Due Diligence Advisor

Purpose and Scope of Assignment 

Under the overall guidance of the Head of Quality Assurance Group, the Due Diligence Advisor will have the following duties:

Strategy, Policy, Process and Systems

• Lead the development of an integrated due diligence policy framework (including revising the Anti Money Laundering [AML] / Countering Financing Terrorism [CFT], bribery and sanctions policies), working closely across HQ functions to ensure a coherent and effective approach to all aspects of due diligence

• Anchor the approach to due diligence within the wider UNOPS approach to risk assessment and mitigation and other engagement take-on processes, ensuring timely and effective information available for decision-making

• Assess the need for additional due diligence tools, knowledge and systems and to lead the procurement and implementation of these tools across the UNOPS network

External representation and communication

• Develop and maintain long-term agreements or other contractual instruments with specialised due diligence providers.

• Contribute to inter-agency knowledge sharing and cooperation by participating in UN-wide Due Diligence-related working groups, benchmarking communities, and similar initiatives. Spearhead organizational efforts to promote harmonization of Due Diligence practices and results across UN agencies.

• Provide corporate advisory on reputational and anti-money laundering & counter-terrorist financing policy matters in interactions with key external stakeholders (e.g., the Executive Board, donors, etc.).

• Review and integrate donors’ requirements in existing due diligence policies and procedures.

Supervisory responsibilities

• Oversee the work of the Due Diligence Specialists, particularly through training and guidance, in the screening of prospective and existing funding sources, partners, clients and other relevant entities in accordance with the UNOPS legal framework. Perform quality assurance on review activities, ensuring they are fit to the context, done in accordance with UNOPS guidelines and SOPs and UN-wide best practices.

• Set targets and performance metrics for the function and team members, and measure and communicate due diligence service performance and quality across the organisation

• In coordination with other relevant units, lead the setup of a community of Due Diligence practitioners and coordinate and facilitate this network / community

• Ensures continuous learning on reputational & AML/CFT matters across the organization and builds a community of practice amongst regional DD Focal Points and cross-functionally to foster a culture of risk management.

• In coordination with other relevant  units, lead the setup of a roster of enhanced Due Diligence practitioners (retainers).

• Ensure appropriate resources are available for people and tools.

• Develop an integrated training plan for the team and the regional DD focal points.

Compliance with the UNOPS Due Diligence and Anti Bribery and Corruption (ABC)/AML Policies

• Work with relevant stakeholders, particularly Procurement and Grants, to ensure alignment and coordination across related due diligence activities;

• Work with other stakeholders as necessary to develop compliance programs and frameworks for other key risks as determined by the Executive Director and in collaboration with the Chief Risk Officer (CRO); 

• In consultation with other business units, provide inputs to the CRO’s implementation and monitoring of Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) integrated within the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework in consultation with other business units.

• Anchor the approach to Due Diligence within the larger assurance process which continues post-engagement, developing an escalation mechanism for incidents linked to the corporate KRIs.

• Partner cross-functionally to introduce enhancements to policies, structures, procedures and tools that support effective and efficient policy implementation.

• Collect and synthesize lessons learned from policy implementation to identify risks for the organization, share learning and advise UNOPS management on required revisions to policies, procedures, and screening methods.

Due Diligence Advisory Services

• In collaboration with other business units, provide inputs to the restructuring/establishment and support of the appropriate oversight committee (Engagement Acceptance Committee [EAC]/ Vendor Review Committee [VRC]), to handle escalations involving sanctioned counterparties including agreeing to add any risk mitigation, suspend or terminate dealings with relevant counterparties.

• Deliver training and awareness-raising campaigns to promote knowledge of and compliance with due diligence policies and procedures within UNOPS.

• Provide guidance to country offices/business units/procurement partners, advising on how to identify, assess and mitigate reputational & AML/CFT and/or vendor management risks in their environment.

• Coordinate with other HQ units to ensure resolution of DD-related issues by incorporating advice/elements from other relevant areas.

• Collaborate as necessary and appropriate with IAIG on any fraud or other misconduct incidents.

Education: 

• A Master's degree in law, international relations, business administration, finance and accounting or other relevant fields is required. 

• A bachelor's degree combined with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree.

Experience:

• At least seven (7) years experience in risk-based due diligence, or anti-fraud and anti-corruption, or risk management and mitigation, or compliance or implementation of internal control systems, or other related fields, preferably in an international setting, is required.

• Experience in developing policies and internal standard operating procedures is required. 

• Experience in investigative and auditing activities is an asset.

• Work experience in the UN system is an asset. 

• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), or Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) certification is desired.

Language requirements:

• Fluency in English (writing, reading and speaking) is required;

• Fluency in either Spanish or French would be an asset.