Employer: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Close on 1 Jul 2020
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the leadership of the Resident Representative, s/he will report directly to the Deputy Resident Representative in charge of Operations and will have strong working relation with a view to risk management and assurance with the Deputy Resident Representative in charge of Programme, the Project Coordinators, the Programme Management Support Unit, operations team and the programme team. The Risk Management Specialist has the following responsibilities:
Summary of Key Functions / Key Results
Contributes, develops and implements the policies and strategies related to comprehensive risk and compliance management;
Develops and implements a comprehensive risk management framework for the CO applying UNDP´s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM approach), tailored to the specifies of the programmes in Chad;
Supports management decision making processes through offering independent advice on risks on an on-going basis;
Provides ongoing support at the forefront of the Programme activities in addressing daily challenges and implementation of risk action plans and strategies;
Provides expert analysis and reporting on strategic and operational issues and trends related to risk management of the country programme.
Facilitates knowledge management, knowledge building and knowledge sharing, which includes providing training and mentoring, reporting, monitoring support, practical guidance, investigations support, as well as implementation advice.
Partners with Operations and Programme from planning to implementation and reporting focusing on achievements of the following results:
Participates in work planning to ensure risk mitigation factors are included at the forefront;
Works closely with the programme coordinators, programme staff and government counterparts to help highlight risks throughout the design and implementation of the programme, and ensures risk is part of the monitoring package for the programme;
Works closely with the Operations of the CO and of the Programmes and projects to mainstream risk assessment and mitigation in business processes and key transactions;
Mainstreams risk in weekly management agenda and ensure early warnings are in place for mitigation measures;
Works closely with the programme management to implement audit observations, in the areas of risk
develops fraud prevention measures for the propramme as part of the overall fraud policy of the country office.
Advocate for common approaches to risk management that enhance and strengthen planning and programming amongst the UNDP and the government of Chad, while recognizing and respecting the differing programmatic requirements;
Assesses the risk impact on operational exceptions around the programme and advise management on related procedures and policies; and mitigation measures.
Contributes to the development tools and systems, and implementation of policies and strategies related to risks and compliance management in accordance with UNDP’s ERM policies, focusing on achievement of the following:
Defines the risk management approach for UNDP CO programmatic portfolio with focus on projects that may require risk management support based on UNDP’S ERM;
Loads and coordinates procedural, systems and tools development in risk management and mitigation for the PADLFIT and other relevant projects that may also require risk management and mitigation support;
Supports the PADLFIT and other relevant projects in the formulation of risk management plans. Participates in project appraisal to ensure that the risk management framework is properly applied reflected on the programme designs;
Initiates and conducts business process mapping with a view to identifying control points and risk mitigation activities, and ensures the establishment and regular reviews and updates of internal Standards Operating Procedures (SOPs) in work areas;
Develops Internal guidance notes, checklists and other tools in the area of work;
Periodically monitors (or Reviews) adherence to UNDP policies and procedures and corporate guidance on risk> Periodically monitors that UNDP policies as reflected in the POPP are applied to area of work;
Facilitates the development of risk mitigation measures, action plans and guides developed of specific risk response strategies and measures. Ensures that all risk sub-categories are appropriately responded to, and that strategies are in place. Supports formulation of strategies for various risk subcategories;
Oversees the systematization of mechanisms and tools at the project’s levels. Contributes in ensuring that processes and procedures are in place at projects levels and that these are efficient and standardized. Contributes in ensuring that functions are sufficiently resourced, develops standards processes and formulates standard JDs, participates in selection for project personnel in area of work as necessary;
Develops internal mechanisms for risk management, establishes ad hoc mechanisms to respond to emerging situations and threats to the programme;
Effectively communicates risk associated with the PADLFIT and other relevant projects that may also require risk management support, escalates risks based on the assessment and monitoring findings to the Resident Representative, CO’s Senior Management team, RBA and BMS Senior Management;
Advises and supports management in making risk informed decisions, and implementing risk management throughout the programme activities, focusing on achievements of the following results:
Supports management decision making processes, through offering independent advice on risk;
Provides ongoing support at the forefront throughout the programme activities in addressing daily challenges and implementation of risk action plans and strategies;
Coordinates implementation of the ERM cycle of the PADLFIT-and other relevant projects that may also require risk management support helps identify, assess, and support the prioritization of risk mitigation activities. Ensures an informed and comprehensive responses to risks;
Provides continuous feedback on progress and quality of risk management;
Leads and coordinates risk reporting for the PADLFIT projects and other relevant projects that may also require risk management support. Prepares regular and ad hoc reports, provides briefings and ensures information flows on risk related communication. Documents findings.
Participates in risk management fora and activities of the UN system in Chad and UNDP regionally and globally. Ensures that joint activities and plans are appropriately implemented.
Facilitates knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:
Leads activities to build capacity and create awareness around risk management in the CO. Designs training to staff at all levels, particularly the staff of the PADLFIT but also other relevant projects that may require risk management support;
Identifies and synthetizes lessons learnt and best practices in the area of work;
Actively promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture within the CO;
Systematically builds capacities of national staff in risk management and trains CO staff in all areas of responsibility
Applies knowledge of more advanced aspects of institutional Risk Management in conflict and post conflict environments to enhance the RMU portfolio;
Keeps abreast of new developments in the area of Risk Management and seeks to develop him/herself professionally;
Demonstrates comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the ISO31000 Enterprise Risk Management Standard and its application with the United Nations;
Any other tasks as directed by the Head of Resident Representative of the CO:
Provide support to the work of the PADLFIT and other relevant projects that may also require risk management support as directed by the Resident Representative and Senior Management.
Provide any other tasks to any UNDP’s project or CO’s activity as directed by the Resident Representative and the senior management team of the country office.
COMPETENCIES
Corporate Competencies
(Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN's values and ethical standards; Professionalism; Respect for diversity; Integrity; Creativity and innovation; Commitment to continuous learning; Accountability; Planning and organization skills; Results orientation; Strong oral and written communications skills; Teamwork skills; Client orientation)
Knowledge Management and Learning
(Knowledge – Shares knowledge and experience and has a demonstrated ability to understand and apply the ISO31000 Enterprise Risk Management Standard ; Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills; Promotes a learning environment in the office;
Knowledge of UN core values, rules and regulations.)
Development and Operational Effectiveness
(Keen ability to apply theoretical and technical skills and a commitment to project demands; Ability to apply critical thinking and strategic analysis to complex issues; Highly motivated an ability to work long hours in a fast-paced and often stressful environment with a positive attitude and problem-solving, solutions-based outcomes approach; Excellent communication skills and able to explain technical issues to users with different levels of technical literacy; Ability to lead implementation of new systems / processes and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change; Self-motivated with an ability to accept responsibility and accountability for decisions and actions.
Management and Leadership
(Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback ; Undertakes supervisory role effectively and shows conflict resolution skills; Stakeholder Collaboration – a proven track record of building and sustaining a range of strong relationships and providing high quality service delivery; Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Education:
Master’s degree in international relations, politics, law, defense , administration, security or related field is required.
Experience:
Minimum of 7 years related experience in Risk Analysis – including the ability to identify and manage risks at an operational and strategic level and identify and communicate in a timely manner, any risk management issues as well as risk mitigation measures.
Knowledge of the principles of auditing and internal controls, Intelligence Analysis, project management, business planning and reporting, and the ability to apply analytical and strategic thinking is required.
Professional experience in an international organization and in conflict/post-conflict environments is required.
Experience in Africa and knowledge of Sahel operational activities, risk management environment, and related programme challenges is desirable
Experience in managing with discretion at all times sensitive information is desirable
Language Requirements:
Fluency in French and English