Mendoza nominated as head of UN office

MANILA, Philippines - United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon nominated yesterday Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Heidi Mendoza as the new under-secretary general for the UN’s internal oversight services.

Ban informed the General Assembly of his intention to appoint Mendoza for a five-year non-renewable term following consultations with heads of regional groups.

Mendoza chairs COA’s audit committee on public sector auditing standards board and also serves as external auditor for the Food and Agriculture Organization, World Health Organization and International Labor Organization.

She was appointed COA commissioner in March 2011.

“As a certified public accountant, Mendoza has over 20 years of service in government, particularly in the field of audit, investigation, fraud examination, anti-corruption and integrity advocacy,” the UN said.

As state auditor from 1996 to 2006, Mendoza uncovered massive fraud and misuse of public funds.

Mendoza served as consultant to the Asian Development Bank, Australian Assistance for International Development Aid, Atos Consultancy and the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission from 2006 to 2010. – Pia Lee-Brago, Michael Punongbayan