Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

The Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) reports to the Administrator and is responsible for internal audit and investigations services to UNDP and its affiliated entities. OAI provides independent, objective assurance on the effectiveness of risk management and the effectiveness and adequacy of internal controls.

OAI has a decentralized organizational structure with Directorate and other headquarter units based in New York, and Regional Audit Center’s (RACs) located in five locations: Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Pretoria (South Africa), Dakar (Senegal), Panama City (Panama) and Istanbul (Turkey).

OAI’s audit work is conducted under the standards set by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).

Duties and Responsibilities

The primary role of the incumbent will be to contribute their analytic, research, writing, communications, information technology, and other talents to special projects and tasks that further the mission of OAI. The incumbent’s portfolio may include roles on audits, advisory services, products, process improvements, and business transformation efforts.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director, contribute to the development and deployment of special initiatives that further the mission of OAI.

Contributes to the planning and execution of annual workplan development exercises, including the development of agenda, scheduling of speakers, and production of events.
Contributes to the OAI reporting requirements, such as annual reports, presentations, statistics, analysis, clear writing, and use of visual storytelling.
Contributes to the development and enhancement of OAI management dashboards, databases, and data collection instruments.
Contributes to research, analysis, drafting and evidence-gathering in support of initiatives associated with OAI’s strategic plan.
Facilitates and participates in communications/outreach efforts, including creating newsletters, web designs, event planning/execution, and other communications
Contributes to the development, enhancement and refinement of OAI electronic/printed products and external website.
Other duties as assigned.

As a contributor and team member, and under the supervision of a team leader, participates in selected OAI audit and advisory services.

Support with the coordination, research, analysis, drafting and evidence-gathering for OAI’s audit and advisory functions.
Prepare working papers for review by the audit team leader.
Draft specific parts of audit reports and/or supporting analysis for review by the team leader.

Contributes to the ongoing development of professional practices within OAI and support knowledge sharing.

Participates in knowledge sharing sessions, learning activities, etc.
Participates in the implementation of their personal learning and training development plan.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: None

This position is primarily in New York. It may require undertaking missions with other OAI staff to UNDP offices and project sites around the world.

Competencies

COMPETENCIES

Core Competencies:

Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:

Business Direction and Strategy - System Thinking

Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Business Management – Communication

Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication.
Ability to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.

Audit & Investigation - Audit – Critical creative and foresight applied to audit and investigations

Possess essential critical thinking and foresight capacity to analyze facts to form a judgment.

Audit & Investigation - Audit – Performance key concepts and techniques

Ability to understand and use various concepts such as efficiency, effectiveness, and economy.

Audit & Investigation - Audit – Fraud awareness and investigation techniques

Basic knowledge to understand the foundations of fraud, how to detect red flags and conduct initial fact findings.

Business Direction and Strategy - Negotiation and Influence

Reach a common understanding/agreement, persuade others, resolve points of difference through a dialogue, negotiate mutually acceptable solutions and create ‘win-win’ situations.

Business Management – Portfolio Management

Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization’s programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity.
Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment.
Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in International Relations, Development, Public Policy, International Policy, History, Statistics, Business Administration, or other area studies are required

A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

Applicants with a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience.
Applicants with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in business administration, audit, research, public policy, international development, or similar.
Demonstrated familiarity with fundamentals of quantitative and qualitative analysis, statistics, evaluation, and project management are assets.
Adept at the use of modern business analytic tools such as MS Teams, Power BI and/or Tableau, and MS Excel is an advantage.
Adept at the use of modern business communication tools such as MS Word and MS PowerPoint is desired.
Familiarity with basic concepts and applications of generative AI in day-to-day operations is desired.
Experience in facilitating communications/outreach efforts, including creating newsletters, web designs, event planning/execution is an asset.
Experience in drafting and evidence-gathering for audit and advisory functions is an asset.

Language:

Fluency in English required.
Working knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

Data Privacy

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Audit Analyst [Open to internal and external applicants]