Internal Controls Specialist, Quality Management Unit (QMU), Division for Management Services (DMS), New York, P-4

UNFPA • New York, NY

7d

About The Position

The Internal Controls Specialist is located in the Quality Management Unit (QMU) in the UNFPA Division for Management Services (DMS) and reports directly to the Chief of QMU.
How you can make a difference:
UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact and sustained results and ensure effective external relations, communications, and partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.
Job Purpose:
QMU leads UNFPA in strategic operational areas such as implementing partner (IP) assurance and risk management; fraud risk management and the Internal Control Framework (ICF). The unit contributes to the implementation of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and Risk Appetite.
QMU provides strategic guidance by developing risk-based and value-adding policies, processes and systems; technical support to all offices by building capacity through adaptive learning and differentiated support; and management oversight at the global level by monitoring performance to ensure compliance and accountability.
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, including fraud risks, enhance operational efficiency and agility, and strengthen compliance with regulatory frameworks. The incumbent collaborates with colleagues across UNFPA HQ, ROs and COs to identify control weaknesses, recommend improvements, and support a culture of accountability and integrity. The Internal Controls Specialist actively engages with other UN agencies to promote UN coherence, and with external parties as necessary.

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.
• 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.
• Solid understanding and commitment to the UN and the UNFPA mandate.
• Ability to analyse complex processes, identify risks and assess control effectiveness.
• Ability to write user-friendly policies and guidance, and impactful presentations.
• Ability to conceptualise, plan, implement and drive multiple initiatives and work independently.
• Ability to lead collaboratively and convincingly across teams and functions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to explain and present complex technical issues to non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective relationships both within and outside the organization.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of other official UN languages is desirable.
• Exemplifying integrity
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
• Embracing cultural diversity
• Embracing change
• Achieving results
• Being accountable
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen
• Thinking analytically and strategically
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships
• Communicating for impact
• Ensuring operational effectiveness and accountability for results
• Strengthening the programming capacity of Country Offices
• Managing the organisation`s financial resources
• Managing data
• Managing information and work flow
• Planning, organising and multitasking
• Job knowledge/Technical expertise

Responsibilities

• Developing and maintaining processes, procedures and systems
• Leading centralised controls testing, improvements and attestation
• Leading centralised fraud risk assessment
• Providing technical support and capacity building at the global level
• Overseeing and monitoring global performance and compliance with internal control and fraud risk management policies and processes by all staff and offices

Benefits

• This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.
• UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance.
• We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply.
• Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply.
• Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.
• UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees