Independent Audit and Oversight Committee Membership (pro bono) at UN High Commissioner for Refugees


The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva, Switzerland, is seeking applications to fill one vacant position on its Independent Audit and Oversight Committee (IAOC).

Established in 1950, UNHCR (www.unhcr.org) is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect and assist refugees and other people of concern. In more than seven decades, the agency has helped over 50 million people restart their lives. Today our workforce of over 17,000 personnel continues to work tirelessly in 132 countries to make a difference in the lives of 82.4 million forcibly displaced people worldwide.

The five-member IAOC serves in an expert advisory capacity to assist both the High Commissioner and UNHCR’s Executive Committee in exercising their oversight responsibilities in accordance with relevant best practices, industry standards and applicable UN financial and staff rules and regulations.

IAOC members must have recent and relevant senior-level experience in finance, audit, and oversight. Preference will be given to individuals with experience in governance, assurance, and risk management; evaluation, ethics, and fraud prevention; knowledge and understanding pertinent to UNHCR’s mandate; experience in managing organisations of a similar size; and an understanding of the organisation and United Nations system-wide operating context and accountability structure. Excellent knowledge of English is a prerequisite.

In order to maintain the necessary independence, members shall not receive a fee for services rendered. They will, however, receive a daily allowance and be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred to attend Committee meetings. The Committee shall meet at least two (usually three) times per year with each session lasting approximately four days.

For more information on the terms of reference of the IAOC please consult the following document: https://www.unhcr.org/5c7ff2894.pdf

How to apply

Interested candidates should please send your up-to-date curriculum vitae accompanied by a letter of interest by 13 March 2022 midnight (CET) time to hqcareer@unhcr.org.

UNHCR values inclusiveness, diversity, and gender equity. 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.