Operational Risk and Control Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to promote the rights of individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly in areas related to family planning, maternal health, gender equality, and demographic change. UNFPA emphasizes the importance of principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, ensuring effective external relations and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development landscape.

Job Overview:
The Operational Risk and Control Specialist position is integral to the UNFPA Division for Management Services’ Quality Management Unit (QMU) based in the East and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) in Johannesburg, South Africa. The incumbent will provide guidance, technical support, and oversight to all business units (BUs) in the region, focusing on implementing partner management, internal control, and fraud risk management. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying risks and control gaps through rigorous data analysis, and the development of appropriate mitigating measures. The Specialist will also be responsible for adapting corporate policies to local contexts and ensuring compliance with established standards. The position is rotational, indicating that the incumbent may be required to move to different locations or roles within the organization as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Operational Risk and Control Specialist include:

• Implementing Partners risk management: Mastering processes, systems, and policies for implementing partner risk management (HACT), serving as the primary contact for technical questions and policy guidance.
• Providing consistent guidance to BUs on implementing IP risk and assurance policies, ensuring corporate strategies are tailored to local contexts.
• Supporting BUs in the implementation of corporate risk-based IP assessment and assurance activities, facilitating the escalation process for necessary exceptions.
• Engaging in regional inter-agency forums on IP management and advocating for diligent resource allocation for IP risk mitigation.
• Offering technical support to the RO and BUs on IP assurance and risk management, ensuring compliance with corporate policies.
• Monitoring and analyzing CO performance, identifying gaps, and ensuring corrective actions are taken.
• Overseeing internal controls and fraud risk management processes, ensuring compliance and addressing weaknesses as they arise.
• Providing training and capacity building to BUs on policies and best practices, and addressing knowledge gaps across regions.
• Facilitating the development of appropriate IP due diligence tools and ensuring regional quality assurance over HACT reports. 1
• Escalating high risks detected for IP issues to the Chief, QMU and the Regional Director as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Operational Risk and Control Specialist position include:

• An advanced university degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Risk Management, Audit, Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in public administration, risk management, audit, or related areas, ideally within an international organization.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and persuasion skills, with a proven ability to build and sustain effective working relationships.
• Experience in drafting guidance and procedures, with the ability to deliver clear and compelling oral and written presentations.
• Strong data, analytical, and conceptual abilities, along with proficiency in current office software applications and corporate IT systems.
• A dedication to the principles of the United Nations, with previous experience in the UN and knowledge of UN internal control and risk management procedures being advantageous.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in disciplines such as Public Administration, Business Administration, Risk Management, Audit, Management, or other related fields. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of risk management and operational controls within the context of international organizations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in relevant fields such as public administration, risk management, or audit. Experience in international organizations is particularly valuable, as it provides insight into the unique challenges and operational frameworks of such entities. Candidates should demonstrate a strong track record of managing risks, implementing controls, and ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. A working knowledge of French is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication and collaboration with French-speaking partners and stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package that includes a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.