Chief (Professional Practices), P-5, Fixed Term, #00114284, Office of Internal Audit & Investigation, NYHQ
Organizational Context
UNICEF works in over 190 countries to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work for children. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.
Job Purpose
The Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) is a key component of UNICEF’s independent internal oversight system, providing assurance and advisory services to strengthen governance, risk management, and control processes. The Chief (Professional Practices) leads the Professional Practices function, playing a critical leadership role in ensuring the Internal Audit function is strategically aligned, high-performing, risk-informed, and continuously evolving. This role serves as the central authority for audit quality, methodology, professional standards, risk-based planning, and performance insights, driving continuous improvement, innovation, and the long-term effectiveness and credibility of internal audit activities across UNICEF’s global operations.
Responsibilities
The Chief (Professional Practices) is responsible for leading and governing the quality, strategic alignment, performance, and continuous transformation of the Internal Audit function. This includes providing strategic leadership and full ownership of the Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme (QAIP), ensuring alignment with Global Internal Audit Standards and establishing quality frameworks. The role leads the development and enhancement of the audit universe, risk-based planning frameworks, and strategic audit priorities, aligning with UNICEF’s risk profile and stakeholder expectations. Additionally, the Chief establishes and manages a comprehensive audit performance and analytics framework, analyzing findings and trends to generate strategic insights. The position also leads the enhancement of audit methodologies, policies, and professional practices, provides authoritative interpretation of standards, and oversees the governance and optimization of digital audit tools and data analytics. Finally, the Chief leads the development and implementation of the Internal Audit Section’s capability development and training strategy.
Work Experience
A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in internal audit, including experience in leading quality assurance and improvement programs, developing audit methodologies, and managing risk-based planning. Experience in a large, complex international organization is desirable.
Skills
Leadership, Audit Quality Assurance, Risk Management, Audit Methodology, Strategic Planning, Performance Measurement, Data Analytics, Digital Audit Tools, Innovation, Stakeholder Management, Professional Standards Interpretation, Capability Development