Operations Manager (HACT/Risk and Compliance), P4, FT, Nairobi, Kenya USSC (UNICEF Somalia Support Center) #90206

Under the general guidance of the Deputy Representative, Operations, the incumbent will be responsible for the overall understanding, analysis and review of systems, risks, application of policies and procedures and the capacity building of staff as well as counterparts within the area of internal control. These will in turn contribute to Somalia Country Office accomplishing its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluating and improving the effectiveness of its Internal Control procedures. The Operations Manager (HACT/Risk and Compliance) will lead in aspects on Enterprise Risk Management, due diligence reviews, audits and spot checks to promote efficiency, reduce risks of asset loss, and help ensure the reliability of financial statements and capacity building of staff and implementing partners in HACT, financial management, risk management and procurement. As such to ensure results for children and women are met through appropriate implementation of risk mitigating measures and assurance activates it is imperative that the position of Operations Manager (HACT/ Risk and Compliance) is established.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, Hope

While positive strides have been taken in recent years to alleviate core development issues, the stresses of an economy under pressure, poverty, gender inequality, inequities and the demands of sustainable development have been exacerbated by both natural disasters and crises. The impact has been particularly severe on the poor, women, children, the elderly, crisis-affected populations, persons with disabilities and temporarily relocated persons.

UNICEF Somalia has made significant progress in terms of managing risk and documenting results, with the introduction of effective financial assurance and third-party audit firms verification across the country as well as a tool to plan and manage field activities based on how critical they are to achieving our programme goals. However, we must go further to seek out ways to ensure positive results are achieved for the vulnerable children and women in the most remote areas of the country. This applies in our relationships with the Government, implementing partners and our contractual arrangements.

How can you make a difference?

Major duties and responsibilities

1.  Within the framework of HACT, responsible for the formulation and implementation of Somalia Country office HACT Financial Assurance plan which provides for a cost-effective assurance systems to ensure funds entrusted to UNICEF by donors are utilized as intended; there is transparent processes and oversight of cash transfers and capacities of national partners is strengthened for the management and accountability of cash transferred.  The incumbent will contribute to the HACT financial activities of the country office; plans and carries out high quality and objective Micro Assessments of UNICEF’s Implementing Partners in accordance with the agreed work plan and/or as required by the country programme, review and follow up of the findings of assessments.  Contribute towards upgrading capacity of UNICEF staff and implementing partners in the areas of HACT concerning the financial element.  Ensure the development of HACT compliant procedures, manual and guidelines for use by implementing partners. That Micro-assessments,spot-checks findings and audit findings are actioned and closed timely.

2.  Provide Leadership in the planning and the implementation of capacity building activities of staff and particularly of implementing partners on HACT to improve budgeting and financial management capacities of implementing partners.  Ensure that inventory of training and capacity development needs of implementing partners is developed.  Plan and organize training programmes in the areas of budgeting and financial management and procurement for the purpose of capacity building and programme sustainability.

3.  Support Country Office Management in development and roll out of Office Accountability Framework based on UNICEF Accountability Framework. Responsible for office processes to proactively and systematically identify, assess and manage key risks and opportunities to facilitate the achievement of CO objectives and planned results. Responsible for process leading to office undertaking twice a year risk control self-assessment (RCSA) and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) as part of the mid and annual review process, reports on the outcomes and propose mitigating activities and implementation status. Regularly monitor the status of actions defined to mitigate significant risks and update the Office Risk Profile. Focal point in updating and ensuring quality Risk assessment and management information is updated under the Performance Management System.

4.  Implement activities that create general awareness and common understanding among staff of key strategic, programmatic, operational and financial risks. Ensure there is general sense of ownership and that risk management efforts are embedded into key country programme planning, financing and implementation processes, allowing for an adequate and timely allocation of financial, operational and programmatic resources for that purpose.

5.  Under the framework of UNICEF Policies, Guidelines, Standards, Country Office Management Plan, contribute to the development of office standards, new approaches and methodologies and streamlining of transaction Work Processes and Simplified Operating Procedures (SOPs) through participation in Internal Control meetings and consultations with staff. Perform compliance tests and report on the implementation of SOPs and Work Processes. Review and update Table of Authority (TOA)and ensure Segregation of Duties (SODs) and violations to SODs mitigated timely

6.  Conduct periodic self-assessment of procedures and processes, financial documents, information entered in VISION database, coding of VISION transactions to ensure the office’s adherence to procedures, that quality information, and correct coding is applied. Coordinate Operations Inputs to office wide activities.  This will entail consolidation of operations inputs, support in monitoring operations priorities. The task shall entail ensuring that high quality documentation is delivered for all resulting documents with UNICEF and office wide standards having been met.

7.  Performs other special assignments, including fact-findings in the case of irregularities or weaknesses or lapses, as directed by the country office management and in compliance with the organizational policies and procedures.  Formulates pragmatic recommendations and secures the agreement of management to improve problematic areas. Monitors and assesses adequacy of actions taken to correct reported deficiencies.

8.  Coordinate follow up on open Audit Observations and sustainability status.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Advance degree (MS/MBA) in Accounting or Enterprise Risk Management supplemented by CPA/ACCA or Certified Auditor (CFIA) or ACFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) and certificate course in Certified Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)
• Eight years of progressively responsible professional work experience at national and international levels in risk management and auditing
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others.

[add the 8^th competency (Nurtures, leads and manages people) for supervisory role]

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:.

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable [Female candidate] are encouraged to apply.

[If Applicable] Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.