Director Internal Oversight Services

Organizational Context

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is the largest UN operation in the Middle East, dedicated to assisting Palestine refugees. With a mission to foster human development under challenging circumstances, UNRWA is undergoing modernization to enhance agility and adaptability. The Director of Internal Oversight Services reports directly to the Commissioner-General, playing a crucial role in the Agency's governance and operational integrity.

Job Purpose

The Director of Internal Oversight Services is responsible for establishing and leading the Department of Internal Oversight Services (DIOS) to provide independent assurance and advice on UNRWA's governance, risk management, and control processes. This role involves developing and implementing a long-term strategy and risk-based audit and evaluation plan aligned with the Agency's strategic objectives. The Director supervises investigations, evaluations, and audits, ensuring high-quality reports and recommendations. A key function is to safeguard UNRWA's resources, proactively assess fraud risks, and lead investigations into financial and operational irregularities. The position also directs strategic evaluations, aligns the evaluation program with strategic priorities, and provides technical guidance. The Director acts as the Chief Audit Executive, adhering to international standards, and represents UNRWA in oversight-related forums, fostering collaboration within the UN system and with external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

The Director of Internal Oversight Services is accountable for setting clear objectives for the Department of Internal Oversight Services (DIOS), managing performance reviews, and fostering a learning environment. This includes ensuring adherence to professional oversight standards and ethical codes, and providing leadership and technical guidance to the department. The role involves developing and directing a long-term strategy and risk-based audit and evaluation plan aligned with UNRWA's strategic objectives. Key duties include leading and supervising audit investigations and evaluations, managing relationships within DIOS and with senior management, and ensuring the development and follow-up of high-quality reports and recommendations. The Director directs internal audit activities to enhance governance, risk management, and control processes, acting as Chief Audit Executive. Responsibilities also encompass safeguarding financial and other resources, assessing fraud risks, leading investigations into irregularities, and directing independent strategic evaluations. The Director represents UNRWA in oversight meetings, collaborates with other UN agencies, reports to the Commissioner-General and advisory committees, and coordinates responses to complaints while implementing whistleblower protection policies.

Work Experience

A minimum of 15 years of progressive national and international professional experience in an oversight function is required, with at least eight years in a supervisory capacity. Two years of international experience outside UNRWA and the candidate's home country are necessary unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System. Experience with risk management in large organizations and knowledge of UN financial rules and procedures are desirable.

Skills

Core Competencies: Communication, Working with People, Drive for Results. Managerial Competencies: Formulating Strategies and Concepts, Leading and Supervising, Relating and Networking, Persuading and Influencing, Deciding and Initiating Action, Creating and Maintaining Impact and Partnership, Managing Complexity and Change. Additional Skills: Ability to handle complex and sensitive issues with diplomacy and tact; Excellent writing skills.

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