Org. Setting and Reporting

The Joint Inspection Unit (JIU), located in Geneva, is the only independent external oversight body of the United Nations system mandated to conduct system-wide evaluations and inspections on all matters having a bearing on the efficiency of the services and the proper use of funds. The JIU is responsible to the General Assembly and to the competent legislative organs of those specialized agencies and other organizations within the United Nations system that accept its statute. It is a subsidiary body of the legislative organs of the organizations. As provided in the Statute of the JIU, the Executive Secretary assists the Unit in the conduct of its work. The incumbent is appointed by the Secretary-General after consultation with the Unit and the Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB). The Inspectors, through the Chairperson, provide general guidance to the incumbent who reports back accordingly.

Responsibilities

Under the policy guidance provided by the Unit within the provisions of the JIU Statute, the United Nations regulations and rules, and the Standards, Norms, Guidelines and Procedures of the JIU, the incumbent, in his or her capacity as the head of the JIU Secretariat, will be responsible for the following duties: • Provides assistance and administrative and technical support services to the Inspectors in the discharge of their duties. • Oversees and directs the JIU Secretariat, ensuring effective management and supervision of staff assigned to support Inspectors in preparing their outputs. Guarantees timely and efficient assistance to Inspectors. • Manages the human, financial and other resources of the JIU Secretariat in compliance with UN Regulations and Rules. • Under the guidance of the Chairperson, prepares the draft proposed programme budget of the JIU for consideration by the Unit and actively participates in discussions with the appropriate advisory and legislative bodies. • Supports the Unit in monitoring the implementation of its annual Programme of Work. • Supports efforts of the Unit towards resource mobilization. • Assists and advises the Inspectors, as required, on the content and preparation of reports, notes and confidential letters. • Advises the teams on issues of compliance with the requirements contained in the technical tools, standards, norms, guidelines and procedures in force adopted by the Unit. • Prepares substantive for consideration by the Unit including the draft Programme of Work and related and the draft Annual Report. • Participates in the meetings of the Unit, as required, and provides technical and substantive support and advice. • Liaises with the JIU participating organizations regarding the preparation and implementation of the Programme of Work of the Unit and budgetary, IT and administrative matters. • Keeps the Unit updated on developments in the participating organizations. • Provides support to Inspectors in their interactions with the participating organizations. • Provides oversight for the maintenance of the JIU recommendations tracking system for the follow-up of the acceptance, implementation and intended impact of JIU recommendations. • Represents the Unit in all matters concerning administrative, budgetary and financial issues. • Submits to the Unit an annual report on the activities of the Secretariat.

Competencies

Professionalism: Demonstrates experience at senior management level with proficiency in administration of key programmes in the United Nations context. Demonstrates a good knowledge of United Nations regulations and rules, especially in matters relating to finance, budget, human resources, processing and programme planning. Demonstrates knowledge of information technology and data processing and data protection policies and tools. Demonstrates knowledge and experience in oversight in the United Nations system. Demonstrates ability to manage organizational change. Demonstrates ability to draft clearly and concisely. Demonstrates resilience and stability when faced with stressful and demanding situations. Demonstrates ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction. Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities. Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Judgement/decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.


Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in business administration, accounting, auditing, public administration, law, economics, social science, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Relevant professional certification in Internal Control, Audit, Governance, Risk, Compliance, Evaluation, Accounting, or Programme Management is desirable.

Work Experience

Over 15 years of experience in one or more areas of oversight (inspection, audit and independent evaluation) and management and administration, is required. Out of these, at least 5 years of work experience at the senior management level in international, multilateral or intergovernmental organizations in one or more areas of oversight (inspection, audit and independent evaluation) is required. Experience in managing staff in a multicultural environment is required. Experience with the interpretation of financial and staff regulations and rules and related policies in one or more of the United Nations system organizations is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English with excellent drafting skills is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.