Audit and Verification Specialist

Organizational Context

UNRWA is the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff across five operational areas. This role, reporting to the Deputy Director of Finance and Chief, Accounts Division, is based at HQ Amman and seeks committed individuals aiming to make a tangible difference for vulnerable communities.

Job Purpose

The Audit and Verification Specialist serves as the Agency's primary coordinator for verification missions, providing strategic and operational technical leadership. This role involves managing interactions and information flow across various UNRWA departments and external entities, ensuring verification processes align with professional standards and agency regulations. Key functions include assessing audit approaches, identifying trends, recommending improvements for data quality and timeliness, and overseeing the accurate and complete submission of documentation. The specialist also plays a crucial role in managing audits by the UN Board of Auditors (UNBoA), coordinating responses, and ensuring timely implementation of audit recommendations. Furthermore, the role involves acting as a liaison for internal audits, donor requests, and inter-agency coordination, analyzing issues, and developing strategies to address compliance, audit, and reporting challenges.

Responsibilities

Coordinate agency-wide verification missions, providing technical leadership and managing interactions with various departments (ERD, CD, DLA) and field leads. Assess internal audits and verifications for adherence to professional standards, accounting principles, and agency regulations. Identify trends and recommend improvements for data quality and timeliness in response to audit missions. Review documentation for accuracy and completeness, highlighting risks and coordinating corrective actions. Manage UN Board of Auditors (UNBoA) interim and final audits, including engagement, planning, and communication. Develop and lead agency-wide mechanisms for data collection, review, consolidation, and submission of responses to audit queries. Support the timely implementation of audit recommendations through tracking and monitoring. Act as the Finance Department focal point for DIOS audits, ACIO visits, and other inspections. Coordinate responses to donor requests, review donor agreements, and interpret requirements for donor reporting. Supervise and provide technical guidance to staff, including training. Represent the Finance Department in inter-agency coordination and EU meetings concerning donor reporting and financial agreements. Analyze issues, formulate strategies, and lead the implementation of solutions for compliance, audit, verification, and donor reporting.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive, relevant experience in accounting, finance, or business administration is required. This includes at least three years of international experience in a large multinational, governmental, or non-profit organization, focusing on budgeting, accounting, or financial management with computer-based systems. Experience in a UN common system budget or finance office is desirable, as is membership in a professional accounting body.

Skills

Core Competencies: Communication, Working with People, Drive for Results. Functional Competencies: Relating and Networking, Applying Technical Expertise, Planning and Organizing. Leadership Competencies (as applicable): Leading and Supervising, Delivering Results. Proficiency in English is required; basic knowledge of Arabic is desirable.

Explore related opportunities