Risk Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) is a significant entity within the United Nations system, responsible for managing the pension assets of UN staff members. The organization operates under the guidance of the Secretary-General, who has delegated investment responsibilities to the Representative of the Secretary-General for the investment of the assets of the UNJSPF. The Office of Investment Management (OIM) manages a substantial portfolio exceeding $100 billion, with a diverse range of asset classes including global equities, fixed income, foreign exchange, private equity, real estate, infrastructure, timber, and commodities. The OIM employs a team of professionals from over 40 countries, all based in New York City, reflecting a global perspective in its investment strategies. For more information, visit OIM's website at https://oim.unjspf.org/.

Job Overview:
The Risk Officer position is critical within the Risk and Compliance division of the UNJSPF. The incumbent will be tasked with monitoring and identifying market risks associated with public equities and fixed income securities. This role involves preparing and interpreting reports that inform risk reduction strategies and performance enhancement options. The Risk Officer will also assist in asset-liability management and conduct benchmark studies relevant to pension fund operations. A significant aspect of the role includes policy development, where the officer will conduct quantitative analyses of the Fund's assets, focusing on the effectiveness of indexed tools and derivatives for hedging various risks. The position requires contributions to the ongoing development and enhancement of risk measurement tools such as risk budgets and value-at-risk assessments. The Risk Officer will prepare various written outputs, including regular reporting on market risk for Global Public Equities and Global Fixed Income, and will be involved in the development and implementation of assigned programs and projects. The role also entails conducting research, analyzing data, and presenting findings to support investment proposals and portfolio management. The Risk Officer will coordinate outreach activities, including training workshops and seminars, and will be responsible for budget-related activities, ensuring compliance with organizational regulations and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Risk Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Monitoring and identifying market risks for public equities and fixed income securities.
• Preparing and interpreting reports to formulate risk reduction and performance enhancement options.
• Assisting in asset-liability management and conducting benchmark studies.
• Contributing to policy development through quantitative analysis of the Fund's assets.
• Developing and enhancing risk measurement tools, including risk budgets and stress testing.
• Preparing written outputs for regular reporting on market risk.
• Participating in the development and evaluation of assigned programs/projects.
• Conducting research and analysis to support investment proposals.
• Designing data collection tools and interpreting survey responses. 1
• Providing support for consultative meetings and preparing necessary documentation. 1
• Conducting outreach activities and training workshops. 1
• Coordinating budget-related activities and preparing financial documents. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned by senior risk officers.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of market risk management theories and concepts, particularly in equities and fixed income. The ability to identify and analyze issues, conduct independent research, and manage conflicting priorities is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to gender perspectives in their work. Teamwork and collaboration with colleagues to achieve organizational goals are also critical competencies for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, economics, engineering, computer science, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in market risk management or a similar technical function within an asset management or asset ownership context is required. Candidates should have experience in coding with Python or other programming languages, and at least two years of experience managing risk for equities or fixed income securities is desirable. Experience in implementing risk systems is also considered beneficial.

Languages:
English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. French is also a working language, but proficiency in English is mandatory for this role. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for specific language skill requirements.

Additional Notes:
The job does not specify the contract duration or seniority level, but it is implied that the position is full-time and based in New York City. The role may involve international collaboration, given the global nature of the UN and its operations. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description.