Call for Expressions of Interest: Spot Check Specialist - Long-Term Agreement (LTA)

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them reach their full potential. The Philippines Country Office collaborates with the government and civil society to realize child rights, focusing on vulnerable regions. UNICEF Philippines has offices in Manila and a field office in Cotabato City.

Job Purpose

This role supports UNICEF Philippines in conducting prioritized, risk-based, and liquidation-triggered Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) spot checks as part of annual Assurance Plans. The specialist will perform in-situ and/or remote spot checks using UNICEF-approved templates and procedures to review financial records, validate expenditures, assess programme implementation status, and identify changes in internal controls. The engagement is not an audit but aims to provide factual findings to inform corrective actions and management oversight. The Long-Term Agreement (LTA) modality is designed to supplement internal capacity, ensuring flexibility, consistency, quality, and timely follow-up of findings and action points.

Responsibilities

Conduct HACT financial spot checks for assigned Implementing Partners (IPs) in accordance with UNICEF/UN HACT procedures, UNICEF spot check guidance, and standard templates. Verify that sampled expenditures reported through certified FACE forms are adequately supported, recorded, approved, and aligned with the agreed workplan or programme document. Assess whether significant changes have occurred in the IP’s financial management and internal control arrangements since the most recent micro-assessment or prior assurance activity. Document factual findings, exceptions, risks, and agreed follow-up actions in a clear, evidence-based, and timely manner. Support UNICEF in strengthening the follow-up of high-priority findings, including documentation of corrective actions, refund requirements, and closure evidence where applicable. Review relevant background documentation, including programme documents, FACE forms, itemized cost estimates, prior spot check/audit reports, micro-assessments, programme visit reports, and other records provided by UNICEF. The consultant(s) will be assigned IPs based on the annual Assurance Plan, liquidation status, value of transfers, risk considerations, document readiness, unresolved assurance issues, geographic feasibility, and demonstrated quality and availability.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in financial spot checks, financial auditing, or financial analysis is required. Experience with UN or UNICEF financial procedures, particularly HACT, is highly desirable.

Skills

Financial spot checks, Financial auditing, Financial analysis, Internal controls assessment, Risk assessment, UNICEF HACT framework, UN HACT procedures, Report writing, Data verification, Implementing partner assessment, Programme monitoring, Attention to detail

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