Lead Compliance Officer for UNDP’s Compliance Mechanism

In March 2012, UNDP launched a brief overarching policy statement making environmental sustainability, including climate change resilience, a cross-cutting issue for all UNDP programmes and projects; and a complementary environmental and social screening procedure to determine whether a project requires further assessment. The inclusion of environmental and social safeguards into UNDP’s Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures necessitates the introduction of a compliance mechanism to address breaches in these safeguards. UNDP seeks to build on its Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) in order to develop the reporting, assessment, and investigation dimension of such a mechanism. OAI provides UNDP with an effective system of independent and objective internal oversight that is designed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of UNDP’s operations in achieving its development goals and objectives through the provision of internal audit and related advisory services, and investigation services. OAI has sole responsibility for conducting investigations within UNDP, conducting investigations into several types of allegations, including: procurement fraud; corruption and bribery; and staff misconduct and any other misconduct, such as willful, reckless or grossly negligent disregard of UNDP regulations, rules, and administrative instructions. In doing so, OAI has established systems allowing for the reporting of issues, the systematic assessment to determine receivability and the objective investigation of allegations to determine whether those allegations are factually based in order to provide a decision maker with appropriately evidenced recommendations. These systems are to be adapted for the reporting, assessment and investigation of issues referred under the environmental and social compliance review mechanism. UNDP will phase the roll out of its compliance mechanism. The mechanism in its first or ‘interim’ phase, will address complaints regarding UNDP REDD+ projects funded by the World Bank-hosted Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) ‘Readiness Fund’, in line with the FCPF Common Approach to Environmental and Social Safeguards for Multiple Delivery Partners.

Duties and Responsibilities

In close cooperation with the Office of Audit and Investigations and the Environment and Energy Group, the consultant will undertake the following activities: Serve as the lead Compliance Officer for UNDP’s Compliance Mechanism, in its interim phase; Oversee the development of operational procedures and protocols for implementing the interim mechanism; Oversee the review eligibility of claims received; Conduct or oversee any investigations of claims of non-compliance found to be eligible; Develop a roster of suitably qualified consultants to assist in the assessment and investigation of compliance review cases; Make any findings of non-compliance and report its recommendations to the Administrator, through the Director OAI; Oversee the maintenance of a public “register” of claims; Conduct appropriate public outreach regarding the Interim Mechanism; Facilitate the public release of reports; Facilitate the establishment of a permanent Compliance Mechanism and the transfer of all existing claims to the permanent mechanism.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values; Performs his/her work with honesty, diligence and responsibility; Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability. Functional Competencies: Vision: Identifies key strategic issues, opportunities and risks; Establishes and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction. Leadership and Self-Management: Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; Leads by example; Remains calm and in control even under pressure; Reacts positively to feedback; Creates an enabling work environment; Leads and gains the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavor; Knowledge Management: Shares knowledge and experience; Demonstrates conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills; Keeps abreast of new developments in the professional disciplines and continually improves his/her proficiency. Client Orientation: Identifies the needs of clients and stakeholders and appropriate solutions; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients and stakeholders. Communication: Demonstrates excellent communication and presentation skills and strong representational abilities. Independence, objectivity and confidentiality: Maintains the independence of the Office; Acts impartially and objectively; Is prudent in the use and protection of information acquired in the course of his/her duties.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: An advanced degree in environmental or international development related field. Experience: At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience and demonstrated technical competence in social and environmental assessment, performance, management, and/or compliance. Experience in managing investigations is desirable. Experience in implementing or evaluating social and environmental impact assessment practices and procedures within an international development context. Expertise in the social and environmental safeguard policies of international institutions Expertise in the design and use of accountability mechanisms Experience in stakeholder engagement, including communities is desirable. Knowledge of UNDP’s Programming and Operations Policies and Procedures, an asset. Language: Fluency in English required; Proficiency in French and/or Spanish is desirable.

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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.

Lead Compliance Officer for UNDP’s Compliance Mechanism