OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (IOS) is to provide independent, objective assurance, investigation and advisory services designed to add value to and improve the Organization's operations and to enhance the integrity and reputation of the Organization.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• To direct a diverse interdisciplinary team of oversight professionals, in order to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of processes for risk management, internal control and governance.
• This position is subject to a single term of a maximum of 7 years, with no right of employment in another function within the Organization.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• The Director will be responsible for leading and managing the WHO Office of Internal Oversight Services, in full compliance with the existing WHO Financial Regulations and Rules and by the IOS Charter, which stipulate, inter alia, IOS' mission, the scope of its work, responsibilities, and authorities as well as its operational independence in conducting its duties.
• While maintaining the professional and operational independence of the Office, the Director of IOS reports to the Director-General.
• Specifically, the Director will

Oversee a coordinated programme of internal oversight:

• Oversee a risk-based annual internal audit work plan, developed using risk-based methodology, including risks or control concerns identified by management, and after review and approval by the Director-General ensure its execution;
• For each work project assign priority, define scope, allocate resources and ensure timely conclusion; Inform the Director-General and other stakeholders of the results of work and present pragmatic recommendations;
• Monitor the action taken on the recommendations and review the adequacy of implementation of all audit findings and recommendations.

Assess the Organization's risk management:

• Evaluate the Secretariat's management of risk and identify risk areas within the Organization;
• Alert the Director-General to new and evolving risks;
• Recommend remedial action for weaknesses in effective risk management and contribute to the prevention, detection, and deterrence of wrongdoing, including fraud, waste and all forms of abuse.

Maintain the Organization's capacity to investigate wrongdoing:

• Proactively assess the risk of wrongdoing and recommend preventive measures in high-risk areas;
• Receive complaints or information concerning any reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing or the possible existence of misconduct from staff, management, external sources or media;
• Direct both proactive and reactive investigations of alleged wrongdoing, such as fraud, corruption, collusion, theft, sexual exploitation and abuse, workplace harassment and sexual harassment, retaliation, and other acts or omissions, which are contrary to the general obligations of WHO staff and other personnel or committed by contractors, implementing partners and other third parties to the detriment of WHO, in accordance with relevant professional standards;
• Ensure the results of the “fact-finding” administrative investigations are included in a report or memorandum, addressed to the Director-General or Regional Director, for consideration and decision on any action to be taken, as applicable;
• Recommend the intervention of the Director-General in cases of significant breakdown in controls;
• Liaise with the Office of the Legal Counsel, to aid in the investigation of possible criminal cases of wrongdoing with Member States' justice systems.

Provide advisory services to WHO management:

• Undertake advisory services in conformance with relevant professional standards, to the extent that independence and objectivity are not compromised. Such provision is based on the knowledge of governance, risk management and controls, and of WHO activities.
• The Director IOS may participate in reviewing draft policies, guidance, systems and work processes, to foster improved efficiency and effectiveness in WHO's operations, but shall not participate in the decision-making process.

Budgetary and human resource management of IOS:

• Ensure IOS' compliance with appropriate professional standards and code of ethics;
• Maintain a team of professionally qualified auditors, investigators and technical experts through sound recruitment and contracting practices, training and continuing professional education;
• Manage personnel and consultants and provide guidance to all IOS staff members through appropriate delegation and clear lines of communication;
• Set IOS' priorities so as to make best use of available human and financial resources within the context of an overall quality and continuous improvement programme.

Represent the Organization:

• Coordinate with the External Auditor and other accountability entities to eliminate duplication of effort and ensures seamless systems and handling of cases;
• Provide relevant information on plans and periodic updates on oversight activities for review and consideration by the Independent Expert Oversight Advisory Committee;
• Represent the Organization at various meetings within the United Nations common system and with Member States' governments and professional organizations;
• Assist in negotiations concerning agreements and information exchanges with Partners and provide input regarding WHO's obligations related to internal audit and investigation reflecting the Organization's interests;
• Inform and interact with MS in compliance with our organizational commitments, e.g. grant agreements;
• Collaborate with other oversight bodies in the United Nations system on programmes of mutual interest;
• Present a consolidated annual report on oversight activities to the governing bodies and respond to Members questions and comments, as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential:

• An advanced level university degree in business administration, public administration, international development, law, or another related field.
• In addition, a professional certification such as Chartered Accountant, Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner, Professional Certified Investigator, or another advanced certification in a field directly related to oversight is required.
• Demonstrated continuous learning through leadership development and training.

 Desirable:

• Possession of a professional certification in Audit coupled with a professional certification in Investigation is highly desirable.
• Additional technical training (e.g. Public Health) relevant to WHO's mission and strategic objectives.

Experience

Essential:

• At least 15 years of combined, progressively responsible experience and demonstrated technical competence in both audit and investigations in an international environment.
• A minimum of 7 years of executive level experience in a complex oversight function at the international level.
• Demonstrated strong leadership acumen and experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in a multi-cultural environment.
• Demonstrated experience in building and managing investigation functions in a large organization and/or complex environment.
• Applicants with certification in only audit or only investigation must possess professional work experience in the other field (i.e. Audit or Investigation) for which they do not possess certification.

Desirable:

• Leadership experience in UN system global operations.
• Investigations, Audit, Ethics, Risk Management, or Compliance experience with the United Nations system or a multilateral or bilateral development organization is an advantage.
• Experience with information management systems and platforms for audit, investigation and/or risk management.

Skills

• Demonstrated technical competence in both audit and investigations.
• Demonstrated strong leadership acumen.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a large complement of multi-disciplinary personnel in a multi-cultural environment.
• Knowledge and application of general management practices and techniques, including results-based management principles, governance and accountability, use of information and communications technology is required.

Demonstrated ability to:

• understand the complex interrelationship of factors that create risks to successful accomplishment of the objectives of an organization;
• identify professional skills needed for the mandated work and draw on these diverse disciplines, backgrounds and knowledge of people to achieve results;
• convey information and opinions in a structured and credible way:
• maintain confidentiality and exercise judgement with respect to sensitive information;
• work without supervision producing credible results while maintaining professional standards.-
• use mature professional judgement in reporting independently significant issues directly to senior management and to the governing board;
• achieve consensus on weakness identified in processes for control and risk management and ways to remedy them;
• effectively lead people in an empowering way that fosters integrity and innovation;
• effectively lead change in a dynamic environment;
• effectively manage resources;
• build internal and external coalitions;
• Effective presentation skills, including the ability to make concise, extemporaneous oral presentations to governing body sessions.

Use of Language Skills

Essential:

• Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable:

• Intermediate knowledge of French.
• Intermediate knowledge of another UN Language.

Source: https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2300055&tz=GMT%2B05%3A30&tzname=Asia%2FCalcutta