TERMS OF REFERENCE

UNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and is mandated to provide assistance and protection to a population of some 5 million registered Palestine refugees. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip to achieve their full potential in human development, pending a just solution to their plight. UNRWA’s services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.

Senior Internal Audit Consultant – Syria Emergency Operations, based in Jordan

Background

During 2014 UNRWA will provide urgent humanitarian assistance to up to 440,000 Palestine refugees affected by conflict in Syria, as many as 80,000 to 100,000 Palestine refugees from Syria (PRS) in Lebanon, up to 20,000 PRS in Jordan and up to 1,200 PRS in Gaza. The number of people in need is rapidly approaching the total population of 540,000 Palestine refugees registered in Syria. For the coming period, UNRWA requires US$ 417.4 million, of which US$ 310 million will be programmed inside Syria, US$ 90.4 million in Lebanon and US$ 14.6 million in Jordan. US$ 2.4 million is required for regional management and emergency response outside of the purview of these three field offices, including cash assistance for PRS families in Gaza.

Effective and sustainable internal audit oversight coverage on the emergency activities for the Syrian crisis will provide reasonable assurance to UNRWA and donors that funds and operations are properly managed, controlled and utilized effectively and efficiently. DIOS requires the services of a Senior Internal Audit Consultant for an initial 6month term to developan internal audit assuranceprogramme for the Syrian emergency operations, and to undertake audits, inspections and/or advisory services.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Chief, Assurance and Advisory Services Division, Department of Internal Oversight Services, the Senior Internal Audit Consultant will:

  • Develop a comprehensive audit universe, risk assessment and a multi-year audit plan covering emergency funding and relief, recovery and reconstruction operations, and strategies for the Syrian crisis;
  • Prepare risk-based audit plans and carry out audits in accordance with the approved audit programmes and apply the international auditing standards with a view to assessing adequacy and effectiveness of the internal controls, risk management and governance processes regarding reliability and integrity of financial, managerial and operating information, effectiveness and efficiency of operations, safeguarding of assets and compliance with regulations, rules, policies and procedures;
  • Conduct audits and inspections of emergency activities including cash and food assistance, project management of grants and contributions, procurement of goods and services, financial controls, human resources, neutrality, planning, governance, etc.;
  • Prepare draft audit reports and followingclearance from the Chief, Assurance and Advisory Services Division, discuss the audit findings and recommendations with responsible managers of the areas audited;
  • Build a sustainable assurance programme that will be managed by in-house staff, by developing competencies of these audit staff through on-the-job training, mentoring, and coaching; and
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

  • A university degree from an accredited educational institution in auditing, accounting, finance, public or business administration or a related field.
  • At least seven years of relevant work experience in auditing using international auditing standards, preferably part of which should have been in an international environment.
  • Excellent command of written and spoken English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

  • Professional certification in auditing or accounting such as a Certified Internal Auditor or Certified Public Chartered Accountant;
  • Other professional certifications such as CISA or CFE.
  • Working knowledge of Arabic.

COMPETENCIES

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and proven ability to work in a multi-cultural setting and in teams with diversity of background and skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines and to manage multiple tasks effectively and efficiently.
  • Ability to independently plan and manage work processes.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

  • The duration of this assignment will be for a 6 month term with the possibility of an additional 3 to 6 months, which is subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding.
  • Remuneration for this consultancy will depend on the qualifications and experience of the expert.
  • The incumbent will be based in Amman, Jordan and may periodically be required to travel in UNRWA’s areas of operation, including Jordan, Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV or UN Personal History Form demonstrating clearly the knowledge and experience required to meet the consultancy requirements via clearly indicating the title of this consultancy “Senior Internal Audit Consultant – Syria Emergency Operations” in the subject line of the message. The deadline for the submission of applications is 10 July 2014(late applications will not be considered).

UNRWA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from both qualified and experienced women and men. UNRWA encourages applications from female candidates. Only those applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted. UNRWA is a non-smoking work environment.

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