Quality Assurance Specialist (P-3), TA, 364 days, #138367, East Jerusalem - State of Palestine, MENA
Organizational Context
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. In the State of Palestine, UNICEF upholds children's rights to essential services and protection, ensuring every child has an equal chance to fulfil their potential, especially amidst ongoing hostilities.
Job Purpose
The Quality Assurance Specialist provides independent, high-level assurance, advisory, and quality oversight across UNICEF SoP’s programme and operations functions. Working under the Risk & Compliance Manager, the Specialist ensures the effectiveness of internal controls, the integrity of data and processes, and the consistent application of UNICEF policies and regulatory frameworks. The role strengthens accountability, governance, and operational excellence, helping the Country Office operate efficiently, ethically, and in line with global standards. The incumbent will contribute to the recommendation of the appropriate application and interpretation of rules, regulations, policies and procedures, as well as on work priorities, which affect the efficient programme delivery. This post will assist directly the Deputy Representative Operations carrying all quality assurance functions in the Country Office and Field Offices and oversee the Implementing Partner.
Responsibilities
Lead the design and implementation of the annual Quality Assurance Plan, prioritizing high-risk areas across programme and operations. Conduct in-depth quality reviews, spot checks, compliance assessments, process walk-throughs, and control testing across procurement, finance, HR, supply chain, administration, ICT, and programme operations. Support the identification of control gaps, inefficiencies, and emerging risks; propose and follow up on corrective and preventive actions. Lead HACT financial assurance activities conducted by UNICEF staff. Analyze country office workflows and recommend process redesigns to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance. Support the formulation of actionable recommendations to strengthen and reinforce accountabilities across programme and operations. Provide technical support for HACT implementation in line with organizational policies. Support internal and external audits, donor verifications, operational spot checks, and HQ/RO assurance exercises. Deliver tailored trainings to staff and partners on internal controls, compliance requirements, data integrity, and quality standards. Develop and disseminate workflows, guidance notes, templates, and job aids to institutionalize best practices. Promote a culture of accountability, ethics, transparency, and continuous improvement. Facilitate onboarding and refresher sessions on policies, procedures, and operational expectations. Contribute to the operationalization of the global Anti-Fraud Strategy. Support evidence collection for OIAI queries during investigations. Identify lessons learned from investigations and recommend preventive or corrective measures. Support the Risk & Compliance Manager in delivering fraud-risk training to partners and suppliers.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of professional experience in quality assurance, internal audit, risk management, compliance, or a related field. Experience in a UN or international organization setting is desirable.
Skills
Quality Assurance, Internal Controls, Risk Management, Compliance, Auditing, Process Improvement, Data Analysis, Report Writing, Training and Development, Fraud Prevention, UNICEF Policies and Procedures, HACT Implementation