Senior Business Analyst (Donor Relations)

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.

Senior Business Analyst (Donor Relations)

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The level of contributions to UNHCR has more than tripled in the past 7 years reaching a record high $4 billion in 2016. The drastic increase of complex operational needs and budget structure requires sharp analysis of resources available versus the field needs to feed the decision-making process of resource allocation worldwide. 

Income management includes i) the adequate recording of donor pledges, ii) the development of various revenue analysis and forecasts, iii) the production of reports, iv) the provision of guidance and support to Bureaux/Divisions and Field, building their capacity if needed to manage contributions for their operation, v) the development of business processes and technical tools in support to the overall income management.

Income recording should be done in a way that represents the donor pledges and intentions. At the same time, income recording should allow the maximum flexibility for the organisation in the use of resources available within a complex budget structure. The third key element is to ensure the tracking and monitoring of the use of donor contributions and also ensuring quality and timely reporting.  

Based in Geneva, the incumbent will provide expert guidance on the impact of the policies, procedures and systems on the transactions and related processes and procedures performed by DRRM and will support the work of DRRM and PSP in the implementation of IPSAS in relation to revenue recording and follow-up. The incumbent will undertake and oversee needs and gaps analysis of operations, resource allocation analysis and recommendations, provide support towards s fund raising and reporting, assist the Chief of Section in managing organizational resource allocation through the various processes and handle other income-management tasks.

The Snr. Business Analyst, as a senior member of the Funding Analysis section, will support the Chief of Section in the overall management of the team and deputize when required. S/he will work in close coordination with other sections in DRRM and PSP, with the Program and Budget Section and with DFAM finance colleagues in Budapest. This post will report directly to the Chief of Section, Income Management and Funding Analysis in DRRM.


FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability
- Continuous improvements of business processes supporting fund raising activities, revenue recognition, income management and donor reporting taking into account donor earmarking and the organisational overall operational needs.
- Quality funding analysis is conducted in a structured manner for expedited and more comprehensive outputs.
- Realistic funding projections and analysis are provided to allow provision of maximum Operating Level/spending authority upfront to the operations while minimizing the risk from over-projection to the organization, with the level of details necessary for setting up an initial OL/spending authority for the Annual Programme Review process.
- Funding gaps and surpluses are identified and analysed in a systematic way so that necessary fund-raising and resource allocation decisions can be made by the senior management on time, minimizing damage to under-funded operations and reducing unnecessary carryover.
- UNHCR staff in the field and HQ is given guidance and support in relation to income management.
- Organizational transparency is enhanced through improved traceability of donors' contributions in collaboration with DFAM and DPSM.
- A mechanism for monitoring of donor requirements and reporting is established for improved efficiency and accuracy.
- Appropriate system and procedural changes are proposed, introduced, and communicated in a timely manner.
- Accountability and capacity for income management is built in DER and in Divisions, Bureaux and the field.
- A set of clear guidelines is established in line with IPSAS implementation of income recognition, cash and in-kind, to ensure consistent application of IPSAS standards and the management of risks related to income management. 
- Auditor¿s requests are addressed in a coordinated (DRRM and PSP) and a timely manner and recommendations are addressed.
- Business processes and alignment with financial requirements is ensured in coordination with DFAM.

Responsibility
- Assist (and deputize when required) the Chief of Section in preparing high level resource-management meetings, ensuring quality and timely income data analysis. 
- Assist the Chief of Section in the work related to the Annual Programme Review process.
- Assist the Chief of Section in reviewing submissions by the Bureaux/Divisions to the Budget Committee.
- Develop tools, analysis and reports that can assist the Organisation resource management and allocation processes based on the operational needs vis-à-vis donors' interests and earmarking.
- Spearhead income projections in collaboration with donor focal points in DRRM and PSP.
- Liaise with DFAM, DPSM and other sections as required.
- Contribute to the division's effort in achieving predictable funding.
- Assist the Chief of Section in formulating DRRM's mid and long term strategy in minimizing the gap between the operational needs and the funds raised.
- Analyse contributions pattern and interests of donors and identify potential areas for increased funds raising opportunities.
- Establish and analyse benchmarks of UNHCR's funds raising with those of comparable humanitarian organizations.
- Establish mechanism and build capacity of donor focal points so that information needs for project proposals, ad hoc donors requests and reporting can be done based on the data captured though available  organizational tools such as Focus, MSRP, and PSR (Population Statistical Reference).
- Raise awareness on programme and budget structure with fund raising colleagues so that constraints as a result of donor-driven funds to the Operating Level of operations are minimized.
- Identify interlinks with other divisions/sections including managing the income component in the Global Focus Insight and participating in the review of Result Based Management system.
- Act as a focal point for any income management audit related issues for DRRM/PSP.
- Act as a focal point for financial issues and the coordination with PBS and AFS Budapest of DFAM.
- Collaborate with DFAM in the revenue allocation process and collective improvements.
- For the area of IPSAS revenue recognition, understand the implications of IPSAS and provide expert knowledge on current policies, procedures and practises in DRRM/PSP.
- Consolidate inputs and provide analysis for the Global Appeals and the Global Reports in particular for the financial chapter.
- Assist Regional Focal points and other relevant colleagues in consolidating the financial information for special appeals, reports, Standing Committee and EXCOM documents, etc.
- Coordinate information on donor reporting requirements and funding analysis including Government, UN and Private Sector income.
- Manage consultative processes to regularly review system tools and their relevance to DRRM/PSP responsibilities in fund raising and the income management and make recommendations for potential improvements.
- Ensure systems and procedures put in place are adequate, respond to the needs of DRRM/PSP and propose relevant amendments as necessary.
- Formulate business requirements and provide functional specifications.
- Provide regular status reports to the Chief of section: status of assigned duties, issues, dependencies and constraints to completion of work ¿ and recommend action to be taken.
- Participate in discussions on income management, fund raising strategy and Change Management strategy.
- Perform other duties as required.
- Deputized for the Chief of Section.

Authority
- Set and enforce parameters, criteria and deadlines for business processes.
- Support the Chief of Section in defining Funding Analysis team's priorities.
- Propose, develop and monitor implementation of technical improvements in revenue/income recording (HQ and field level).
- Recommend methodologies for in depth quality funding analysis.
- Identify key areas of capacity building and develop related training.
- Deputize for the Chief of Section in leading the section, and assist the Chief of Section in preparing and representing DER in the APR Secretariat, the finance meetings and other meetings where resources management and needs are discussed.


ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master¿s) in Finance, Economics, Business Administration or Public Administration.
- Minimum of 8 years relevant professional experience in programme and financial management, of which, at least 5 years should be in an international capacity directly relevant to the function.
- Proven exposure to management and change initiatives in an international, decentralized and/or multinational environment with experience in implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) within the UN system.
- Proven ability to identify change management needs and to advise management on change management opportunities.
- Sound knowledge and practical experience of UNHCR's budget structure and result framework.
- Excellent skills in UNHCR specific programmes - MSRP, Focus, etc.
- Advanced computer skills in MS Office, and practical experience with process mapping, data visualisation and optimization/constraint programming software.
- Methodical and attention to details with an ability to mine and analyse large data sets.
- Proven ability to deal with multiple tasks in a courteous and service oriented manner in demanding working conditions that often have short deadlines.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills and the capacity to communicate complex technical knowledge in layman¿s terms.
- Excellent ability to read, write and work in English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Completion of the UNHCR Learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.
- Exposure to the Annual Programme Review process in UNHCR HQs.
- A good knowledge of the UN system. Its rules/ procedures, processes, exposure to its reforms process and experience in business processes re-engineering in the UN.
- Knowledge of another relevant UN language. C001L3 - Accountability Level 3
C002L3 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 3
C003L3 - Communication Level 3
C004L3 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3
C005L3 - Client & Result Orientation Level 3
C006L3 - Organizational Awareness Level 3
M001L3 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 3
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
M005L3 - Leadership Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
X003L3 - Technological Awareness Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X005L3 - Planning and Organizing Level 3

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. 

Experience with change initiatives, especially Enterprise Resource Planning:
As the incumbent is expected to provide expert guidance to DRRM on income management including revenue recording and on resources allocation, s/he must demonstrate proven exposure to management and change initiatives in an international, decentralized and/or multinational environment, with specific experience implementing at least one Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) initiative, preferably using PeopleSoft and within the UN system. S/he must also possess a proven ability to identify change management needs and to advise management on change management opportunities, and have practical experience with process mapping. Excellent technical skills
The job requires excellent computer skills. Specifically, the incumbent must be able to turn data into insights, and hence must have a high level of proficiency in data analysis and presentation tools including MS Excel, Power BI, and Tableau. S/he must also be good with ERP systems and UNHCR¿s Global Focus. Sound knowledge of UNHCR budget and RBM structure is a must. Familiarity with optimization tools/programming is a plus.

Analytical and creative thinking
The incumbent will require strong analytic and creative thinking skills, as much of the work-program will be self-directed and practical, rapid solutions are sought. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
The Senior Business Analyst will be working closely with the entire DRRM and PSP teams as well as with other Divisions and Bureaus, in particular DFAM and DPSM. S/he will also participate in Senior Management meetings on resources management.
S/he will also be giving trainings to various internal audiences and therefore must be capable to communicate complex technical knowledge in layman¿s terms. S/he will directly supervise 2 staff.

Language skills
Excellent knowledge of English (written/oral/comprehension) is essential. Knowledge of another UN language would be an added asset.

Ability to manage stress
In a context where multi-tasking and an ability to juggle different priorities are essential, the person in this post must be able to work consistently under stress with tight deadlines, in a courteous and service-oriented manner. This post falls within the Income Management and Funding Analysis Section in DRRM.
The scope of the work of the Income Management and Funding Analysis Section has expanded over the past few years with the introduction of IPSAS, the upcoming MSRP upgrade, the rapid growth of income and the overall resource mobilization context.
The level of contributions to UNHCR has more than tripled in the past 7 years reaching a record high $4 billion in 2016. The drastic increase of complex operational needs and budget structure requires sharpen analysis of resources available versus the field needs to feed the decision making process of resources allocation worldwide. 
IPSAS has required an extensive realignment of how revenue recording and reporting must be conducted. DRRM is responsible for ensuring that IPSAS 23 - Policy on Revenue from Non-Exchange Transactions is applied to cash contributions and in-kind goods and services at all levels of the organization. The section is therefore also responsible in ensuring the quality of income management and recording of all Government, UN and Private Sector contributions. The MSRP/EPM tool used to record all voluntary contributions became obsolete and required to be changed. The Section was responsible for the development of this tool through the MSRP upgrade project. The upgraded MSRP went live in early May 2017 and the team is providing technical support and training on the income management related issues in coordination with DFAM.
The drastic increase of complex operational needs and requests from donors and UNHCR's particular budget structure require sharper and more complex analysis of the resources available serving different purposes:
i) to provide transparency and visibility of contributions to external stakeholders; ii) to inform the Executive Office and Senior Managers when deciding the allocation of resources;
iii) to provide information on funding gaps which, in turn, is guiding the fund raising efforts of the House; and iv) to provide support and guidance at all levels of the Organization on income management. Additional responsibilities of the section are to represent DER in the Annual Program Review process, in the Finance meetings and in the Budget Committee clearing process and meetings, to coordinate responses to auditors in relation to income management and to provide, in coordination with DFAM, all financial information for the Global Appeals and Reports and other Special Appeals.  The section is also faced with the need to monitor consistent application of new policies and procedures for income management at HQ and in the field, as well as to provide appropriate training to all stakeholders in a timely manner. These additional requirements and work have strained the capacity of the Section to the extent that its core activities, i.e. funding analysis, are affected.  It is therefore of paramount importance that the Section is strengthened and the business processes of DRRM are adjusted to ensure an optimal management of income.  Through this process with applicable functional expertise, DRRM will improve its efficiency and accountability in funding analysis and donor reporting. The Senior Business Analyst will provide expert guidance on the impact of the policies, procedures and systems on the transactions and related processes and procedures performed by DRRM and will support the work of DRRM and PSP in the implementation of IPSAS in relation to revenue recording and follow-up.
The incumbent will undertake and oversee needs and gaps analysis of operations, resource allocation analysis and recommendations, provide support towards fund raising and reporting, assist the Chief of Section in managing organizational resource allocation through the various in-House processes and handle other income-management tasks.
S/he will be responsible for i) re-engineering business processes for income management and revenue recognition as well as donor reporting to ensure quality of data and income management, efficiency in DRRM/PSP and organization transparency on funding available; ii) establishing a set of clear guidelines, introducing and communicating appropriate system and procedural changes; iii) establishing a mechanism for monitoring of donor requirements and reporting for improved efficiency and accuracy; iv) conducting funding analysis in a structured manner for expedited and more comprehensive output.
The Snr. Business Analyst, as a senior member of the Income Management and Funding Analysis section, will support the Chief of Section in the overall management of the team and deputize when required. S/He will assist in preparing data analysis in support to high level resources management decisions. S/he will work in close coordination with other sections in DRRM and PSP, with the Program and Budget Section and DFAM finance colleagues in Budapest. S/he will also work with other Divisions and Bureaus. This post will report directly to the Chief of Section, Income Management and Funding Analysis in DRRM. N/A N/A N/A

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