Purpose of the Position
Under the direction of the Deputy Representative, the incumbent will provide 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.
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 UNCIEF’s zero tolerance to corruption.
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.
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 UNCIEF’s zero tolerance to corruption.
Key Expected Results
- Capacity Building
In close consultation with CMT members and UN HACT Working group, formulate and implement staff capacity development strategy and plans in relation to HACT, ensuring that office staff and implementing partners have the basic knowledge and skills to fulfil their responsibilities related to HACT; and training is planned and carried out to fill identified gaps. - Technical Support
Provide technical support 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) Determine the combination, frequency and the scale of the required assurance activities with respect to the different risk rating categories of IPs; and support the implementation of the assurance activities.
b) Monitor whether activities are taking place as per the assurance plan and undertake analysis of issues requiring management attention.
c) Support the spot check process in the office by undertaking selected spot checks and/or providing technical support to internal staff undertaking spot checks.
d) Assist programme sections to determine appropriate follow-up actions to issues and recommendations identified in spot checks and scheduled audit.
e) Advise senior management when special audits may be required.
f) Provide technical support in drafting terms of reference for special audits and follow-up on findings.
g) Make recommendations to the office with regards to implementing UNDG HACT Framework as per UNCIEF policies and procedures.
h) Verify HACT tools for the office ,such as templates, according to the common criteria established in UNICEF policy and procedures.
i) Identify high-risk areas requiring special support from regional offices and/or HQ.
j) Serve as focal point for partnership mapping and partner strategic planning and documentation for all offices and HACT activities in the country. - Developing, documenting and reporting on HACT Plans and Activities
Provide administrative support to the office in development, documentation and reporting on HACT plans and activities, including:
a) 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.
b) Document the office's approach to determining cash transfer modality.
c) Document the office's capacity development plans.
d) 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 adopting agencies.
e) 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.
f) Assist in the preparation and oversight of country/sub-regional LTAs for HACT activities and support.
g) Communicate, as required, status of oversight of resources transferred to partners and HACT implementation in the office to regional office and HQ. - Macro and Micro Assessments
a) Review the findings from the macro and 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 outsourced institutions.
b) Support programmes in formalizing partnerships and share partner assessments and other relevant documents for PCA review and implementing partner feedback based on past performance and knowledge, including liaising and sharing information with other UN agencies.
c) Oversee the timely implementation of macro and micro assessments and ensure that country office responses are prepared and identified risks as taken into account in country office risk management activities and risk logs.
d) Develop and implements country office follow-up action plans on findings of micro assessments and assurance activities to ensure that all identified risks/issues have been resolved in a timely manner to ensure the best possible use of UNICEF financial and other resources. - Risk Management
a) Support risk management exercises that identify risks for oversight of resources transferred to partners in accordance with HACT, as well as other programme oversight mechanisms established in the country, considering the larger risk picture in the country.
b) Ensure the risk ratings are keyed in and updated in the VISION system. - Direct Cash Transfer (DCT)
a) Communicate and follow up with relevant cost centres/programme sections to ensure timely liquidation of DCTs.
b) Support senior management in ensuring a consistent approach across programme areas in FACE certification processes.
c) Coordinate programme inputs for justification of DCT impairments and write offs, as necessary.
d) Conduct periodic quality assurance of financial documents, review of vendors in the system and DCT ageing as per the office Key Performance Indicators for DCTs (KPIs). - UN Coherence
a) Provide effective linkage and coordination with the UN HACT activities.
b) Contribute to the activities of UN HACT working group.
c) Focal point in sharing information from/to the UN HACT Coordinator.
Qualifications of Successful Candidate
- 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 taken in lieu of an advanced university degree.
- A 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.
- Specialized training in Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) as well as ERP Systems (i.e. SAP) is highly desirable.
- Previous experience in training professionals in the context of HACT is highly desirable.
- Previous hands on experience in a supervisory/managerial capacity is desirable.
- Work experience in emergency duty station is considered an asset.
- Fluency in English (verbal and written) is required. Knowledge of an additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is considered an asset.
Competencies of Successful Candidate
- Communicates effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking.
- Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
- Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.
- Has good leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear.
- Analyzes and integrates potentially conflicting numerical, verbal and other data from a number of sources.
- Negotiates effectively by exploring a range of possibilities.
- Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives.
- Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups; maintains an effective network of individuals across organizational departments.
- Contributes innovative approaches, insights and ways of designing projects; drives effective change initiatives.
Remarks
This post is available for the duration of one (1) year.
HOW TO APPLY:
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.
If you want a challenging career while improving the lives of children around the world UNICEF, the leading children’s rights organization, would like to hear from you.
Visit us at www.unicef.org/about/employ to register in our new e-Recruitment system and apply to this and other vacancies. Applications must be received by 27-Nov-14.
Vacancy position link:
Please note that only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted.
In the selection of its staff, UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities: well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
