UNDP Jobs - 57649- Strategic Risk Information Specialist

Strategic Risk Information Specialist

Location :

Kabul, AFGHANISTAN

Type of Contract :

TA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

02-Jul-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

364 Days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

UNDP supports stabilisation, state building, governance and development priorities in Afghanistan. UNDP support, in partnership with the Government, the United Nations system, the donor community and other development stakeholders, has contributed to institutional development efforts leading to positive impact on the lives of Afghan citizens. Over the years UNDP support has spanned such milestone efforts as the adoption of the Constitution; successful Presidential, elections; institutional development and capacity building within Government agencies and commissions at the national and subnational levels. UNDP has played a key role in major demobilisation, disarmament and rehabilitation and area-based livelihoods and reconstruction programmes, which have taken place nationwide. UNDP Programmes in Afghanistan have benefited from the very active support of donors. Despite such successful efforts, after decades of conflict, Afghanistan continues to face a complex security environment. Anti-government armed clashes, intimidation and targeted killings effectively undermine peace and stability processes and are undertaken by not only Anti-Government Elements (AGEs) but also predatory armed groups, and narcotics rings. The impact of such activities has resulted in internal displacement as well as the curtailed delivery of development programmes and humanitarian aid. Economic growth and development is also limited and corruption is a significant and increasing concern for the international community. In this environment, the United Nations system endeavours to support political processes and deliver development and humanitarian programmes at the national and sub-national levels. Through the on-going Common Country Assessment and through the subsequent UN Development Assistance Framework 2015 – 2019, the United Nations has re-affirmed its commitment to working in Afghanistan into the ‘Transformation Decade 2015 - 2025'. The United Nations however faces a HIGH risk operating environment including risks relating to (for example) reputation, fiduciary integrity, partner management, programme management.

In response to these challenges, the United Nations Country Team, under the leadership of the UN DSRSG RC/HC has established a Risk Management Unit (RMU), which has developed and applies a dedicated integrated risk management strategy. Such an approach is critical to ensuring that humanitarian and development support reaches the people of Afghanistan while retaining credibility with stakeholders, including recipients, donors and partners. To support this unit the RMU is looking for a highly motivated individual who can positively contribute to the work of the team in the position of Strategic Risk Information Specialist.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting directly to the Head of Risk Management Unit, in collaboration with the RMU and Office of the DRSG/RC/HC, the Strategic Risk Information Specialist will have the following responsibilities:

Support the development of a comprehensive risk management and collaborative monitoring framework based upon ISO31000 and in line with industry best practice, to enhance the collective risk management agenda, and also support all RMU stakeholders including the UNCT Afghanistan, INGOs as well as donors;
Provide expert analysis and reporting on strategic and operational issues and trends related to risk management in the Afghanistan context;
Identify and build Strategic Partnerships to ensure stakeholder support and operational sustainability of the RMU;
Support the continual development of risk information sharing platforms and mechanisms including the Contractor Information Management System to ensure effective collaborative risk management approaches and enhance UNCT decision making processes;
Supervisory responsibilities to help guide and strengthen the internal capacity of the RMU;
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;
Any other tasks as directed by the Head of Risk Management Unit and DSRSG/RC/HC.

To support the development of a comprehensive risk management and collaborative monitoring framework:

Advocate for common approaches to risk management that enhance and strengthen planning and programming amongst the UNCT, INGOs and Donors, while recognising and respecting the differing programmatic requirements;
Identifying and monitoring the effectiveness of risk management practices, and report findings and recommendations related to residual risks to the Head of Risk Management Unit and UNCT – Afghanistan Risk Steering Committee;
Champion risk management and facilitate the use of risk management processes, methodologies and tools;
Remaining current on evolving risk management standards and practices, as well as collaborative monitoring processes and developments to support RMU stakeholders.

Provision of expert analysis and reporting on strategic and operational issues and trends:

Support the Head of Risk Management Unit, DSRSG RC/HC Afghanistan, UNCT Afghanistan, other RMUs, as well as partners and donors through the identification, assessment and management of operational and strategic risk This includes the ability to interpret complex information, accurately identify issues and trends, make appropriate judgments, and provide relevant recommendations;
Provision of expert analysis and the production of high quality, tailored risk reporting to meet client needs. This includes understanding and implementing the ISO31000 Risk Management standard and using media most appropriate to the situation and the client’s needs within appropriate timeframes;
Assessment and analysis of the strategic and operating environment in Afghanistan, keeping abreast of the evolving situation with regards to Contextual, Operational and Programmatic risk.

Building Strategic Partnerships:

Identifies and establishes robust strategic partnership to strengthen the RMU and the collaborative risk management agenda;
Displays initiative, sets challenging outputs for him/herself and proactively identifies opportunities to advocate for, and gain support of the RMU;
Builds and maintains donor relations with the objective of implementing a resource mobilisation strategy;
Uses knowledge of donors and successful programmes and projects to support the Head of Risk Management Unit and contribute to fund raising and resource mobilisation strategies for the benefit of the RMU.

To support the continual development of risk information sharing platforms:

Support the continual development of the Contractor Information Management System;
Entity management and analysis, including creation of profiles and database development to further support and enhance the Contractor Information Management System;
Undertakes continuous environmental scanning and documents and champions innovative practices to strengthen the development of risk information sharing platforms to support stakeholders and the work of the RMU.

Supervisory responsibilities to strengthen the internal capacity of the RMU:

Establish work plans, standards for performance evaluation and indicators for work progress and achievements;
Ensure timely corrective actions are also implemented to ensure achievement of objectives and deadlines;
Provide technical guidance and on-the-job training to ensure work standards are achieved in line with work objectives.

Knowledge Management, Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing:

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;
Identifies new approaches and strategies that promote the use of RMU tools and mechanisms;
Increase visibility of the RMU to stakeholder’s through public communication as well as enhancing internal communication by supporting the development of an information sharing platform with clients, stakeholders and donors.

Any other tasks as directed by the Head of Risk Management Unit and DSRSG/RC/HC:

Provide support to the work of the RMU as directed by the Head of Risk Management Unit and DSRSG/RC/HC.

Impact of Results

The UNDP Corporate Action Plan recognises that UNDP needs to be an ever more responsive, relevant, effective and efficient organisation, focused on development results and impact if it is to meet today’s global challenges. The implementation of the Risk Management Unit, which supports the UNCT Afghanistan, directly supports UNDPs efforts in addressing these challenges and in particular demonstrates a more effective and efficient process that supports quality programme interventions as well as directly supports UNDP efforts in developing national capacities. The position of Strategic Risk Information Specialist supports the Risk Management Unit and is key to ensuring that risk management is effectively implemented, which supports UNDP and the UNCT Afghanistan.

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;
Team work skills;
Client orientation.

Functional Competencies:

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, 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 Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysis, Intelligence Analysis, project management, business planning and reporting, and the ability to apply analytical and strategic thinking;
Professional experience in an international organisation and/or in conflict/post-conflict environments/developing countries is required;
Hands on experience strategic partnership building with stakeholders, government partners, and stakeholder collaboration – a proven track record of building and sustaining a range of strong relationships and providing high quality service delivery;
Knowledge of the United Nations in Afghanistan, operational activities, risk management environment, and related programme challenges desirable;
Understands the principles of information security and management and acts with discretion at all times.

Language:

Fluency in English;
Knowledge of Dari/Pashto/Arabic is desirable.

Application:

Interested and qualified international candidates should apply on-line through the UNDP Jobs site at UNDP Afghanistan Vacancy Announcement and please ensure that to fill up and upload Personal History Form-P.11 which is available at UNDP Personal History Form (P.11 Form);
Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date will not be given consideration. Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.

For more detailed information about UNDP Afghanistan please visit our website at www.undp.org.af.
Successful candidates must be prepared to start work within 6 weeks of the offer of appointment;
Qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.