Risk Management Specialist

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall supervision of the Project Coordinator, and with guidance from the Assistant Resident Represntative (ARR) Crisis Prevention and Recovery Unit (CPRU), the Risk Management Specialist will be responsible for coordinating support on the identification of risk with the PMU and the development and implementation of risk processes and mitigation measures, in line with UNDP’s rules, policies and procedures and support the Project Coordinator in audit and investigations in line with UNDP rules.

1- Ensure provision of strategic policy direction and support to the Project Management Unit (PMU) aligned with Country Office and UNDP’s internal control framework on achievement of the following results:

• Advise the GF Project Coordinator and PMU on the UNDP rules, policies and procedures, Global Fund operational polices and UNDP’s grant agreement with the Global Fund and corporate agreements.
• Review PMU management and operational processes, SOPs and provide guidance on enhancement to enhance programme delivery and performance.
• Participate in decision making on plans and policies affecting the GF programme operational systemsin the areas of Procurement, Financial and Human Resource Management and Sub-recipients (SRs) and contract management.
• Ensure internal administrative/operational rules and procedures for programme implementation and ensure this cascades to SRs.
• Reinforce internal control procedures in line with UNDP Internal Control Framework and accountabilities and responsibilities.
• Develop and monitor targets and/or an accountability tool for operational efficiency and ensure the monitoring and analysis of the operating environment, quick readjustment of the operations, advice on legal considerations and risk assessment.

2- Ensure effective risk management and assurance practices across the PMU and with SRs focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Serve as audit and investigaton focal point, coordinate on the GF programmes and ensure recommendations are implemented and mainstreamed in the PMU workflow processes.
• Review the PMU business processes and develop SOPs to address exceptions and document prevailing changes when required.
• Review the SOPs for SR management and the draft SR Manual for compliance against UNDP rules, policies and proceduresand best practice.
• Provide TA on the project risk register and identify gaps within the PMU business processes and suggest mitigation measures to Project Coordinator.
• In collaboration with the Project Coordinator, build a culture of risk management amongst PMU staff, SR and other partners.
• Lead on the review and follow up on the Control Self Assessment (CSA) and ensure the development and implementation of the action plan and identify additional resources required for the implementation.
• Provide quality assurance on donor and partner reports and correspondence related to audits, reviews, CSA.
• Support the PMU in the review and revision of the Atlas Risk log in relation to the GF programmes on a quarterly basis and ad hoc to reflect country context.

3- Ensure effective risk review of sub-recipients and assurance practices focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Lead in the risk assessment and planning for the provision of assurance and advisory services with respect to SRs.
• Undertake a thorough review of all complaints, and classify according to the nature of the complaints, ensuring appropriate follow up actions are taken, in coordination with UNDP’s Office of Audit and Invesitgations (OAI) and introducing mitigating actions are reflected in the risk management tools;
• Develop a document management system reflecting UNDP’s document policies for referrals relating to the oversight of the GF progreammes, and provide Project Coordinator and CO management with regular updates on the status of each referral.
• Prepare and monitor a implementation plan related to SRs capacity.
• Support in any review, audit, investigation process as required, including provision of relevant documents, setting up meetings with relevant people (such as staff at UNDP and/or staff at the relevant organizations) in coordination and under the guidance of OAI and preparing briefings, observations and recommendations and highlight any issues to Project Coordinator and senior management.
• Monitor the implementation of recommendations, review and assess the adequacy of corrective actions undertaken by the organizations and recommend the closure of the recommendations, as appropriate.

4- Ensure knowledge management and sharing, ensuring the utmost confidentiality, with a focus on the following:

• Ensure forward-looking information and communication management internally and externally to internal and external stakeholders.
• Promote different systems and applications for optimal content management, knowledge sharing, information provision and learning including e-registry, web-based office management systems.
• Implement corporate operational strategies introducing best practices, lessons learnt and knowledge management initiative.
• Developing and implementation of tracking tools relevant to review, audit, investigation processes.
• Engage in capacity building activities for PMU staff and organization (CBO) staff on risk management.
• Analyze and report on issues and trends in overall risk management.
• Monitor the effectiveness of risk management practices.
• Build internal capacity in risk management among PMU staff.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Min. Academic Education:An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, finance, economics, law, risk mananagment, or related field.

Min. years of relevant Work experience:At least seven years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in international development.

Required skills and competencies:

• Demonstrated analytical skills and experience in strategic planning.
• Understanding of the principles of risk mananagement.
• Demonstrated strong organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Desired additional skills and competencies:

• Understanding of the principles of audit.
• Demonstrated experience in the preparation of briefings, reports.
• Knowledge of legal processes and procedures.
• Demonstrated negioation skills.
• Knowledge of UN or UNDP rules, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of Global Fund’s rules, policies and procedures.
• Fluency in one local language (e.g. Urdu, Punjabi, Pashto etc.).
• Work experience in a challenging operating environment.