Chief of Strategic Oversight Section

Please note that this vacancy is only open to eligible staff members who have been individually notified of their eligibility to apply for positions advertised in the Accelerated Posting Compendium. Deadline for Applications June 12, 2026 Hardship Level H (no hardship) Family Type Family Residential location (if applicable) Grade PR5 Staff Member / Affiliate Type Professional Reason Regular > Regular Assignment Target Start Date 2026-05-26 Standard Job Description Chief of Strategic Oversight Section Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Chief of Strategic Oversight Section reports to and supports the Inspector General in strengthening oversight response, coherence and capacity across the organization within the scope of the delegated authority. The incumbent contributes to enhancing the organization-wide response to oversight findings, supports the coherence of oversight functions and manages the IGO's oversight capacity and profile. The work requires close coordination with the staff within the IGO and other oversight entities, both internal and external. The incumbent liaises and coordinates activities of the office with support of Divisions, Regional Bureaux and Representatives and interacts, within the area of responsibility, with UNHCR's interlocutors in other oversight bodies, governments, NGOs, UN and non-UN agencies as well as independent experts. All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. Duties Conduct meta-analysis of oversight findings to identify lessons learnt and root causes of recurring systemic issues that present high risks to the Organization and prepare summary reports, with recommendations, on significant oversight matters requiring management action or intervention. Work closely with internal and external oversight entities, contribute to the development and implementation of systems and procedures to collect oversight data and efficiently track and report trends and cross-cutting matters presenting a high-risk to the Organization. Contribute analysis and recommendations on oversight matters through established reporting lines and, as requested coordinate ad-hoc inspections in response to specific management challenges. Comprehensively map oversight activities and work with independent oversight entities to highlight and address unnecessary duplications or significant gaps in high-risk areas. Ensure the necessary coordination of matters relating to Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) for the Organization and perform Secretariat functions for the IAOC. Provide administrative support, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding, to the OIOS UNHCR Audit Service. Develop administrative policies and procedures and related training and communication material for the IGO, at the request of the supervisor. Advise the supervisor on oversight matters in general, as required and as may arise in the conduct of the Service's duties. Prepare or review and provide input to IGO reports to external stakeholders (including reports and presentations to UN bodies, interagency meetings on oversight, and meetings of ExCom and the Standing Committee). Represent the IGO in relevant internal and external task forces/meetings on oversight matters in the areas of responsibility or on behalf of the supervisor. Contribute to the management and implementation of IGO's communication strategy. Manage the Strategic Oversight Section - staffing and performance management; participate in the preparation of the IGO's operational and strategic plans and budgets, including the budget and staffing requirements for the Internal Audit Division of OIOS. Provide support, as necessary, in the development of the internal audit work plan of OIOS for UNHCR; and assist in identifying and obtaining the services of internal and external colleagues to participate in internal audit engagements of OIOS when required. In collaboration with key stakeholders, prepare, review and provide input to oversight information sharing agreements and Terms of Reference for arrangements with UN Agencies and other partners. Review and provide feedback to draft agreements with oversight clauses. Promote best practise in oversight matters within the area of responsibility. Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed. Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Years of Experience / Degree Level For P5 - 12 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 11 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 10 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree Field(s) of Education Public Policy, Business Administration ; or other relevant field. Certificates and/or Licenses Institute of Mgmt Accountants; Certified Public Accountant; Chartered Accountant (CA); Internal Auditor; Certified Info Systems Auditor; Risk Management; Certified Fraud Examiner (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential Relevant previous work experience in the audit and risk management field, with particular emphasis on review of risk management systems and processes, internal controls, and governance structures and mechanisms, and conduct of performance audits, forensic reviews, and/or due diligence reviews. Proven skills, knowledge and experience in applying best practices in auditing and risk management. Excellent judgement with proven ability to deal with complex interrelated issues and strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop solutions that address root causes. Experience in research, synthesis and analysis of large quantities of data to identify systematic root causes, and to formulate implications and recommendations/options to address the core issues. Contract management experience, including ability to formulate agreement terms, Service Level Agreements and to manage the performance of consultants and experts. Familiarity with developing and extracting information from IT systems. Project management, systems design and implementation. Identification of key performance indicators and the development of tools such as dashboards and data visualization. Excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills. Proven ability to manage diverse teams, with strong management skills in collaboration, team building, and with ability to deliver quality results on time. Exposure to and experience in UN or non-UN field operations and emergencies in various geographical locations. Demonstrate high level of integrity, objectivity, impartiality and fairness. Desirable Working experience in an oversight function within the UN. Good working knowledge of UNHCR's mandate, field operations, organizational structure, and policies. Functional Skills FI-International Auditing Standards; LE-Forensic Audit and/or Fraud Examination; RM-Risk Management; CO-Cross-cultural communication; MG-People Management (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential) Language Requirements For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English. Competency Requirements All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below. Core Competencies Accountability Communication Organizational Awareness Teamwork & Collaboration Commitment to Continuous Learning Client & Result Orientation Managerial Competencies Empowering and Building Trust Judgement and Decision Making Leadership Managing Performance Managing Resources Strategic Planning and Vision Cross-Functional Competencies Analytical Thinking Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Planning and Organizing All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power. As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise. Desired Candidate Profile Essential Attributes: -In addition to the tasks illustrated in the Job Description, this post requires a seasoned and highly qualified professional (CABA and IIA required ), representing and delivering the highest quality of independent oversight and assurance available to UNHCR - Must demonstrate highest skills in maintaining objective assurance without real or perceived conflicts of interest, ensuring credibility and impartiality of advice to senior leadership. - Given the position is a steady counterpart to independent oversight bodies and manages sensitive information subject to strict due-process requirements, the candidate should be able to ensure predictable, consistent engagement, uniform application of standards, and robust confidentiality controls. Desirable Attributes: -Knowledge of French is desirable. -Field experience. UNHCR seeks diversity in its workforce and will consider gender and geographic diversity in the composition of its teams. UNHCR encourages colleagues with disabilities to apply. -IRM is desirable. Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): , , Desired languages French , , Operational context Occupational Safety and Health Considerations: To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel. Nature of Position: The position is part of the Inspector General's Office and reports to the Inspector General. The incumbent will be heading the Strategic Oversight Section. This position stewards the organization's cross-cutting oversight architecture— methodologies, data models, tracking protocols, and reporting standards—so that evidence remains comparable over multiple years. This enables reliable trend analysis, root-cause identification, and sustained remediation of systemic risk. The role relies on durable, trust-based relationships with external oversight providers as well as internally across headquarters, bureaux, and field operations, as well as a deep understanding of operating context. Living and Working Conditions: Additional Qualifications Skills Education Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Public Policy Certifications Certified Fraud Examiner - Other, Certified Information Systems Auditor - Other, Certified Public Accountant - Other, Chartered Accountant (CA) - Other, Institute of Management Accountants - Other, Internal Auditor - Other, Risk Management - Other Work Experience Competencies Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration UNHCR Salary Calculator https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales Compendium Accelerated Posting Compendium 2026 - Part B Additional Information Functional clearance This position doesn't require a functional clearance If you are a former UNHCR international staff member who held a fixed-term or indefinite appointment, you can apply to regular positions in the international professional category as candidate with UNHCR-experience (within 2 years following separation for males and 5 years for females). To apply to vacancies, please create a new account ("Sign In" on the top left corner >> Create account) or sign into your account, if you have already registered via the external career site. Once successfully registered/signed in, you can start filling in your data and apply for vacancies. If you are former UNHCR locally recruited staff member who held a fixed-term or indefinite appointment, you can apply to regular positions in your staff category as candidate with UNHCR-experience (within 2 years following separation for males and 5 years for females). To apply to vacancies, please create a new account ("Sign In" on the top left corner >> Create account) or sign into your account, if you have already registered via the external career site. Once successfully registered/signed in, you can start filling in your data and apply for vacancies. If you do not fall under any of the above categories, please use the External Career site for applying to vacancies. Technical notes: Once you fill in your basic personal information (employee ID, birth date, name, email address), Workday will identify you as prior personnel and merge your employee account with your external applicant account. If you were notified about unsuccessful application, please follow the steps described in the message. While you will not see the list of your employee-time applications in your external account, you will be duly notified if any action is required from your side and/or when the recruitment process is completed. In case you would like to update your name, address or phone number or you face any technical difficulties when applying, please write to recruitmentcase@unhcr.org. Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing or training). Read about how to avoid scams and fraudulent job offers. Please note that applications are only accepted via the online recruitment platform. CVs and/or application requests sent via email will not be answered, reviewed nor considered. The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, takes the lead in protecting people forced to flee wars and persecution around the world, providing life-saving aid including shelter, food and water to ensure their basic safety, rights and dignity. With 18,879 women and men working in 137 countries, we work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of 89.3 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. Our dedicated and professional staff work around the clock in roles including legal protection, community services, public affairs, health and more. Despite the challenges they can face, our staff are proud to work for UNHCR and determined to make a positive impact. Why a career with UNHCR? Our dedicated staff work to protect and assist people fleeing conflict and persecution at a time when global forced displacement is at a record high. Our colleagues bring a wide range of specialized skills, including expertise in legal protection, administration, community services, public affairs, health and other disciplines. Disability inclusion If you are a person with a disability and you expect you may face challenges during the recruitment process, you can indicate it in your application form. There are options to select any health conditions you may have and outline any necessary adjustments related to disabilities during the recruitment phases. Providing this information is optional. It will be treated as strictly confidential and used only for the purpose of finding out how to better assist you during the recruitment process. Adjustments for candidates with disabilities will be provided as best as possible and as needed upon request. All candidates will be assessed based on meeting the requirements for each vacancy in relation to experience, skills, and education.