CHIEF OF SECTION, AUDIT

Organizational Context

The Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) is the UN's internal oversight function, providing audit, investigation, inspection, and evaluation services. The Internal Audit Division (IAD) offers assurance and advisory services to UN entities. This Chief of Section role is within the African Audit Section of IAD in Nairobi, reporting to the Chief of Service in New York.

Job Purpose

This role is responsible for overseeing the African Audit Section within the UN's Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS). The incumbent will manage audit and advisory engagements, ensuring compliance with OIOS and global internal audit standards. Key responsibilities include developing strategic goals and work plans, managing teams and resources, conducting risk assessments, and providing direction and leadership throughout all phases of audit engagements. The role also involves reviewing reports, guiding staff, analyzing data for insights, recommending improvements to administrative issuances, monitoring recommendations, and liaising with other audit functions and oversight bodies to ensure efficient and effective oversight of UN resources and staff.

Responsibilities

Oversee annual risk assessments and maintain client risk registers. Develop and implement the Section's strategic goals, objectives, and annual audit work plans. Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate teams for multiple concurrent audit and advisory engagements. Manage the Section's human and financial resources effectively. Define the scope and objectives for each engagement. Provide leadership and direction throughout all phases of audits, ensuring adherence to OIOS and global internal audit standards and budget compliance. Review working papers and engagement communications, including audit and advisory reports. Guide and mentor audit staff on technical and administrative matters. Lead complex and sensitive audits. Analyze internal audit standards for consistency and best practices. Utilize data analytics to identify trends and inform planning and decision-making. Review and recommend improvements to administrative issuances and financial rules. Monitor the implementation status of audit recommendations. Liaise with other UN internal audit functions and establish positive relationships with auditees and oversight bodies.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressive professional experience in audit, finance, accounting, or administration is required. This includes five years of audit management experience, five years of drafting audit reports, three years of reviewing audit reports, and five years of managing diverse professional teams. Experience with data analytics tools for trend identification is also required.

Skills

Professionalism in auditing standards and practices; strong communication and interpersonal skills; teamwork and collaboration; leadership and performance management; data analysis and interpretation; ability to manage resources and projects; knowledge of financial rules and procedures.

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