Forensic Auditor

The purpose of the Internal Audit and Investigations Group (IAIG)  is to provide independent and impartial assurance and advice to improve UNOPS operations.  The group reports on the use of resources administered by UNOPS and the effectiveness of internal control systems; and enhances the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes.   Furthermore, IAIG investigations into alleged fraud, corruption, sexual misconduct (sexual harassment, sexual abuse and exploitation), waste of resources, abuse of authority or other misconduct and violations of UNOPS regulations, rules and administrative instructions. 

Under the direct supervision of the Manager of the Investigations Section, and the overall supervision of the Director of the Internal Audit and Investigations Group (IAIG), the forensic auditor’s primary role is to lead and participate in all forensic audits initiated by the IAIG.  The incumbent is expected to work collaboratively with the IAIG team to achieve UNOPS organizational goals in accordance with IAIG SOPs and in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. International travel to UNOPS’ offices, including field missions, may be required.

Core duties: Forensic audit and related activities

• Establish an in-house forensic audit function, developing all necessary SOPs as well as reporting and communication channels

• Lead the end-to-end forensic audits initiated by IAIG. This includes and not limited to plan, organize, conduct and reporting

• Review and clear the terms of reference for the recruitment of external firms for outsourced forensic audit.

• Act as focal for all external forensic audit and periodical reports to the Manager of the Investigations Section and IAIG Director on the status of the ongoing engagement. 

• Conduct financial investigations related to fraud, or other serious violations of UNOPS financial policies and procedures and or participate in witness and subject interviews and lead financial-related portions of such interviews in accordance with international best practice (ensuring accuracy and respecting due process).

• Engage with the data analytics team to proactively analyze internal data and identify fraud vulnerabilities and actual occurrences. 

• Design tests to identify vulnerabilities, develop new fraud cases, and develop fraud mitigation strategies.

• Support IAIG investigations through the collection and forensic analysis of financial data related to administrative fraud investigations.

• Identify, obtain, record and preserve relevant evidence regarding transactions under financial fraud investigation, ensuring chain of custody is properly maintained and documented.

• Prepare detailed reports which set forth findings and supporting evidence. Distill financial evidence into readily-digestible analysis, highlighting evidentiary value, potential or actual financial losses, and recommendations for next steps.

• Conduct research using internal and external sources, databases and tools.

Support to Investigation and Audit

The forensic auditor may be requested to support:

• The investigation section to either lead or participate to non financial investigations.

• The audit section as a member of an internal audit team conducting audit engagements.

Collaboration with the data analytics team

The forensic auditor is expected to work closely with the data analytics team to explore all avenues to implement artificial intelligence and pilot use cases to flag potential frauds.

An advanced degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in accounting or related field.

A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

At least five years of progressively responsible experience as a forensic auditor or forensic accountant.

Prior work experience must include applying forensic analytical tools to organizational data sets in order to identify suspected fraudulent activity.

Experience working with a data analytics team is desirable.

Experience with international investigations is desirable.

Experience working with large data sets is desirable.

Experience with eDiscovery systems is desirable.

Contract type: ICA
Contract level: I-ICA 2
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.