Risk Management (HACT/ ERM) Experts Roster

Background and context

On 24 December 2013, a joint communication from the Deputy Executive Directors of Management and Programmes to all Regional Directors reiterated the importance of taking forward, at all levels, further initiatives to strengthen the management of the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT). The message also emphasized the importance of collectively ensuring full compliance with the risk-based approach to managing cash assistance provided to our implementing partners as outlined in the UNDG HACT Framework, and further informed by UNICEF policies and procedures. The organization at the global level has recognized that the continuing non-compliance with the HACT Framework continues to present significant financial and reputational risks to UNICEF, and has committed to support regions in strengthening their capacity for managing HACT. Several audit reports have also highlighted weaknesses in HACT management. Furthermore, the 2013 OIAI annual report to the Executive Board noted that the main causes for the risks identified pertained to the lack of implementing a structured approach for providing assurance that UNICEF partners have delivered activities and spent funds as intended and/or reported.

A.Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT)

Cash transfers are monetary payments to government and non-government implementing partners or third parties acting on behalf of partners. Cash transfers represent a large part of UNICEF’s spending and are a key programme implementation modality to achieve results for children.

The adoption of the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) responds to the Rome Declaration on Harmonization and Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, which call for a closer alignment of development aid with national priorities and needs. HACT is in line with the UN General Assembly resolution on the quadrennial comprehensive policy review (QCPR) of UN operational activities for development. This resolution renews the call for simplification and harmonization of processes and business practices within the UN development system, with a view to provide effective, efficient and responsive support to the development efforts of countries.

The revised HACT framework was adopted by UNDP, UNFPA and UNICEF and approved by UNDG on 6 February 2014. The revised HACT framework supersedes the previous framework, adopted in 2005. UNICEF is committed to ensure that cash transfers are managed in accordance with HACT, in a risk-responsive manner that promoted national ownership and stewardship of development funds to achieve results for children.

UNICEF has issued its policy and related procedure on HACT to implementing partners on 1 August 2014. It aims to ensure that the application of HACT in UNICEF results in effective management of risks associated with cash transfers, leading to:

a. Cost-effective assurance systems to ensure funds entrusted to UNICEF by donors are utilized as intended;

b. Transparent processes and oversight of cash transfers at country, regional and global levels;

c. Reduced transaction costs for implementing partners through simplified and harmonized procedures for cash transfers among adopting agencies; and

d. Strengthened national capacities for the management and accountability of cash transferred.

As per January 1, 2015, all offices (headquarters, regional and country offices) that transfer cash to implementing partners in every country and operational context will be subject to the requirements as outlined in the UNICEF HACT policy and procedure. For ESAR, 21 country offices and 1 regional office will be subject to HACT requirements during the course of 2015.

B.Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)

ERM is an important organizational requirement and a core accountability of Representatives and all to whom the Representative delegates the responsibility. (Refer to Guidelines on Risk Assessment and Reporting issued by Martin Mogwanja, DED Management, 1 March 2013 - The ERM Guidelines). In order to be an effective organization, risks should no longer be regarded in isolation but rather identified, analysed and controlled within a framework of interacting risks. When applied systematically, ERM can enhance UNICEF country offices ability to achieve measurable results by enabling management and staff to correctly identify, assess and mitigate key risks that directly impact the success of their work.

Country offices are strongly recommended to perform an annual risk and control self-assessment (RCSA) as part of the annual review process, report on the outcomes and propose mitigating activities. However, a significant number of country offices have not updated their risk and control self-assessments or have a library of identified key risks that does not reflect the perceived significant risks to the achievement of their objectives. At least 10 countries have not undertaken a RCSA for the last two years, presumably indicating either a lack of awareness and understanding of how to apply risk management in practice or a lack of perceived usefulness of the process.

Within the framework of UNICEF Strategic Plan 2014-2017 and in line with ESAR Managing for Results, UNICEF RMT has decided to reinforce county offices commitment to risk management efforts.

The purpose of this announcement is to attract suitable candidates to be included on UNICEF’s ESARO Regional Roster of Risk Management (HACT/ERM) Consultants. The Roster will be used by UNICEF ESARO to identify possible candidates for short-term assignments to support Harmonised Approach to Cash Transfer (HACT) and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) related activities in ESAR Countries.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

· 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.

· Specialized training in Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) and UN Coherence as well as ERP Systems (i.e. SAP) Previous experience in training professionals in the context of HACT.

QUALIFICATIONS

· 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.

· Experience in risk management, audit, internal control or finance

· Minimum of 8 years of proven experience in risk management, audit, internal control or finance;

· In-depth knowledge of internal auditing, professional standards and their application

· Sound knowledge of investigative techniques and procedures

· Proven planning, organizing skills and ability to perform professional internal audit assignments with limited supervision;

· Proven skills in application of audit principles, statistical methodologies, data gathering processes, analytical review approaches and use of computerized audit tools;

· Good knowledge of Information Technology applications;

· Fluency in English and French. Knowledge of Portuguese is an asset.

COMPETENCIES

· Excellent planning and facilitation skills;

· Ability to research, analyze and present complex information;

· Ability to establish and maintain strong and effective working relationships;

· Strong interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills;

· Strong analytical and presentation skills;

HOW TO APPLY:

Consultants are invited to submit an Expression of Interest to be included in a pool of experts available for the assignment areas over the timeframe of March to December 2016.

Please send all Expression of Interest with Subject: Expression of Interest – Risk Management (HACT/ ERM) Experts Roster tocweeren@unicef.orgby 27 February 2015. Expressions of interest should include a CV and Signed P11 form which can be downloaded from:http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_53129.html

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 organization.