Risk and Compliance Specialist P3

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, making it a desirable workplace for individuals passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Risk and Compliance Specialist will play a crucial role in UNICEF's response to the Ebola crisis by supporting the identification, assessment, and monitoring of operational, financial, programmatic, and fraud risks. This position requires close coordination with various sections to establish and strengthen internal control mechanisms tailored to the emergency context. The specialist will advise teams on risk mitigation measures and ensure compliance with UNICEF policies and Simplified Emergency Procedures. The role also involves monitoring the application of derogations and exceptions during the emergency response, conducting compliance checks, and supporting awareness-raising activities for UNICEF teams and partners. The specialist will contribute to the preparation of reports and dashboards on key risks and compliance issues, ensuring a coherent risk management approach across the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the identification, assessment, and monitoring of operational, financial, programmatic, and fraud risks related to the Ebola response.
• Assist in establishing and strengthening internal control mechanisms in line with UNICEF policies.
• Advise teams on risk mitigation measures and compensatory controls.
• Monitor the application of derogations and exceptions during the emergency response.
• Conduct targeted reviews, compliance checks, and data analyses on activities and partners.
• Support the monitoring of implementing partners to ensure compliance with financial management and reporting requirements.
• Prepare dashboards, risk analyses, and management briefs on compliance issues.
• Conduct capacity-building activities on fraud risks and internal controls.
• Ensure coordination with various teams to promote a coherent risk management approach. 1
• Document and archive evidence related to implemented controls for audits and reviews. 1
• Support additional activities related to risk management and compliance as required.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in business administration, financial management, operations management, strategic management, risk management, audit, investigation, internal control, statistics, or data analysis.
• At least five years of continuous professional experience in risk management and compliance or a directly relevant field, including experience in internal audit.
• Experience in financial management, particularly in developing and implementing financial control systems and enterprise risk management, is highly desirable.
• Good knowledge of risk management principles, internal control, compliance, and fraud prevention.
• Strong understanding of partnership management mechanisms and operational processes in humanitarian contexts.
• Ability to analyze data and formulate practical recommendations.
• Excellent coordination, communication, and drafting skills.
• Strong proficiency in office tools and management/reporting systems.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in relevant fields such as business administration, financial management, operations management, strategic management, risk management, audit, investigation, internal control, statistics, or data analysis. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of risk management and compliance in the context of UNICEF's operations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of continuous professional experience in risk management and compliance or a directly relevant field. This includes several years of experience in internal audit, which is crucial for understanding the intricacies of financial management and compliance within international organizations, NGOs, or the United Nations system. Candidates with experience in managing risks related to public health emergency responses or humanitarian programs will be preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in French and intermediate English are mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered desirable, as it can enhance communication and collaboration in diverse environments.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and is part of UNICEF's emergency response efforts. The role may involve working under pressure in a complex and rapidly evolving environment. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women and individuals with disabilities. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must be prepared to undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and appointments are subject to medical clearance and compliance with vaccination requirements.