Risk Management Officer, IICA, 2 213 views0 applications

Operational context

The Uganda operation is currently experiencing a loss of donor confidence and an erosion of trust. When donor requests for information cannot be shared in a timely manner it creates a perception of inefficiency and even ineffectiveness in the operation. UNHCR is under pressure to keep pace with new technologies to provide innovative solutions while maintaining demands for transparency and accountability. With the completion of the country wide verification exercise and the continued use of biometric registration tools and other modules from ProGres v4, a significant improvement in data quality is anticipated regarding refugee populations and assistance activities. Significant interoperability and information sharing is available with the use of UNHCR tools.

With the rapid growth of the operation in response to the recent influx, the large number of partners and multiple emergencies, information coherence is a continued challenge. Planning, consultation and decision making is not reliably evidence-based due to the current internal information sharing and information management processes. The Comprehensive Response requires evidence-based decision making to mobilize the government, humanitarian, development, private sector and academic stakeholders.

Transparent governance of information requirements needs to be established, including improved information sharing and adoption of accepted modern tools. Lack of maintenance of basic data for timely and effective donor reporting is impacting donor confidence in the effectiveness of the Uganda operation. Traditional siloed sector approaches are limiting fundraising opportunities at a time when donors are increasingly interested in cross cutting programming as the solution to creating additionalities thereby demonstrating value for money to their constituents. Difficulty in effectively communicating UNHCR progress and challenges in common/development terms is a risk to UNHCR’s ability to bridge the gap in the humanitarian development nexus.

Partners are increasingly focused on risk management and systems strengthening to mitigate fraud and corruption and are expressing a loss of assurance in UNHCR business processes. In response in 2018, a Joint Plan of Action Technical Task Force comprised of UN, donors and government was established to facilitate coordination on issues with shared accountability. Also, key donors such as USAID/PRM and DFID have both engaged consultants to conduct 3rd Party Monitoring and systems reviews, respectively, due to a lack of confidence in the operation. Expectations for information sharing and transparency continue to increase creating additional workload.

Despite all this activity to create confidence, the funding gap continues in Uganda. UNHCR is noting a new trend whereby donors are focusing on funding development/livelihoods and NGO consortiums while the humanitarian crisis persists. New ways of working are already emerging and UNHCR needs to develop a costed strategic approach that clearly defines the parameters of the initiatives it is engaged in such as EUTF, IKEA partnership, Dutch/ILO/UNICEF partnership, UNCDF/UNHCR partnership and UAE Strategy. Global lessons learned have demonstrated risks to donor relationships when project management methodologies and robust reporting are not put in place to ensure success in the inception phases on each initiative.

Purpose and scope of assignment

1. Compliance:

Work with the team in ensuring response to the recommendation by the internal audit is in place:

• Identify shortfalls in evidence-based decision making and carry out or oversee the preparation of any special studies, process mapping and analysis as requested by management.
• In support of systems strengthening, transparency and accountability; liaise with relevant Sectors and offices to monitor and identify critical and emerging issues; recommend approaches and alternatives; anticipate political and sensitive issues, research information, gather facts, develop alternatives and coordinate a timely response on audit recommendation.
• To strengthen internal control mechanism, of particular finance, programme, supply, livelihood and cash-based intervention, ensure relevant SOPs are set in place and implementation and monitoring are being done in timely and regular manner.

2. Risk management:

Follow up on the identified high risks mitigation and prevention measures;

• Through participation in UNHCR Coordination Model and ad hoc multifunctional meetings, support establishing linkages where risks are identified between sector expertise, fundraising opportunities, and programming requirements in line with field priorities to support a clear understanding of the country context, analysis of the regional and national development plans, identification of main partners, and strategic positioning of UNHCR in the potential operational niches identified, including private sector opportunities.
• Assist the Principle Risk Management & Compliance Advisor in her liaison with external stakeholders (e.g. Donors, Government Officers, Partners etc.) both as a resource person and a Secretariat in coordination of related meetings and production of relevant documentation;
• Provide strategic analysis of the key cross cutting studies, reports and trends, and formulate recommendations for integration into risk assessments.

Essential minimum qualifications and experience

• Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in Finance, Political Science, Economics, Public Policy, International Relations or other related fields is required.
• Minimum 5 years of previous relevant job experience with at least 3 years of experience in audit, finance, risk assessment, and complex strategic policy analysis is required.
• Experience delivering in a demanding, results-oriented environment while working within tight time constraints to meet deadlines with high quality work is required.
• A proven ability to act with discretion and diplomacy is required.
• Excellent written and spoken English, including drafting and editing skills is required.
• Advanced computer skills for MS Office Suite, specifically Word, SharePoint, and Excel are required.

Desirable competencies

• Working experience in UN and familiarity in programming, supply, finance and admin is desirable.
• Priority exposure to UNHCR refugee operations and function relating to operations and programme activities is desirable

Competencies

• Financial Literacy
• Analytical Thinking
• Innovation and Creativity
• Technological Awareness
• Planning and Organizing
• Relationship Building