The Position:

The Risk and Compliance Officer is responsible for supporting the implementation of the risk management framework and strategies by providing detailed risk analysis and support.

This position reports directly to the Representative.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

Working within the Palestine Country Office (CO) environment, you will play a crucial role in safeguarding the organization’s assets and ensuring the efficacy of risk mitigation strategies. This position is primarily responsible for executing and enhancing the risk management regime by providing thorough risk analysis and critical support functions. The Risk and Compliance Officer will actively identify, assess, and prioritize risks, developing comprehensive strategies to manage and mitigate these risks effectively.

You would be responsible for:

Risk Management Analysis and Advice

• Identify, assess, and manage contextual, programmatic, operational, and business risks. This includes analyzing and interpreting complex information and data, accurately identifying issues and trends, making informed judgments, and providing relevant recommendations.
• Break down information or data into its component parts to uncover underlying principles, reasons, or facts.
• Conduct desk reviews of documents, including partner capacity assessments, partner profiles, and other relevant documentation. Perform independent research on due diligence to make specific recommendations to UNFPA operations in Palestine.
• Collect, analyze, and evaluate information from various public sources, such as the UN Security Council, investigation reports, regulatory bodies, law enforcement, and geographic information systems, to complete risk profiles.
• Identify key contextual and operational risks, as well as mitigating factors, for potential development and humanitarian interventions.
• Address requirements for verifications, allegations, and fact-checks by providing recommendations and advice as necessary.

Development of Risk Management Practices

• Plan and support the development of risk management systems that comply with international standards on Risk Management.
• Assist in the establishment and improvement of best practices in risk management.
• Facilitate risk management discussions and contribute to the standardization of tools and practices within UNFPA, the UN, and other partner organizations.
• Promote the dissemination of best practices within the humanitarian and development community in Palestine, and more broadly within the UNFPA/UN network as part of a ‘community of practice.’

Evidence-based Action Research and Analysis

• Design and implement quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, or experiential research approaches as appropriate to support evidence-based responses to critical risk areas faced by UNFPA in Palestine, particularly in the domains of fraud, corruption, money laundering, and financing of illicit activities.
• Create data collection and analysis methodologies to capture lessons learned at both programmatic and operational levels, facilitating continuous feedback into project and programme risk management practices and mechanisms.
• Develop and establish frameworks that support evidence-based and contextualized best practices for UNFPA in managing specific risks related to financing of fraudulent and illicit activities
• Utilize evidence-based research findings to initiate and facilitate discussions among aid community partners, aiming to develop common, sustainable risk management tools, practices, and capacity-building programs.

Partnership and coordination

• Establish and enhance partnership management with key internal and external stakeholders, including the UN, donors, and civil society organizations.
• Provide technical support and guidance on risk management practices to UNFPA and its partners.
• Forge both formal and informal partnerships with law enforcement and regulatory institutions, liaising with donors and creating working relationships and information-sharing protocols with UN audit, investigation offices, and relevant research institutions as needed.
• Coordinate risk management activities among various partners involved in implementing risk management practices in Palestine.

Learning, Knowledge Management and Self Development

• Contribute to the development and enhancement of both classroom-based and online risk management courses, focusing on Managing Project Risk and other technical assistance products (such as guidance notes) to support capacity building.
• Facilitate, deliver, and oversee risk management training curricula for the UN, NGOs, civil society organizations (CSOs), and other partners.
• Commit to personal development and stay informed about new and innovative developments in the field of risk management.

Perform other duties within your functional profile as assigned and deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the office

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education: 

Master’s degree in international relations, Law, Investigations, Politics, Economics, Management, or related area.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in risk management, law enforcement, or project management within an international or governmental organization is required.
• Knowledge of international risk management standards such as ISO 31000, COSO, and Enterprise Risk Management is essential.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and persuasion skills.
• Proven ability to build and sustain effective partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working in highly volatile environments.
• Previous experience and knowledge in law enforcement, investigation/intelligence, audit, and fraud examination are advantageous.

Languages: 

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

Required Competencies: 

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity,
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
• Embracing cultural diversity,
• Embracing change

Functional Competencies:

• Advocacy/ Advancing a policy-oriented agenda
• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/ building strategic alliances and partnerships
• Delivering results-based programme
• Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilisation

Core Competencies: 

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
• Communicating for impact

Managerial Competencies:
●    Providing strategic focus,
●    Engaging in internal/external partners and stakeholders,
●    Leading, developing and empowering people, creating a culture of performance
●    Making decisions and exercising judgment

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA’s workforce – click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.