Management Specialist (Oversight and Compliance) Job, Nairobi

Closing Date: Sunday, 11 April 2010

MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST (OVERSIGHT AND COMPLIANCE)
Location :	Nairobi (with frequent travel to Somalia), KENYA
Application Deadline :	11-Apr-10
Type of Contract :	FTA International
Languages Required :	English
Duration of Initial Contract :	One Year
Expected Duration of Assignment :	One Year (with possibility of extension)
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Background
The UNDP Somalia Country Office operates a cross-border operation since 1993. Due to prevailing security situation in Somalia, the Office is located in Nairobi and hosted by the Government of Kenya. UNDP Somalia programmes are implemented through 2 Sub Offices in Hargeisa and Garowe and staff are required to undertake regular field missions. UNDP Somalia office shall relocate staff inside Somalia when situation permits. UNDP Somalia manages a considerable amount of resources amounting on average to $60M per year. In order to ensure proper resources and results management and greater accountability, the UNDP Country Office intends to strengthen, develop and reinforce its operations, the office based in Nairobi, Kenya, is recruiting, for a 12 months renewable period an Oversight and Compliance Specialist. Under the overall responsibility of the Country Director and as member of the senior management team, the Oversight and Compliance Specialist is responsible for the ongoing oversight of programme resource management. The incumbent will work closely with programme, projects and operations staff (particularly procurement and finance teams in Nairobi and in the field), UNDP HQ staff, bilateral donors and staff in other UN agencies on issues related to financial programme resource management.
Duties and Responsibilities
As a member of the senior management team of the CO, the Oversight and Compliance Specialist acts as an advisor to Senior Management on all aspects of CO programme and operations, with regard to compliance with UNDP rules and regulations.   Summary of key functions: Prepare and coordinate audit activities Strengthen Transparency and accountability Risk assessment and performance assessment plan Facilitation of knowledge building and sharing Prepare and Coordinate audit-related activities, focusing on the achievement of the following results: Prepare the CO Non Governmental Organization /National Implementation (NGO/NIM) audit plans. Coordinate the entire audit exercise with the Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI), including the participation in the selection process of external auditors for the audits of NIM and Directly Implemented Project (DIM) projects Act as the focal point and facilitator during the internal or external audit exercises conducted by OAI (internal audit) or by the Board of Auditors (BoA) (external audit) Act as the focal point for the DIM audits, Global Fund (GFATM) audits, UNIFEM audits.   This includes preparing in consultation with OAI the Requests for Proposals (RFP) for the DIM and GFATM projects.  Ensure continuous update of the status of implementation of the audit recommendations, contained in the Comprehensive Audit and Recommendation Database System (CARDS), in liaison with OAI and the Regional Audit Center for Arab States. Develop action plans for addressing weaknesses identified in projects implementation control systems and those identified in audit reports.  Develop a follow up system which provides reasonable assurance that all audit recommendations, and the outcomes of performance and management review recommendations are complied with. Liaise with OAI and the Regional Audit Center for Arab States on audit and oversight matters, seek guidance and technical inputs and support whenever necessary. Strengthens transparency and accountability, focusing on the achievement of the following results: Contribute to the achievement of project objectives and outcomes by carrying out regular oversight review of projects, assess reliability and integrity of information provided in project reports, and the completeness of supporting documents. Assess the effective and efficient use of project resources as per the agreed annual workplan.  Ensure proper implementation of internal control systems and in the maintenance of compliance standards Advise UNDP management, project staff and implementing agencies regarding control systems, assess their effectiveness and general operational compliance with UNDP Rules and Regulations, Policies and Procedures Assess work processes and office structure to ensure that tasks are carried out with maximum integrity. Review performance/progress of implementing UNDP supported projects (NIM/ DIM) by determining their conformity with UNDP Financial rules and regulations, and the requirement of the Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP). Strengthen transparency and accountability in project implementation, programme management and carry out performance reviews to ensure targets are met; and make appropriate recommendations for improvement. Review the CO risk logs and ensure that risks are adequately assessed and escalated if need be. S/He should ensure that adequate processes are in place to mitigate those risks. Provides effective and reliable performance and risk assessment, focusing on the achievement of the following results: In consultation with the management team, provides assessment of risk areas and work with project staff to minimize risk exposure levels. Alert the CO management about any suspected misconduct in projects or CO.  Participate in indicator and target setting to establish reliable performance assessment criteria Consults with clients on a regular basis to improve performance Support the refinement and development of performance assessment tools to enhance the performance assessment process. Facilitation of knowledge building and sharing: Contributes to the ongoing development of professional practices within the Country Office Participates in the implementation of his/her personal learning and training development plan Performs other assignments or tasks as determined by the Country Director. Impact of Results The key results will support the efficient and effective implementation of programmes, particularly eliminating unauthorized spending, overspending, holding excess or insufficient cash in accounts. Providing financial analysis and judicious use of funds as per donor contribution agreements. This will further support effective results based management systems within the Country Office and further strengthen internal control systems and procedures to support the achievement of development results.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability Treats all people fairly without favoritism Functional Competencies: Knowledge Management and Learning Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills Development and Operational Effectiveness Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting Ability to lead formulation and monitoring of management projects Solid knowledge in financial resources and human resources management, contract, asset and procurement, information and communication technology, general administration Ability to lead business processes re-engineering, implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change Demonstrated integrity, confidentiality and balanced judgment.   Management and Leadership Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities Leads teams effectively and shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure Ability to work under stressful condition and to travel to hazardous places, including to Somalia.
Required Skills and Experience
Education: Masters Degree preferably in Administration, Business, Finance or related field. Certified Internal Audit designation desirable Experience: Minimum 7 years professional experience in one or more of the following areas: programme resource management, project management, financial management and audit management within the private sector or International NGOs, preferably the last three years with UNDP or one of its UN sister agencies. Work experience with an ERP system, (experience with ATLAS preferred). Knowledge of UNDP’s Internal Control Framework (or similar financial management and control frameworks) required. Excellent knowledge of programme and project management, analysis and resource management.  Excellent knowledge of issues pertaining to multi-donors funding, related reporting systems, especially within the context of large fiduciary funds administered by the United Nations or UNDP more specifically; Understanding of the Generally accepted professional practice standards for internal auditing (The Institute of Internal Auditors ) is an advantage; Excellent knowledge of computer standard applications (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint) Good knowledge and understanding of working conditions in a post conflict situation; previous experience performing similar functions in a crisis country is desirable Language Requirements: Excellent command of written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of another UN language an asset.
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.