UN Women: Programme Specialist at UN Women

• Under the overall guidance of the Chief, Programme Support and Management Unit (PSMU) and direct supervision of the Manager, Programme Support Unit, and matrix reporting with the Regional Operations Manager in ESARO (East and Southern Africa Regional Office), works with colleagues specifically in ESARO (and as needed with other Regions) to manage programme partner assurance and risk management processes, supports development of the necessary tools and guidance and supports Offices in their use and application.

Duties And Responsibilities Competencies

• Implement and Manage strategies for Oversight and Monitoring of Programme Partner Assurance
• Contribute to development and maintenance of global policies, procedures, guidance, tools and systems related to programme partner assurance.
• Contribute to conducting annual assurance process including selection of assurance providers, assurance planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting.
• Provide oversight and ensure quality assurance processes are in place on the implementation of assurance activities. This includes the quality of assurance reports as well as follow-up and escalation of findings of assurance activities consistent with the Assurance Policy and Procedure.
• Monitor and ensure compliance of assurance findings in line with established policies and procedures.
• Review specific partner cases for audit follow up that require HQ Quality Assurance Team actions, including review of supporting documentation to reduce ineligible expenditures.
• Contribute to Review partner fraud investigation reports and implement sanctions in line with established policies and procedures. Work with the Offices to close cases and prepare necessary reporting to stakeholders. Guide Offices on fraud cases involving partners.
• Undertake quality review of assurance reviews and reports and share lessons for improvement and adaptation.
• Provide technical support to Programme Partner Management
• Provide technical guidance to Offices in the formalization of partnerships with government, civil society organizations and other programme partners in line with relevant policies, procedures and guidelines;
• Contribute to the design and development of user and business owner requirements for IT tools and systems (as relevant) for programme partner management including inter-agency initiatives such as the UN Partner Portal; and provide support to the Offices in the use of UN Women tools and organizational systems for programme partnership management.
• Oversee Quality Assurance, Analysis, Monitoring and Reporting for Programme Partnership Assurance
• Contribute to management and coordination of the enhancement and implementation of oversight and global quality assurance strategies/processes for programme partnerships assurance and oversight. This includes ensuring that partners are selected and managed in accordance with the policies and procedures.
• From a global perspective, monitor and report on the status of programme partner implementation and key performance indicators at the HQ, regional and country level using corporate tools and systems and identify high risk areas requiring special attention and support.
• Prepare global reports for senior management as may be required.
• Analyze and monitor cash transfers at global, regional and country level based on reports from the ERP system.
• Promote Innovation, Knowledge Management and Capacity Building
• In consultation with regional offices and relevant divisions, support the development and implementation of standard capacity development strategies/initiatives/tools on programme partner management to ensure that staff are knowledgeable and comply with programme partner management policies and procedures and other relevant corporate policies, procedures and guidance that impacts on programme partner management.
• In consultation with Regional Offices and relevant HQ Divisions, contribute to development knowledge sharing, learning and capacity building initiatives (online and in person sessions) for staff and for partners as needed (to ensure that they are knowledgeable on all aspects of partnering with UN Women).
• Provide offices with technical advice, guidance, and the necessary follow up to audit and investigation findings. This includes support on system use as well as policy questions and a focus on priority offices.
• Participate and contribute in global Enterprise Risk Management exercises with a particular emphasis on ensuring that risks for programme partnership management are appropriately identified and relevant mitigating measures put in place.

Core Values:

• Respect for Diversity
• Integrity
• Professionalism

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
• Accountability
• Creative Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Inclusive Collaboration
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leading by Example

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES:

• Advanced knowledge of the operational management of UN programmes and implementing partners, especially in terms of risk management and assurance over funds. Knowledge of Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) and similar IP risk management approaches.
• Advanced knowledge and experience of using and developing spreadsheet and knowledge of database applications and ERP functionalities to analyze and manage data and processes. Working knowledge of Atlas/PeopleSoft and Oracle is an asset.
• Understanding of the UN and the UN Women mandate.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, plan and execute ideas as well as transfer knowledge and skill.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team and collaborate with team members, be it within the unit, across divisions or UN system wide to achieve results.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and monitor the performance of organizational units, to support and guide staff and to ensure compliance with corporate requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, motivate, lead and supervise staff – and to manage for results in a timely manner.
• Good written and oral communication skills and ability to explain and present complex technical issues to non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective relationships both within and outside the organization.

Required Skills and Experience
Education and certification:

• Advanced university degree in public or business administration, management, risk management, finance or accounting.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Suitable professional accreditation e.g. CPA, ACA would be considered an asset.

Experience:

• A minimum of Five years of progressively responsible experience in programme development/management, financial management, risk management and/ or audit and assurance at national and international level including in the public sector and in complex, fast changing environments.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English; knowledge of other official UN languages, is desirable.