Sr Risk Mngmt&Compliance Advsr

Chad, a low-income country, ranked 187th out of 189 countries on the HDI in 2019. It is among the world’s most vulnerable countries in terms of climate change as it constantly battles rapid desertification, soil erosion and natural disasters. The country faces significant gender inequality in socio-economic as well as political participation. Despite the predominance of oil in the Chadian economy for many years, oil proceeds have not led to significant human development progress, leading to a situation characterized by high levels of chronic poverty (47% in 2018 and inequality mainly in rural areas, high youth unemployment (32% of the active Chadian population are young people) and under-employment. This has made the population, in particular the youth, vulnerable to narratives prone to violent extremism and radicalization by Boko haram insurgents. Access to basic and energy services are limited, and women’s participation in the formal economy is low due primarily to structural inequities as well as lack of skills, networks, markets, and access to finance and technology.  Local governance is weak, as limited power and resources have been devolved to the decentralized territorial levels, which in turn have little capacity to manage them. Although local development plans exist in some districts and regions of Chad, many still need to be aligned to the 5-year National Development Plan 2017-2021 where priorities have been identified.

The new UNDP Chad Country Programme 2017-2021, approved by the Executive Board in January 2017, builds on lessons and experience from the previous Country Programme.  One of focus areas of the new programme is to improve livelihoods and achieve structural transformation of productive capacities that are sustainable and employment intensive. This will be done through the provision of successful decentralization and inclusive finance models while structural changes will be monitored through the achievement of the SDGs at local level. To do so, the UNDP Country Office has shifted to a programme approach where inclusive finance and local development tools will be provided to national and sub-national levels for maximum developmental impact. 

At the Round Table held in Paris in September 2017, the Head of State identified local development as a core priority of the Government, with emphasis on support to women and youth.  As a result, the CO has supported the Chad Government to formulate an ambitious programme of local development called the Programme d'Appui au Développement Local et à la Finance Inclusive (PADLFIT), predicated on three core components:

1. access to local development (basic services and basic infrastructure as a lever to create wealth and employment;
2. access to rural development (focused on transformation of key economic sectors with high potential and value addition); and
3. access to inclusive financial services. 

The PADLFIT programme is multisectoral and is the key driver to contribute to achievement of the National Development Plan 2017-2021 and the SDGs in Chad, with a provisional budget amounting to USD424 million, to be managed by UNDP.

The CTA of the PADLFIT project at P5 level already onboard is supporting the Government to mobilise the required funding for implementation of the programme in a phased approach. A team of technicians and specialists – in local development, rural development, financial inclusion, architects, civil engineer, hydraulic engineer, finance specialist and procurement specialist, etc. are been recruited to support and monitor the design and implementation of key activities. The PADLFIT will become the flagship programme of the CO in terms of its size and ambitions.

Other flagship programmes and projects also carry with them significant political reputational, financial, security and other risks which need to be managed and as the case may be mitigated carefully, including support to the Programme d’Appui au Processus Electoral au Tchad (PAPET), and the National Window of the Regional Stabilization Facility in the Lake Chad region.

The current COVID-19 crisis is also a test to all UNDP ongoing programmes, and the ability of UNDP to respond timely and effectively to challenges facing Chad and the Chadian population, calling for a comprehensive and thorough review of the CO’s risk logs and the related risk management measures. Indeed, the UNDP country office in Chad faces a relatively high risk of operating environment requiring specific systems and mechanisms to ensure those risks are properly managed.

In response to the complexity’s challenges and sensitivity of this programme, the Chad Country Office has established a Risk Management Specialist function reporting directly to the Resident Representative, to develop and apply a dedicated integrated risk Country Office management strategy. Such a strategic and systematic approach is critical to ensuring that programme is fully delivered as envisaged, while retaining credibility with stakeholders, including recipients and the Government of Chad. To ensure the risk management function is effectively covered, the Country Office is looking for a highly motivated, experienced and seasoned individual who can positively contribute to the work of the team in the position of Risk Management Specialist.

Under the leadership of the Resident Representative, s/he will report directly to the Deputy Resident Representative in charge of Operations and will have strong working relation with a view to risk management and assurance with the Deputy Resident Representative in charge of Programme,  the Project Coordinators, the Programme Management Support Unit, operations team and the programme team.  The Risk Management Specialist has the following responsibilities:

Summary of Key Functions / Key Results                                 

1. Contributes, develops and implements the policies and strategies related to comprehensive risk and compliance management;
2. Develops and implements a comprehensive risk management framework for the CO applying UNDP´s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM approach), tailored to the specifies of the programmes in Chad;
3. Supports management decision making processes through offering independent advice on risks on an on-going basis;
4. Provides ongoing support at the forefront of the Programme activities in addressing daily challenges and implementation of risk action plans and strategies;
5. Provides expert analysis and reporting on strategic and operational issues and trends related to risk management of the country programme.  
6. Facilitates 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.

1. Partners with Operations and Programme from planning to implementation and reporting focusing on achievements of the following results:

• Participates in work planning to ensure risk mitigation factors are included at the forefront;
• Works closely with the programme coordinators, programme staff and government counterparts to help highlight risks throughout the design and implementation of the programme, and ensures risk is part of the monitoring package for the programme;
• Works closely with the Operations of the CO and of the Programmes and projects to mainstream risk assessment and mitigation in business processes and key transactions;
• Mainstreams risk in weekly management agenda and ensure early warnings are in place for mitigation measures;
• Works closely with the programme management to implement audit observations, in the areas of risk
• develops fraud prevention measures for the propramme as part of the overall fraud policy of the country office.
• Advocate for common approaches to risk management that enhance and strengthen planning and programming amongst the UNDP and the government of Chad, while recognizing and respecting the differing programmatic requirements;
• Assesses the risk impact on operational exceptions around the programme and advise management on related procedures and policies; and mitigation measures.

2. Contributes to the development tools and systems, and implementation of policies and strategies related to risks and compliance management in accordance with UNDP’s ERM policies, focusing on achievement of the following:

• Defines the risk management approach for UNDP CO programmatic portfolio with focus on projects that may require risk management support based on UNDP’S ERM;
• Loads and coordinates procedural, systems and tools development in risk management and mitigation for the PADLFIT and other relevant projects that may also require risk management and mitigation support;
• Supports the PADLFIT and other relevant projects in the formulation of risk management plans. Participates in project appraisal to ensure that the risk management framework is properly applied reflected on the programme designs;
• Initiates and conducts business process mapping with a view to identifying control points and risk mitigation activities, and ensures the establishment and regular reviews and updates of internal Standards Operating Procedures (SOPs) in work areas;
• Develops Internal guidance notes, checklists and other tools in the area of work;
• Periodically monitors (or Reviews) adherence to UNDP policies and procedures and corporate guidance on risk> Periodically monitors that UNDP policies as reflected in the POPP are applied to area of work;
• Facilitates the development of risk mitigation measures, action plans and guides developed of specific risk response strategies and measures. Ensures that all risk sub-categories are appropriately responded to, and that strategies are in place. Supports formulation of strategies for various risk subcategories;
• Oversees the systematization of mechanisms and tools at the project’s levels. Contributes in ensuring that processes and procedures are in place at projects levels and that these are efficient and standardized. Contributes in ensuring that functions are sufficiently resourced, develops standards processes and formulates standard JDs, participates in selection for project personnel in area of work as necessary;
• Develops internal mechanisms for risk management, establishes ad hoc mechanisms to respond to emerging situations and threats to the programme;

• Effectively communicates risk associated with the PADLFIT and other relevant projects that may also require risk management support, escalates risks based on the assessment and monitoring findings to the Resident Representative, CO’s Senior Management team, RBA and BMS Senior Management;

3. Advises and supports management in making risk informed decisions, and implementing risk management throughout the programme activities, focusing on achievements of the following results:

• Supports management decision making processes, through offering independent advice on risk;
• Provides ongoing support at the forefront throughout the programme activities in addressing daily challenges and implementation of risk action plans and strategies;
• Coordinates implementation of the ERM cycle of the PADLFIT-and other relevant projects that may also require risk management support helps identify, assess, and support the prioritization of risk mitigation activities. Ensures an informed and comprehensive responses to risks;
• Provides continuous feedback on progress and quality of risk management;
• Leads and coordinates risk reporting for the PADLFIT projects and other relevant projects that may also require risk management support. Prepares regular and ad hoc reports, provides briefings and ensures information flows on risk related communication. Documents findings.
• Participates in risk management fora and activities of the UN system in Chad and UNDP regionally and globally. Ensures that joint activities and plans are appropriately implemented.

4. Facilitates knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Leads activities to build capacity and create awareness around risk management in the CO. Designs training to staff at all levels, particularly the staff of the PADLFIT but also other relevant projects that may require risk management support;
• Identifies and synthetizes lessons learnt and best practices in the area of work;
• Actively promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture within the CO;
• Systematically builds capacities of national staff in risk management and trains CO staff in all areas of responsibility
• 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;

5. Any other tasks as directed by the Head of Resident Representative of the CO:

• Provide support to the work of the PADLFIT and other relevant projects that may also require risk management support as directed by the Resident Representative and Senior Management.
• Provide any other tasks to any UNDP’s project or CO’s activity as directed by the Resident Representative and the senior management team of the country office

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; Teamwork skills; Client orientation)

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.

Education:

Master’s degree  in international relations, politics, law,  defense , administration, 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 auditing and internal controls, Intelligence Analysis, project management, business planning and reporting, and the ability to apply analytical and strategic thinking is required.
• Professional experience in an international organization and in conflict/post-conflict environments is required.
• Experience in Africa and knowledge of Sahel operational activities, risk management environment, and related programme challenges is desirable
• Experience in managing with discretion at all times sensitive information is desirable

Language Requirements:

Fluency in French and English