Overview
The Internal Controls Specialist is responsible for assessing, developing, implementing, and monitoring UNFPA’s internal control policies, procedures and systems to ensure effective risk mitigation, enhance operational efficiency and agility, and strengthen compliance with regulatory frameworks.
Tasks Summary
- Developing and maintaining processes, procedures and systems for the Internal Control Framework, system access and segregation of duties controls, Anti-Fraud, and other related policies.
- Monitoring and assessing the usability and effectiveness of policies and systems and overseeing timely improvements.
- Guiding policy owners on the design of effective, risk-based and necessary internal controls in policies and ensuring solid risk control matrices.
- Ensuring controls are properly integrated into ERP and other systems.
- Contributing to the development and implementation of transaction monitoring tools.
- Testing and monitoring key controls and processes to assess their effectiveness and identify gaps and redundancies.
- Preparing clear reports on control testing results, deficiencies, redundancies and recommendations for improvements.
- Developing and maintaining a corporate controls register.
- Coordinating integration of control registers with the broader ERM processes.
- Leading the preparation of statements of internal control by drafting risk control matrices for key business processes.
- Regularly assessing fraud risks at all levels.
- Working closely with relevant business units to ensure identified fraud risks are adequately mitigated by effective controls.
- Preparing and presenting clear reports on fraud risk mitigation.
- Supporting process owners in streamlining processes, optimising controls, and exploiting opportunities for enhanced process and control efficiency.
- Supporting process owners in the development of corrective action plans for control optimisation and identified fraud risks.
- Developing and delivering training to all staff on internal control and fraud risk requirements, policies, and best practices.
- Supporting offices in minimising and managing any segregation of duties conflicts.
- Serving as a primary focal point on internal controls for internal and external audits.
- Coordinating and supporting actions to comply with related audit findings.
- Reviewing IP fraud investigation reports and guiding the implementation of mitigating and preventive controls.
Experience Requirements
- At least 7 years progressively responsible experience in internal controls, risk management, financial management, internal audit, including at least 5 years at international level and in the management of complex organisation(s).
- Proven experience with internal control frameworks (e.g. COSO), design, documentation, testing and assessment of risk-based controls.
- Advanced knowledge of ERP systems (e.g. Oracle), data analytics tools and segregation of duties.
- Advanced knowledge of UN regulatory frameworks, operational realities and risks.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective relationships both within and outside the organization.
Qualification Requirements
- Advanced university degree in public or business administration, risk management, finance or accounting, or related field.
- A Bachelor's degree with suitable professional accreditation e.g. CPA, ACA would be considered equivalent.
- Professional certifications (e.g., CIA, CRMA, CFE) desirable.
