Senior Professional Practices and Audit Innovation Officer, P5 - Rome, Italy

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WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

Are you an Senior Internal Auditor interested in further developing your professional experience while contributing to ending global hunger? Are you passionate about helping those in need? Would you like to join a global organization investing in its people?

If so, an exciting & fulfilling career awaits you! Join our diverse and passionate team that works on varied and international projects directly contributing to saving & changing millions of lives around the globe.

ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, to provide access to nutritious food and contribute to lasting solutions, especially in many of the world’s most remote and fragile areas, in the nearly 85 countries in which the organization is present. WFP aspires to the highest standards of accountability and transparency

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

Applications must be submitted by Friday, September 08th, 2023 (11:59 PM CET)

WHO WE ARE

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), a highly prestigious, reputable & world’s largest humanitarian organization, operating in more than 120 countries and territories, bringing life-saving assistance in emergencies, building pathways to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change and supporting sustainable and resilient livelihoods for a world with zero hunger.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: UN World Food Programme (WFP) and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.

WHY JOIN US?

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment
• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities
• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe
• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section)

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) supports WFP's objectives by improving the organization's governance and operations through internal audit and investigations services. OIG consists of the Office of Internal Audit (OIGA) and the Office of Investigations and Inspections (OIGI). OIG operates under its Charter, approved by WFP's Executive Board.

OIGA's main goal is to provide assurance and advisory services in line with WFP's regulatory framework and internal auditing standards, covering global operations. OIGA is staffed with 35 professionals based in Rome.

The position of Professional Practices and Audit Innovation Officer is located at WFP Headquarters in Rome and reports to the Manager of the Professional Practices and Audit Innovation Team in OIGA.

THE ROLE

Act as OIGA’s senior advisor and lead focal point for quality assurance, knowledge management, technology, and capacity-building matters. This position will serve as the OIGA steward for the quality assessment and improvement programme (QAIP) of the internal audit function in line with internal audit professional standards enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the internal audit function through innovative approaches.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

Under the general supervision of the Director, OIGA, the incumbent will provide strategic leadership to the Professional Practices and Audit Innovation Team, including the development and management of more junior staff. They will lead the development and implementation of the Professional Practices and Audit Innovation strategy and workplan, aligning it with OIGA's overall strategy and objectives.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

• Oversee the effective design and implementation of OIGA's quality assurance and improvement programme.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to audit managers and the Director, OIGA on compliance gaps in quality assessments, and promote actions to enhance functional efficiency and effectiveness.
• Supervise the development and implementation of audit policies and procedures to ensure internal audit activities adhere to professional standards and best practices.

REPORTING

• Guide and coordinate the preparation of OIGA reports for key stakeholders, such as the Executive Board or the Independent Oversight Advisory Committee.
• Accountable for establishing and maintaining a system that identifies and consolidates cross-cutting patterns and trends from internal audit reports, including emerging risks and root causes.

TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION, AND DATA ANALYTICS

• Develop and execute a technology strategy to leverage emerging technologies and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the internal audit function, in consultation with the Technology Division.
• Encourage innovative approaches to auditing that utilize technology and data analytics.
• Supervise data analytics tools and solutions enabling audit teams to analyze large volumes of data and identify patterns and trends.

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT

• Advocate and manage the OIGA knowledge management programme, promoting the sharing of information, best practices, and lessons learned within the internal audit function.
• Oversee the development and management of OIGA's knowledge management platform containing knowledge assets like guidelines, procedures, templates, and relevant resources.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

• Lead the development and implementation of a performance management system to monitor and evaluate the internal audit function's performance.
• Monitor and oversee functional performance patterns and trends, recommending corrective actions as necessary.

STAFFING, SKILLS, AND TRAINING

• Collaborate with OIGA's Staffing Coordinator to develop and manage a staffing strategy ensuring the internal audit function possesses the necessary skills and expertise.
• Lead the development and implementation of a forward-looking skills assessment and training program to identify skills gaps and provide training and development opportunities for internal audit staff.

The incumbent will also take responsibility for promoting an equitable and inclusive workplace that aligns with all dimensions of the WFP diversity and inclusion framework. Additionally, they will perform any other tasks required by the Director, OIGA, or the Inspector General.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, audit, finance, economics or other relevant fields. A first level degree in any of the above fields and relevant extensive professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• A professional certification as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or national level audit certification, like Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent, is required. Other professional certifications such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or Certified Fraud Examiner are desirable.

Experience:

• At least 11 years of relevant progressive experience in internal audit leading complex audits and managing quality assurance and improvement programmes, of which at least 5 years at the managerial level.
• Experience in international organizations is preferred.

Knowledge and skills:

• Expert knowledge of the International Professional Practices Framework for internal audit promulgated by the Institute of Internal Auditors.
• Expert understanding of internal audit best practices and methods, and knowledge management tools.
• Advanced technical knowledge in data analytics.
• Proven experience of internal audit management tools.
• Ability to manage teams, and coach and mentor staff.
• Ability to interact with peers, clients and other stakeholders of the internal audit function, both orally and in writing.

Languages:

• Proficiency in oral and written English;
• Minimum of intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or Portuguese (A WFP’s working language). Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

These are the common standards of behaviour that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Leads by Example with Integrity Drives Results and Delivers on Commitments Fosters Inclusive and Collaborative Teamwork Applies Strategic Thinking Builds and Maintains Sustainable Partnerships Lives the WFP values and shows humanity and integrity by role modelling care for others

Delivers on commitments and adapts readily to change

Is inclusive and collaborative, and contributes to a culture of learning and personal growth

Demonstrates commitment to gather perspectives, analyse options and risks, and propose new ways of doing things

Builds and nurtures external partnerships and collaborates with partners to deliver common objectives

Different expectations of behaviour are defined depending on your grade and role/responsibilities within WFP.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Mobility is and continues to be a core contractual requirement in WFP. This position is however classified as “non-rotational” which means the incumbent shall not be subject to the regular reassignment process unless the position is reclassified as rotational. The selected candidate will be employed on a fixed-term contract with a probationary period of one year. This position is open to both internal and external candidates.

WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package in line with ICSC standards (http://icsc.un.org) including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, visa, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days’ annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan, and medical insurance.

The selected candidate will be required to relocate to Rome, Italy to take up this assignment.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.
• Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language
• Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter
• Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time
• Please contact us at [email protected] in case you face any challenges with submitting your application
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

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WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.