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 UNJSPF was established to provide retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to its members. The organization operates globally, with its Office of Investment Management (OIM) based in New York, overseeing a multi-asset class investment portfolio exceeding $100 billion. The OIM employs a diverse workforce, with staff members hailing from over 30 countries, reflecting the UN's commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The mission of the UNJSPF is to ensure the financial security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of its members through prudent investment strategies and effective risk management practices. 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 report directly to the Head of Financial and Performance Risk and will be tasked with monitoring and identifying investment risks associated with the Fund's extensive portfolio. This role involves preparing and interpreting risk reports, formulating strategies for risk reduction, and enhancing performance metrics. The Risk Officer will also assist in asset-liability management and contribute to policy development by conducting quantitative analyses of the Fund's assets. The position requires a proactive approach to developing and enhancing risk measurement tools, such as value at risk and stress testing methodologies. The Risk Officer will play a vital role in preparing periodic investment performance reports and will be involved in cross-functional projects that enhance the overall risk management framework of the organization. This position demands a high level of analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with various teams to achieve organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Risk Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: monitoring and identifying investment risks, preparing detailed reports, and formulating risk reduction strategies. The incumbent will assist in asset-liability management and conduct benchmark studies within a pension fund context. Responsibilities also include policy development, conducting quantitative analyses on the Fund's assets, and enhancing risk measurement tools such as risk budgets and stress testing. The Risk Officer will prepare various written outputs, including weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on investment risks and performance. The role involves participating in the development and evaluation of assigned programs and projects, monitoring their implementation, and proposing corrective actions as necessary. The Risk Officer will also conduct research and analysis to support decision-making processes, coordinate data collection for performance reports, and support risk attribution analyses. Additionally, the incumbent will engage in outreach activities, conduct training workshops, and coordinate budget-related activities, ensuring compliance with organizational regulations and standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of investment risk management theories and concepts. The ability to identify and analyze issues, conduct independent research, and apply judgment in various contexts is essential. The Risk Officer should demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to achieving results while managing conflicting priorities. A collaborative approach to teamwork is crucial, as the incumbent will work closely with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Accountability is also a key qualification, with the expectation that the Risk Officer will take ownership of responsibilities and deliver outputs within prescribed standards.

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. This educational background is essential to ensure that the Risk Officer possesses the necessary analytical and technical skills to perform effectively in this role.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in investment risk management or a similar technical function is required. Candidates should have experience in coding with Python or other equivalent programming languages. Additionally, at least two years of experience in managing risk for investment portfolios is desirable. Experience in implementing risk systems and integrating sustainable finance or ESG considerations into analytical work is also preferred, as it aligns with the UN's commitment to sustainability and responsible investment practices.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also recognized as a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, and proficiency in French may be considered an asset, although it is not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may require staff to move periodically to new functions in accordance with established rules. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The appointment is subject to adherence to the United Nations Financial Disclosure Programme and compliance with the OIM's Code of Ethics. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and the UN Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.