferably in accounting, legal or related field - A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with a minimum of two (2) additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree

EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of seven (7) years (or more depending on academic credentials) of experience in the design, development, and deployment of Internal Control frameworks
• Experience in managing an Internal Control function and associated resources (required)
• Experience in control testing (required)
• Experience in fraud risk management (required)
• Experience in developing reporting dashboards for Internal Control (required)
• Experience in facilitating cross-functional collaboration and managing projects (required)
• Experience in developing controls across end-to-end processes (required)
• Experience in optimizing internal controls through acquisition and roll out of enterprise technology platforms (desirable)
• Experience of globally operating development and/or project-based organizations (desirable)

CERTIFICATIONS - Certifications in Accounting, Risk Management, Internal Control and Internal Audit considered an advantage

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

• Fluent in English (required)
• Fluent in Spanish and/or French (desired)

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA Contract level: International ICA 3 / IICA-3 Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.