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 right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly in the areas of reproductive health, gender equality, and population dynamics. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2026-2029 outlines its response to a complex global environment, emphasizing resilience and renewal through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending unmet needs for family planning, preventing maternal deaths, combating gender-based violence, and adapting to demographic changes through evidence-based policies.

Job Overview:
The Operational Risk and Control Specialist position is integral to the UNFPA Division for Management Services’ Quality Management Unit (QMU) based in Dakar, Senegal. The incumbent will provide guidance, technical support, and oversight to all business units (BUs) in the West and Central Africa region, focusing on implementing partner management, internal control, and fraud risk management. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying risks and control gaps through rigorous data analysis, and the implementation of appropriate mitigating measures. The Specialist will also be responsible for adapting corporate policies to local contexts, building capacity through training and coaching, and ensuring compliance with internal controls and fraud risk management policies. This position is rotational, indicating that the incumbent may be expected to move to different locations or roles within the organization over time.

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 first point of contact for technical questions and policy guidance. Proactively monitoring risks, gaps, and weaknesses, and devising mitigating measures to ensure compliance.
• Guidance: Offering consistent guidance to BUs on implementing IP risk and assurance policies, assisting in selecting appropriate operational modalities, and supporting the implementation of corporate risk-based IP assessment and assurance activities.
• Technical Support: Providing technical support to the RO and BUs on IP assurance and risk management, ensuring updated knowledge on IP management, and facilitating the implementation of optimized corporate systems and tools.
• Management Oversight: Monitoring regional CO compliance, analyzing performance gaps, and ensuring corrective actions are taken.
• Internal Controls and Fraud Risk Management: Mastering processes for internal controls and fraud risk management, providing guidance on the implementation of the Internal Control Framework (ICF), and ensuring compliance with anti-fraud and anti-money laundering policies.
• Capacity Building: Identifying capacity gaps and arranging training on policies and best practices, as well as providing temporary backstopping to BUs in case of capacity constraints.
• Reporting: Ensuring regional quality assurance over all HACT reports and facilitating the development of appropriate IP due diligence tools for countries in the region.

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

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

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in relevant fields such as public administration, risk management, or audit. This experience should ideally be gained in an international organization, where the candidate has developed a strong understanding of the operational and strategic challenges faced in managing risks and controls effectively. Previous experience in the UN system is particularly advantageous, as it provides insight into the specific policies and procedures that govern UN operations.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory for this position, as these are the primary working languages of UNFPA in the region. Knowledge of other official UN languages is considered desirable and may enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse work environment.

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