Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Job Purpose and Organizational Context
The Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) jointly with the Bureau for Management Services (BMS) are co-owners of the Enterprise Risk Management policy and framework, and lead the revision and continuous improvement of ERM policy, guidance and tools to bring together programming and operations, participate in the Risk Committee meetings, and work closely with the as Risk Committee Secretariat that is managed by the Executive Office/Corporate Performance Unit (ExO/CPU).
The Effectiveness Group/Quality Programming (EfG/QP) in BPPS responsibilities related to programmatic risk management includes as follows: i) lead risk informed programming guidance in line with UNDP’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Policy[1], including for private sector risk assessment process[2]; ii) lead updates and application of UNDP’s environmental and social safeguards policy and guidance, and iii) strengthen capacity and learning across UNDP for more effective programmatic risk management, including the social and environmental standards (SES) implementation[3].
BPPS/EfG/QP is also responsible for the Integrated Risk Module for Results Management, which includes digitalization of various risk assessment tools, such as the Project Quality Assurance (PQA), the Social and Environmental Standards Procedure (SESP), the Private Sector Due Diligence (PSDD), and the Partner Capacity Assessment Tool (PCAT) in the Quantum+ (SalesForce software suite) and to be integrated with the Quantum Project Risk Registers.
The Risk Management Specialist will be a key member of the Quality Programming team on risk management matters to provide technical support to the Policy Specialist for Programmatic Risk Management, the PSDD Specialist, and the SES Policy Lead.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Risk Management Specialist will perform the following duties and responsibilities:
A. Compliance to the programmatic risk management and policy analysis
- Review, analyze and quality assure relevant documents, policies and procedures, facilitate preparation of briefs for senior management, perform research on topics as assigned, analyze information and synthesize into clear summaries.
- Response to programmatic risk related requests by other teams in the Global Policy Network and beyond.
- Support BPPS/EfG/QP in convening of risk related committee meetings, management/policy group meetings, record minutes and record decisions, coordinate development of the agenda, gather and analyze information to support decision-making, and draft communication for senior management. Prepares all meeting reports and correspondence in a timely manner. Facilitate and track follow-up actions where relevant.
- Support the BPPS/EfG/QP in organizational tasks around the follow-up on cases investigated by the Social and Environmental Compliance Unit (SECU) and risk related audit and evaluation recommendations.
- Reviewing, drafting, editing, and disseminating of guidance notes, templates, webinars, and training materials.
- Conduct research, assessment and analysis of the risk related data, including data collected in Quantum+ (programme risk registers and the risk assessment tools), Dashboards (programme/project risks dashboards, PQA/SESP/PCAT/PSDD dashboards, SES Tracker, etc.), and Quantum project risk register; and
B. Digitalization of the programmatic risk assessment tools
- Test, pilot and support the development of the digitized risk assessment tools in the corporate system (Quantum+);
- Support continuous improvement and updates to the risk dashboards, Corporate SES Toolkit, external SES website, SESP Online Tool, and SES Tracker.
- Develop user guidance, communication, and training materials to support the use of the digitized risk assessment tools.
- Engage with IT over systems integration and use of the Quantum+ risk assessment tools with Quantum project risk registers and PowerBI and SalesForce dashboards.
- Provide user support and troubleshooting through UNall for the Quantum+ risk assessment tools users; and
- Facilitate knowledge building and maintain/update online toolkits.
C. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the BPPS/EfG/QP and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement
Performing several different risk management related works across the BPPS/Effectiveness Group, this role reports to the Policy Specialist for Programmatic Risk Management, collaborates with the Private Sector Due Diligence Specialist and reports to the Policy Lead for Social and Environmental Standards on SES-related items.
Competencies
Please refer to the competency framework site for the entire list of competencies and further explanations.
Core
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
- Business Management – Risk Management:
- Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks
- 2030 Agenda Engagement & Effectiveness – Effectiveness:
- Programmatic Risk Management and Analysis
- Social and Environmental Standards
- Business Direction & Strategy – System Thinking:
- Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
- Digital & Innovation – Digital learning & Development:
- Knowledge of digital learning methods and ability to design and develop digital learning programmes.
- Business Management – Digital Awareness and Literacy:
- Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skillfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed.
- Digital & Innovation – Data Analysis:
- Ability to extract, analyze and visualize data (including Real-Time Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision-making.
Minimum Qualifications
Min. Academic Education
- Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Policy, Public Policy, Politics, Economics, Development Studies, or related fields is required. Or
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the mentioned fields, combined with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience, will be considered in lieu of a master’s degree.
Min. years of relevant Work experience
Minimum of 5 years (with a master’s degree) or 7 years (with a bachelor’s degree) of progressive experience in policy or program management and support at HQs, regional, or country contexts.
Required skills and competencies
- Experience in risk management.
- Experience working with the UN or other international organization.
- Experience in organizing and managing high-level meetings or events.
Desired additional skills and competencies
- Experience designing and implementing social & environmental safeguards, aligned with relevant international law.
- Experience in private sector due diligence.
- Experience with developing guidance, training materials, designing tools, and/or drafting communication material.
- Familiarity with UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP) is an advantage.
Required Language(s) (at working level)
- Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
- Working knowledge of one other official UN language would be an asset.
Annexes
Disclaimer
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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