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Chief Risk Officer

Geneva

  • Organization: UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
  • Location: Geneva
  • Grade: Senior level - P-5, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: Closed

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the Recruitment and Assignments Policy (RAP, UNHCR/HCP/2017/2 and the Recruitment and Assignments Administrative Instruction (RAAI), UNHCR/AI/2017/7 OF 15 August 2017.

Chief Risk Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

UNHCR launched its first Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework in 2014 based on ISO 31000:2009 international standard, adopting a light-touch approach. The framework was scheduled for a revision in 2017. The organization has managed to put in place a relatively simple risk management process integrated within its existing planning and management processes, conduct and annually update organization-wide risk assessment, capture the results of the assessment in the Corporate Risk Register, create a Strategic Risk Register, design/implement a simple online risk repository and reporting tools. All risk management focal points have been trained on risk management and a basic eLearning on ERM is available to all staff (also shared with IOM and UNICEF).

The progress made by the organization in institutionalizing risk management, albeit in a light form, has been acknowledged both internally and externally. At the same time there is a growing realization that the organization needs to shift gear on risk management, responding to the evolution of its operating environment, which is becoming increasingly complex and prone to more risks, both internal and external. The much needed change in the approach has been reflected by the High Commissioner himself at the 2017 ExCom through the launch of the "Targeted Investments in Risk Management" initiative.

The Chief Risk Officer (CRO) is accountable to the Deputy High Commissioner and leads the ERM unit. Under the leadership of the CRO the unit is responsible to (a) implement "Targeted Investments in Risk Management" initiative; (b) re-align the ERM framework of the organization with the objectives of the initiative, informed by the up-coming revision of the ISO 31000 and the management advisory conducted by the internal audit on risk management (c) maintain on-going risk management work streams active while changes take place and take hold.

The incumbent regularly reports and provides advice to the Deputy High Commissioner on all matters relating to ERM. CRO regularly updates the Senior Executive Team and the Senior Management Committee on ERM matters. She/he supports managers and risk management focal points at all levels of the organization to discharge their responsibilities with respect to UNHCR's ERM framework.

On request and as appropriate, the incumbent provides updates on the implementation and functioning of ERM to the Independent Audit and Oversight Committee (IAOC), the Executive Committee (ExCom) and the Board of Auditors. CRO also closely works with internal audit, evaluation service and the office of the Inspector General on issues of mutual focus.

The incumbent represents UNHCR in the UN ERM network, speaks with an authoritative voice on ERM matters, and works closely with other key UN agencies to develop ERM best practice and identify opportunities to improve UNHCR's ERM framework.

The incumbent supervises Associate ERM Officer at P-2 level. The core team will expand to include a deployable capacity for supporting field operations. CRO will also oversee and support risk-management capacities placed within select field operations on continuing basis.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability

- UNHCR has a revised framework and new direction for Enterprise Risk Management.

- Risk management is better integrated within key organisation and business processes (both in the field and at Headquarters), further contributing to risk prevention, monitoring and improves response.

- Risk management capacity of the organization is adequate to support managers at all levels with their risk management ARAs in alignment with the revised framework.

Responsibility

- Revise and maintain a comprehensive ERM framework across the Organization to improve identification, assessment, management and monitoring risks, supporting the HC and management in their efforts to address preventable shortcomings, fraud and corruption, improving programme delivery.

- Further embed risk management activities in daily operations to strengthen integrity and unearth root causes of risks, including corruption and fraud, develop and implement measures with a focus on prevention.

- Promote the application of sound risk management processes, and provide oversight for the implementation of related activities within UNHCR, lead and direct risk management capacity of the organization at headquarters and support the field capacities.

- Maintain the Corporate Risk Register and facilitate the risk assessments as and when needed.

- Provide the necessary expertise and resources to support the different steps in the risk management process, including assistance and advice in the design, assessment, and monitoring of appropriate risk mitigation and contingency activities.

- Develop and maintain the methodology and practices related to the implementation of risk management activities, including the administration of the tools, training, reporting and other related requirements, and supporting the risk focal points in the conduct of appropriate risk and control monitoring activities.

- Undertake analysis and report on risk management internally and externally.

- Implement and maintain the necessary systems and data management capabilities to properly support risk management.

- Support the dissemination of information and best practices with regard to risk management principles and measures across the Organization, and develop as appropriate communication and training programs, to enhance UNHCR¿s risk management culture.

- Provide regular updates to the DHC on the implementation of ERM.

- On request, provide updates on the implementation and functioning of ERM to the IAOC, ExCom, the Board of Auditors and the internal auditors.

Authority

- Develop and disseminate internal risk management reports.

- Disseminate information and best practices with regard to risk management principles and measures.

- Perform trend analysis and communicate findings and conclusions to senior management.

- Represent UNHCR in the UN ERM network meetings.

- Develop appropriate ERM related communication and training programmes.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

- Graduate degree (equivalent of Master¿s) in business administration/management, economics or a related field.

- Minimum 12 years of progressively responsible experience in risk management or related fields (preferably with certification and in an international environment).

- Strong leadership skills with significant managerial experience, excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

- Ability to perform analysis of risk data.

- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, including the preparation of clear and concise reports.

- Ability to facilitate workshops with senior participants.

- Ability to work effectively in English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

- Experience in designing and conducting training programmes.

- Knowledge of UNHCR's objectives, challenges and governance structure.

- Working experience with humanitarian field operations.

- Working knowledge of other UN official languages.

- Knowledge of and working experience with ERM IT applications. C001L4 - Accountability Level 4
C002L4 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 4
C003L4 - Communication Level 4
C004L4 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 4
C005L4 - Client & Result Orientation Level 4
C006L4 - Organizational Awareness Level 4
M001L4 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 4
M002L4 - Managing Performance Level 4
M006L4 - Managing Resources Level 4
M005L4 - Leadership Level 4
M003L4 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 4
M004L4 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 4
X005L4 - Planning and Organizing Level 4
X001L4 - Analytical Thinking Level 4
X006L4 - Policy Development & Research Level 4

Before applying to this position, we strongly encourage colleagues to read the country specific FAQs information leaflets which can be found  on the Intranet under Staff Resources > Duty of Care. The information leaflets are specifically designed to answer some of the key questions potential applicants might have before deciding to apply. 

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the September 2017 Compendium is Monday 6 November 2017 (midnight Geneva time).

This vacancy is now closed.
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