Snr Risk Mgmt & Compliance Adv

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 Risk Management and Compliance Advisor

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
UNHCR has been taking calculated risks in its daily work since its establishment.  However, the organization has adopted a formal risk management system only in 2014.   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 further strengthen risk management, responding to the evolution of its operating environment, which is becoming increasingly complex and prone to more risks, both internal and external.

UNHCR¿s Risk Management 2.0 initiative will increase investment in and attention to risk management and oversight to better identify, mitigate and respond to important risks in field operations.  Key operational risks that affect delivery and impact will be reviewed with particular attention being paid to risks of fraud, corruption, terrorism, money laundering and sexual exploitation and abuse of refugees as well as harassment among team members.

The aim is to achieve a more risk-informed management of Operations by reinforcing the continuum between risk identification, root-cause analysis, implementation of risk mitigation measures and response to risks.  

The incumbent is engaged for a specific period of time to support operational managers in effective risk management and compliance thereby improving risk culture and integrity in the organization. 

The incumbent shall review the adequacy of risk management and compliance systems, structures, procedures and capacities across the Operation.  The incumbent will make recommendations as appropriate for their strengthening and assist operations management in their implementation.

The incumbent shall actively engage with internal stakeholders, including with the Bureau and Headquarters¿ Divisions, as appropriate, to ensure alignment in reforms at the country-office level with relevant efforts/reforms at the Headquarters and Regional levels.

The incumbent will be part of a network Risk Management 2.0 practitioners and will work in close collaboration with the Chief Risk Officer and the Geneva-based Enterprise Risk management (ERM) capacity to ensure coherence of approach, identify and address systemic root causes requiring a corporate-level response, the sharing of best-practice.

Keeping the Representative informed, the incumbent shall also actively engage directly with external stakeholders including relevant Government offices, implementing and operational partners, donors, contractors and refugee/host communities for the purposes of maximizing collective efforts to manage risk, strengthen compliance and maximize the quality of services provided for the benefit of refugees and other persons of concern.

The incumbent may manage relevant personnel/functions relating to compliance, quality and risk management. 

Due to the temporary nature of the engagement, the incumbent shall ensure that efficiency of operations management is improved through: close collaboration with the operations management team; clarity of roles; improved skills in risk management; and full integration of risk management, compliance and quality assurance actions into core operational activities.

The incumbent reports directly to the Representative, with a functional reporting line to ERM Unit.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
Accountability
- Systems, structures, procedures and capabilities relating to risk management, compliance and quality assurance are assessed across the entire operation and recommendations are made on how to strengthen same at country, regional and/or Headquarters/global levels.
- Agreed/endorsed recommendations referred to above are implemented in accordance with agreed milestones and budgets. 
- Coordination mechanisms are established and effective between UNHCR, other UN organizations, implementing partners, operational partners, and relevant Government authorities so as to maximize collective efforts to manage risks, ensure compliance and maximize quality.  
- Donors and other stakeholders in the Operation are kept abreast of efforts, achievements and obstacles in the management of risk, in ensuring compliance and in ensuring quality of results. 
- Approved actions resulting from recommendations of audits, studies, reviews, management implication reports etc. are implemented within agreed timeframes. 

Responsibility
- Provide advice and support to the Representative on risk management, compliance, and oversight matters;
- Ensure that risk management considerations are integrated into decision making, planning, monitoring, evaluation, reporting  and contingency activities in the Operation;
- Promote collaboration of different functions within the office structure to address cross cutting issues;
- Conduct research and in-depth analysis of risk management, compliance, and oversight findings and recommendations. In coordination with other expertise in the region and at HQs, identify lessons learnt and root cause(s) of recurring systemic issues in the Operation that present high risks to the Organization.  Prepare summary reports, with recommendations, on significant matters requiring management action or intervention;
- Support the Representative in the implementation of oversight recommendations to improve risk management, compliance and quality of outputs;
- In close consultation with the Chief Risk Officer, assess  the methodology, tools and practices related to the implementation of risk management activities in the Operation to strengthen integrity and unearth root causes of risks, and propose mitigating measures with a focus on prevention;
- Represent the Operation locally in relevant internal and external task forces/meetings on risk management and oversight matters;
- In collaboration with other units at Headquarters, the IGO and LAS, prepare, review and provide input to oversight information that may need to be shared outside the Organisation.
- Work closely with internal and external oversight entities, develop and implement a system and procedures to collect relevant data and efficiently track and report specific issues, trends and cross-cutting matters representing a high risk to the Operation;
- Prepare or review and provide input to management reports to external stakeholders (including country reports and presentations to locally based UN organisations, donor countries, interagency meetings and UNHCR partners on risk management and oversight).
- Assist the Representative in formulating the Operation¿s communication strategy on risk management, compliance, quality and oversight related matters.
- With assistance from and in close coordination with the ERM, Global Learning Centre, and other Headquarter Services, as required, develop and disseminate training and communication material on risk management and compliance responsibilities in the Operation to ensure knowledge and skills gained are sustainable.
- Promote best practise in risk management, compliance, quality, and oversight within and outside the Operation.
- Provide regular updates to the Representative, the Bureaux Director, Chief Risk Officer and Inspector General.

Authority
- Have access to all persons, records, reports, and assets under the ownership or control of the UNHCR Operation required to perform his/her work.
- Make decisions on the content of reports and presentations to the Representative and HQs on lessons learnt and root causes to address systemic and recurring high risks or emerging trends in the Operation.
- Make decisions on the implementation of the tools and procedures to manage risk and management data in the Operation.
- Represent the Representative in relevant internal and external task forces/meetings within areas of the responsibility.
- Represent the Operation as required in UN meetings dealing with risk management and oversight matters.
- Decide on administrative approaches and procedures pertinent to areas of the responsibility.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master¿s) plus minimum 11 years of previous work experience relevant to the function. Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) plus 12 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 10 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
- At least 6 years of experience in a senior managerial/leadership position involving, amongst other things, responsibilities relating to risk management, compliance and/or quality of results.
- Excellent judgement with proven ability to deal with complex interrelated issues and strong analytical and problem solving skills to develop solutions that address root causes.
- Excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
- Strong management skills in collaboration, team building, capacity development and with ability to deliver quality results on time. 
- Exposure to and experience in UN or humanitarian field operations and emergencies in various geographical locations.
- Demonstrated high level of integrity, objectivity, impartiality and fairness.
-       Excellent drafting skills and capacity to communicate complex matters to a wide non-expert audience as well as to experts involved in the area of responsibility.
- Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Good working knowledge of UNHCR¿s mandate, field operations, organizational structure, and policies.
- Good working knowledge of another UN language.
- Working experience in an oversight function within the UN.
- Knowledge of and working experience with Enterprise Risk Management frameworks.
-       Knowledge of additional UN languages.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR Senior Risk Management and Compliance Advisor positions. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates. 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
X008L4 - Stakeholder Management Level 4 <p>The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.</p>
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See below for this postion's Operational Context
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For those people applying for High Risk Duty Stations, we strongly encourage them – before deciding to apply- to read the country specific security and welfare country profiles which can be found on the Intranet under Support Services - Duty of Care (https://intranet.unhcr.org/en/support-services/duty-of-care.html). Ensuring staff are better informed is part of the increased attention UNHCR is paying to Duty of Care.

 

Staff after having applied to High Risk Duty Stations will have access to country specific information webinars with Field Safety Section (FSS) and Staff Welfare Section (SWS) colleagues and provided with a tool to test their psychological preparedness for serving in High Risk Duty Stations. Applicants who applied for a position in a High Risk country will receive, after the deadline for applications has expired, a joint invitation from the Staff Welfare Section (SWS) and the Field Safety Section (FSS) to participate in these webinars. During the Webinars, latest updates on security and well-being will be provided, and FSS and SWS will address questions raised by participants. Applicants are highly encouraged to benefit, when applicable, from all measures as they provide most up-to-date security and well-being information helpful to assess staff’s readiness to serve in a High Risk Duty Station. A Staff Welfare Officer will also be available, if and when required, to discuss with interested applicants the results of the psychological preparedness tool as well as readiness for assignment in High Risk Duty Stations.

 

The applicant for this position must have a sound understanding of enterprise risk management with demonstrated experience with implementation of a risk management framework (ERM FP in the field/HQs, exposure to risk management practices, etc.)
Having past field experience in complex humanitarian or development operations and preferably previous emergency managerial experience with direct operations management responsibilities with direct programming, budgeting, and operations management responsibilities (e.g. Senior Operations Manager, Senior Program Officer, Senior Admin/Finance Officer roles) or internationally recognized certificate in risk management is a requisite for this position.
Work experience in different geographical locations, high-risk environments and diverse functional roles are essential for the post.  Candidates who have continuously served in the same functional category (i.e. only finance, security, IT, admin, etc.) will not be considered as the most suitable applicants.
S/he must possess solid managerial and leadership competencies and be adept at building relations and consensus among a wide range of actors with the  ability to promote strategic goals, the need for change, and strengthened risk management.
In addition, experience in managing partnerships, government stakeholders, and external stakeholders is required to successfully perform as a risk advisor in the field.  Knowledge of internal controls and demonstrated experience in dealing with audit and compliance matters are required.
For the external applicants, experience in organizations with multi-country presence and wide operational coverage, preferably in the public sector, NGOs or United Nations is essential, with similar responsibilities as elaborated above. Demonstrated understanding of the humanitarian field is required.
Excellent drafting, communications/presentation skills in Spanish and English, as well as involvement in the development of control/risk management frameworks. The operational context in the region has substantially changed during 2018 bringing significant political and operational challenges with new emergencies and offering some new opportunities for UNHCR. The regional political scenario may change in connection with the elections that took place in 2018 and those scheduled in 2019.
Within the emergency context multiple new offices have been established with a significant increase of short-term emergency deployments, high turnover of staff and a marked increase of procurements transactions, new partners and a sudden increase of partnership agreements across the region.  Operating budget in the region has rocketed from USD90 million in Jan 2018 to USD192 million in Jan 2019.  
By Jan 2019 UNHCR has declared 2 main L2 emergencies for Venezuela situation and for the Caravan situation in Central America and Mexico (9 operations in the Americas are under L2 emergency). Recently, UNHCR-IOM have established a Regional Inter-Agency Coordination Platform to respond to the flow of refugees and migrants from Venezuela. 
Response in several critical areas, as protection, registration and documentation and emergency assistance needs to be further strengthened.  A recent OIOS risk assessment has identified 10 key risks in Venezuela situation operations including aspects related to internal coordination, resource allocation, partnership, finance and human resources, emergency preparedness and internal control.
The position of Risk Advisor will be initially based in Lima, Peru; the youngest operation in the Americas established in May 2018.  The incumbent plays an integral part in supporting and facilitating risk management and compliance in the Operation. S/he would support the Risk Management 2.0 initiative to strengthen the risk management culture, advising management on measures and strategies to strengthen internal controls, and ensure that risk management plays an integral part of the planning process and key decision making. Lima is a category A family duty station. The city is modern with a great variety of commercial, economic, cultural and industrial activities. February is the hottest month in Lima with an average temperature of 24°C and the coldest is August with 17°C.  Possibility of renting private accommodation. The Security Level for Lima is LOW.    The most frequent crimes nationwide are violent assaults in the streets, robberies in hotels, restaurants and malls. During the night, criminals attempt to break car windows at traffic stops to snatch whatever valuable; the route to Lima¿s Jorge Chavez International Airport is one of the selected targets. Peru is a highly seismic country with the possibility of an earthquake at any time. No vaccinations are required for travel to the country, but it is important to verify endemic areas. Related to the Zika virus, Peru has not presented local cases of the virus, but it is expected to appear in the upcoming months. Under the direct supervision of the Representative, the incumbent will dedicate significant time to support the Peru Operation, s/he is also expected to undertake missions to operations in the Americas to provide advice and support to other Representations in the region with regular updates to the Bureau Director.   To guide the Risk Management priorities and to ensure the coherence across the region, a work-plan will be developed taking into consideration the overall context and the operational priorities by the Bureau in consultation with the field and Chief Risk Officer.
The incumbent will have a functional reporting line to the Chief Risk Officer/Snr ERM Coordinator and will be part of the Risk Advisor Network under the Risk Management 2.0 initiative.
We would like to draw your attention to the fact that within the current process of regionalization/decentralization the location of the Regional Bureau will be established in Panamá City by the last quarter of 2019 and the Risk Management position shall be included as part of Regional Bureau 2020 new structure.

Please note that the closing date for vacancies in the Addendum 4 is Monday 11 March 2019 (midnight Geneva time)