Programme Specialist (HACT), P-3, Maputo, Mozambique (Temp Appointment)

Programme Specialist (HACT), P-3, Maputo, Mozambique (Temp Appointment)

Vacancy No: E-VN-2014-001524

Duty Station: Maputo

Country: Mozambique

Region: ESARO

Job Level: Position#: MOZ14011

Application Close: 23-Jul-14

Contract Type: Temp/Short-term Staff

Purpose of the Position

UNICEF Mozambique is working to strengthen its HACT implementation in order to ensure robust financial and programme management by implementing partners. The HACT framework provides a common operational ('harmonized') framework for transferring cash to government and non-governmental Implementing Partners (IPs) (irrespective of whether these partners work with one or multiple United Nation agencies). The objective of the HACT framework is to support a closer alignment of development aid with national priorities and to strengthen national capacities for management and accountability, with a view to gradually shift to utilizing national systems. It is understood that 'harmonized' in the context of the HACT framework refers to agencies implementing a common operational framework using the same, consistent, standardized approach and tools. The HACT framework represents a shift from assurance for cash transfers derived from project level controls and audits towards a method of assurance derived from risk/system-based assessments and audits. In the course of strengthening HACT implementation, the Country Office will explore opportunities to create a core group of personnel (or HUB) to manage HACT and other VISION transactions as this may provide an opportunity to streamline HACT implementation within the Country Office and improve efficiencies. The Country Office is thus seeking a HACT Specialist Temporary Appointment at P3 level to support the Deputy Representative and CO HACT Focal Points to strengthen the CO system and procedures to manage HACT, to train programme/operations staff on implementing HACT and provide oversight and quality assurance to the implementation of HACT.

Under the direction of the Deputy Representative, and in close collaboration with Chief of Operations and Chief(s) of sections, s/he provides technical and administrative support to strengthen the effective implementation of HACT in order to achieve results related to:

a) Proactive implementation of efficient risk-based oversight of cash transferred to partners in the country;

b) Timely identification and remediation of risks impacting the achievement of results and efficient use of cash provided by UNICEF

c) Adequate capacities of UNICEF staff and partners for the effective use of HACT throughout the partnership cycle; and

d) Provision of adequate and continuous feedback to UNICEF on the quality of assurance activities in the field to achieve results and in adherence to UNICEF's zero tolerance to corruption.

The incumbent will also ensure the improvement of HACT implementation is a Country Office priority for the next two years.

Key Expected Results

The HACT Specialist will work with the HACT focal points on the following tasks:

1. Conduct a desk review of the UNDG HACT Framework, the Agency Specific Guidelines, past HACT implementation in Mozambique (in UNICEF and in sister agencies) and regional lessons learned on HACT. Based on this review, make recommendations on how to strengthen the current system and procedures to effectively manage HACT to be presented and endorsed by the CMT

2. In close consultation with CMT members, formulate and implement staff capacity development strategy and plans in relation to HACT, ensuring that Office staff has the basic knowledge and skills to fulfill their responsibilities related to HACT, and training is planned and carried out to fill identified gaps.

3. Provide technical support and develop the capacity of HACT focal points to ensure that the Office has evidence-based information, as per the assurance plan, to assess whether progress reported by partners is in accordance with work plans and that resources provided by UNICEF are safeguarded, including:

a) Monitor whether activities are taking place as per the assurance plan and undertake analysis of issues requiring management attention.

b) Support the spot check process in the Office by undertaking select spot checks and/or providing technical support to internal staff undertaking spot checks.

c) Assist programme sections to determine appropriate follow-up actions to issues and recommendations identified in spot checks and scheduled or special audits.

d) Advise senior management when special audits may be required.

e) Provide technical support in drafting terms of reference for scheduled and special audits and follow-up on findings.

f) Adapts HACT tools for the office, such as templates, according to the common criteria established in UNICEF policy and procedures.

g) Identify high-risk areas requiring special support from ESARO and HQ

4. Provide administrative support to the Office in development, documentation and reporting on HACT plans and activities, including:

a) Document the Head of Office's decision regarding the use of the government's supreme audit institution.

b) Support micro assessment process, including documenting and updating the micro assessment plans and liaising with other adopting agencies for micro assessment of shared implementing partners.

c) Document the office's approach to determining cash transfer modality.

d) Document the office's capacity development plans.

e) Support the assurance planning and monitoring process, including ensuring that the assurance plan is documented and incorporates any planning required for partners shared with other agencies.

f) Support in maintaining all documentation related to HACT activities (excluding FACE form) and ensures that it is shared with senior management and office staff as needed.

g) Assist in the preparation and oversight of country LTAs for HACT activities and support.

h) Communicate, as required, status of oversight of resources transferred to partners and HACT implementation in the Office to ESARO and HQ

5. Review the findings from micro assessment and assurance activities to identify common weaknesses in financial management of high and significant risk partners and propose capacity development actions that can be undertaken by UNICEF and/or outsources institutions.

6. Contribute to the capacity development of national partners to understand HACT processes and properly use the FACE form.

7. Provide technical support in monitoring DCT management for the Office. Communicate and follow up with relevant cost centres/programme sections to ensure timely liquidation of DCTs. Support senior management in ensuring a consistent approach across programme areas in FACE certification processes. Coordinate programme inputs for justification of DCT impairments and write offs, as necessary.

8. Explore the establishment of a HACT and Vision Hub composed of dedicated staff for managing programme related Vision transactions and HACT quality assurance and capacity building activities as a means to strengthen efficiency and effectiveness in the office.

9. Provide technical support to establish a coordination system among UN agencies (UNFPA and UNDP) to implement HACT and agree on shared responsibilities for implementing assurance activities for common partners.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

1. Education

• An advanced university degree (Master's) in Accounting, Business Administration, Financial Management, Economics, International Development or a directly-related technical field(s) is required.
• A valid professional certification (CA; CPA; etc.) from an accredited chartered accountancy institution, in conjunction with a relevant first-level (Bachelor's) university degree in a directly-related technical field (as identified above), may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

2. Work Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience, at the national and international levels, in Operations Management, Financial Management, Audit Management, Risk Management and/or Programme Management with hands on experience in planning, undertaking and reporting on financial management assurance activities related to HACT and/or similar grant management oversight systems used by donor and funding agencies - is required.
• Previous experience in training professionals in the context of HACT is considered highly desirable.

3. Language Proficiency

• Fluency in English and Portuguese required.

Competencies of Successful Candidate

• Communicates effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking.
• Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.
• Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Demonstrates, applies and shares expert technical knowledge across the organization.
• Appropriately follows instructions, while ensuring that team or department follows relevant company policies and procedures.
• Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives
• Has good leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear
• Sets clearly defined objectives and plans activities for self, own team or department.

Remarks

The HACT Specialist will report to the Deputy Representative. He/she will work directly with the lead HACT focal point (National Officer in Programme Coordination), the programme section's HACT focal points and relevant operations staff (Finance and Supply). He/she will also liaise with HACT focal points from other UN agencies (UNFPA and UNDP) and with ESARO and HQ HACT focal points. Given the seniority and expertise of the Specialist, he/she will be working with a level of independence. The Specialist will also work closely with the section staff for technical interactions and inputs. The Specialist is expected to take initiative and exercise judgment in performing his/her assignments. The supervisor will provide guidance as required and will support the incumbent in undertaking the proposed areas of intervention.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.

APPLY