UNDP Jobs - 106601- Risk Management Specialist (GF funded)

Risk Management Specialist (GF funded)

Location :

Islamabad, PAKISTAN

Type of Contract :

IPSA (Short-Term)

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

29-May-22 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

IPSA-11

Duration of Initial Contract :

5 Months

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

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

UNDP has an important role in supporting health outcomes by supporting countries to address the social, cultural and economic determinants of HIV and health, in partnership with UN entities and other organizations. This is donethrough UNDP’s core work in reducing inequalities and social exclusion that drive HIV and poor health, promoting effective and inclusive governance for health, and building resilient and sustainable systems for health. UNDP also contributes through its coordinating and convening role in bringing together multiple partners and resources at national and local levels.

As a trusted, long-term partner of The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund, GF), UNDP’s value proposition lies in providing an integrated package of development solutions to strengthen institutions to deliver health services. Through its contributions as interim Principal Recipient (PR) and provider of technical assistance in over 53 countries since 2003, UNDP’s provision of integrated policy, implementation and capacity development support to countries has yielded significant health and development results in challenging operating environments. Proactive risk management and investing in sustainability are the cornerstones of UNDP’s portfolio management approach and providing technical assistance to national counterparts during all phases ofimplementation, strengthening legislation, policies and regulatory frameworks, and building capacities across key functional areas, including financial management, health information systems, procurement and supply chain management. The Global Fund – Health Implementation Support Team, HIV, Health and Development Group, Bureau of Programme and Policy Support, Global Policy Network (GF/HIST) is a dedicated team providing support to UNDP Country Offices implementing health and development programmes.

UNDP has been identified by the GF as the interim PR for the Pakistan HIV grant for the implementation period 1 July 2021 to 31 December 2023. For effective implementation of the Global Fund resources, UNDP Pakistan has established a Program Management Unit (PMU), which is responsible for the day-to-day overall programme management, risk management, policy guidance, financial accountability, procurement of goods, including health products and services, strengthening of the national systems. The GF resources are implemented in accordance with UNDP rules, policies and procedures, the grant confirmation, corporate agreements with the GF and in close coordination with the national and provincial stakeholders, Common Management Unit, Sub-recipients (SRs), NGOs, CSOs, communities, technical partners, UN entities and the Global Fund (Local Fund Agent) and Country Coordinating Mechanism.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Project Coordinator, and with guidance from the Assistant Resident Represntative (ARR) Crisis Prevention and Recovery Unit (CPRU), the Risk Management Specialist will be responsible for coordinating support on the identification of risk with the PMU and the development and implementation of risk processes and mitigation measures, in line with UNDP’s rules, policies and procedures and support the Project Coordinator in audit and investigations in line with UNDP rules.

1- Ensure provision of strategic policy direction and support to the Project Management Unit (PMU) aligned with Country Office and UNDP’s internal control framework on achievement of the following results:

Advise the GF Project Coordinator and PMU on the UNDP rules, policies and procedures, Global Fund operational polices and UNDP’s grant agreement with the Global Fund and corporate agreements.
Review PMU management and operational processes, SOPs and provide guidance on enhancement to enhance programme delivery and performance.
Participate in decision making on plans and policies affecting the GF programme operational systemsin the areas of Procurement, Financial and Human Resource Management and Sub-recipients (SRs) and contract management.
Ensure internal administrative/operational rules and procedures for programme implementation and ensure this cascades to SRs.
Reinforce internal control procedures in line with UNDP Internal Control Framework and accountabilities and responsibilities.
Develop and monitor targets and/or an accountability tool for operational efficiency and ensure the monitoring and analysis of the operating environment, quick readjustment of the operations, advice on legal considerations and risk assessment.

2- Ensure effective risk management and assurance practices across the PMU and with SRs focusing on achievement of the following results:

Serve as audit and investigaton focal point, coordinate on the GF programmes and ensure recommendations are implemented and mainstreamed in the PMU workflow processes.
Review the PMU business processes and develop SOPs to address exceptions and document prevailing changes when required.
Review the SOPs for SR management and the draft SR Manual for compliance against UNDP rules, policies and proceduresand best practice.
Provide TA on the project risk register and identify gaps within the PMU business processes and suggest mitigation measures to Project Coordinator.
In collaboration with the Project Coordinator, build a culture of risk management amongst PMU staff, SR and other partners.
Lead on the review and follow up on the Control Self Assessment (CSA) and ensure the development and implementation of the action plan and identify additional resources required for the implementation.
Provide quality assurance on donor and partner reports and correspondence related to audits, reviews, CSA.
Support the PMU in the review and revision of the Atlas Risk log in relation to the GF programmes on a quarterly basis and ad hoc to reflect country context.

3- Ensure effective risk review of sub-recipients and assurance practices focusing on achievement of the following results:

Lead in the risk assessment and planning for the provision of assurance and advisory services with respect to SRs.
Undertake a thorough review of all complaints, and classify according to the nature of the complaints, ensuring appropriate follow up actions are taken, in coordination with UNDP’s Office of Audit and Invesitgations (OAI) and introducing mitigating actions are reflected in the risk management tools;
Develop a document management system reflecting UNDP’s document policies for referrals relating to the oversight of the GF progreammes, and provide Project Coordinator and CO management with regular updates on the status of each referral.
Prepare and monitor a implementation plan related to SRs capacity.
Support in any review, audit, investigation process as required, including provision of relevant documents, setting up meetings with relevant people (such as staff at UNDP and/or staff at the relevant organizations) in coordination and under the guidance of OAI and preparing briefings, observations and recommendations and highlight any issues to Project Coordinator and senior management.
Monitor the implementation of recommendations, review and assess the adequacy of corrective actions undertaken by the organizations and recommend the closure of the recommendations, as appropriate.

4- Ensure knowledge management and sharing, ensuring the utmost confidentiality, with a focus on the following:

Ensure forward-looking information and communication management internally and externally to internal and external stakeholders.
Promote different systems and applications for optimal content management, knowledge sharing, information provision and learning including e-registry, web-based office management systems.
Implement corporate operational strategies introducing best practices, lessons learnt and knowledge management initiative.
Developing and implementation of tracking tools relevant to review, audit, investigation processes.
Engage in capacity building activities for PMU staff and organization (CBO) staff on risk management.
Analyze and report on issues and trends in overall risk management.
Monitor the effectiveness of risk management practices.
Build internal capacity in risk management among PMU staff.

Competencies

Core:
Achieve Results:
LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact.
Think Innovatively:
LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously
LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility
LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination
LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner
LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion
LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction and Strategy
Negotiation and Influence: Ability to reach an understanding, persuade others,resolve points of difference, gain advantage in the outcome of dialogue, negotiate mutually acceptable solutions through compromise and create ‘win-win’ situations.

BusinessDevelopment
Knowledge Facilitation: Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly externally.

Business Management
Project Management: Ability to plan, organise, prioritise and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.

Business Management
RiskManagement: Ability to identify and organise action around mitigating and proactively managing risks.

Business Management
Partnership Management:Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.

Health
National Strategic Plan/Policy for Health:Ability to engage with national disease programmes in support of development and national strategies/plans.

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Academic Education:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, finance, economics, law, risk mananagment, or related field.

Min. years of relevant Work experience:
At least seven years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in international development.

Required skills and competencies:

Demonstrated analytical skills and experience in strategic planning.
Understanding of the principles of risk mananagement.
Demonstrated strong organisational skills.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Desired additional skills and competencies:

Understanding of the principles of audit.
Demonstrated experience in the preparation of briefings, reports.
Knowledge of legal processes and procedures.
Demonstrated negioation skills.
Knowledge of UN or UNDP rules, policies and procedures.
Knowledge of Global Fund’s rules, policies and procedures.
Fluency in one local language (e.g. Urdu, Punjabi, Pashto etc.).
Work experience in a challenging operating environment.