Implementing Partner Assurance and Risk Management Specialist, Quality Management Unit (QMU), Division for Management Services (DMS), New York, P-4

Job Summary

The Implementing Partner Assurance and Risk Management Specialist works with the team to manage overall risks and assurance for UNFPA funds implemented through partners under the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT). You will report directly to the Chief of the Quality Management Unit (QMU) in the UNFPA Division for Management Services (DMS).

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s new strategic plan (2018-2021), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. 

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

QMU leads UNFPA in strategic operational areas such as implementing partner (IP) assurance and risk management, including fraud and contributes to the development and implementation of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and Internal Control Framework (ICF) at UNFPA. QMU develops risk-based and value-adding policies, processes and systems to work with partners and build capacity through adaptive learning and differentiated support. The unit oversees and monitors compliance of UNFPA partnership implementation with accountability requirements. 

The Implementing Partner Assurance and Risk Management Specialist works within the QMU team and with colleagues across UNFPA and in other UN agencies to manage IP assurance and risk management processes, develops the necessary tools and guidance and supports CO in their use and application. 

Qualifications and Experience

Education:  

Advanced university degree in public or business administration, management, risk management, finance or accounting.  A Bachelor's degree with suitable professional accreditation e.g. CPA, ACA would be considered equivalent. 

Knowledge and Experience: 

• 7 years progressively responsible experience in financial management, risk management and/ or audit and assurance at national and international level including in the public sector and in complex, fast changing environments. 
• Advanced knowledge of the operational management of UN programmes and implementing partners, especially in terms of risk management and assurance over funds. Knowledge of HACT and similar IP risk management approaches. 
• Advanced knowledge and experience of using and developing spreadsheet and knowledge of database applications and ERP functionalities to analyze and manage data and processes. Working knowledge of Atlas/PeopleSoft and Oracle is an asset.
• Understanding of the UN and the UNFPA mandate.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, plan and execute ideas as well as transfer knowledge and skill.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team and collaborate with team members, be it within the unit, across divisions or UN system wide to achieve results.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and monitor the performance of organizational units, to support and guide staff and to ensure compliance with corporate requirements. 
• Demonstrated ability to organize, motivate, lead and supervise staff – and to manage for results in a timely manner.
• Good written and oral communication skills and ability to explain and present complex technical issues to non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective relationships both within and outside the organization.

Languages: 

Fluency in English; knowledge of other official UN languages, preferably French and/or Spanish, is desirable.