Director, Risk and Compliance Group

Risk and Compliance GroupThe Risk and Compliance Group (RCG) was established in...

Risk and Compliance Group

The Risk and Compliance Group (RCG) was established in 2024 under the Deputy Executive Director for Management and Policy and brings together key management oversight and control functions for risk management, compliance, internal controls and due diligence.

RCG ensures that effective risk management is in place across the organization, that activities are conducted in compliance with internal policies and procedures and applicable external rules and regulations, including in respect of UNOPS donors, clients and partners.

Though units with responsibility for risk management, compliance, internal control and due diligence have been present within UNOPS for some time, there is renewed organizational focus on these functions. The new Risk and Compliance Group will provide a platform for developing a more integrated and holistic approach to management oversight and control and for strengthening each of the component functions.

The Role of Director, Risk and Compliance Group

Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director for Management and Policy, the Director, RCG provides leadership and direction to RCG as a whole and the functions within. 

Given the recent establishment of the RCG, the Director will continue to strengthen the capacity of RCG to execute its core activities and to consolidate its role as a core corporate resource by ensuring the functions and services of RCG meet the needs of its internal and external constituents and are suitably supported by effective working relationships. 

The Director will combine elements of leadership and development with a strong technical focus and a highly collaborative partnering approach to ensure RCG delivers on UNOPS strategic priorities and protects and enhances UNOPS and its reputation.

Summary of Functions: 1. Group and Corporate Leadership ...

Summary of Functions: 

1. Group and Corporate Leadership 

2. People Leadership 

3. Risk Management 

4. Compliance and Internal Control 

5. Due Diligence 

6. Knowledge Management and Innovation

1. Group and Corporate Leadership 

Lead the development of RCG’s objectives and priorities in line with UNOPS strategy.  Lead the establishment of functional annual work priorities in collaboration with RCG teams and other functions. Oversee the setting of objectives, performance measures and standards, and expected results. Monitor the implementation of work plans, oversee progress and performance, and take decisions to ensure the delivery of results as planned. Work collaboratively with other UNOPS functions to align the capabilities and services of RCG with organizational needs in the context of UNOPS legislative framework. Ensure that the service model and approach of RCG remains appropriate and continues to add value to the organization.  Maintain effective working relationships, core interfaces and connections with other functions across UNOPS.  Lead organizational engagement and communication on behalf of RCG, in coordination with internal communications teams, and ensure colleagues understand the purpose and role of RCG, the activities conducted, and the responsibilities of parties involved.  Contribute to organizational improvements such as structure, process and system changes that may affect RCG, through collaboration with other functions and teams involved in UNOPS transformation and other initiatives.  Contribute to the formulation of UNOPS strategies, policies, and to key decisions through advice to the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director and participation in senior management deliberation.

2. People Leadership 

As a senior member of UNOPS personnel, role model and champion UNOPS values, behavioural competencies and ways of working  Create, foster and role model a culture of trust, accountability and empowerment within RCG and UNOPS as a whole  Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, and sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments

Build engagement and foster a diverse and inclusive work environment, respectful of all, with appropriate focus on well-being, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed

Promote teamwork and collaboration by providing clear direction and objectives which enable RCG personnel to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently

Lead/ supervise roles within RCG, ensuring appropriate performance objectives and development plans are in place and ensure alignment and synergy between the functions and associated activities under the RCG

Plan and develop a diverse and flexible workforce with the values, skills and competencies needed to ensure optimal performance in line with UNOPS culture

3. Risk Management
Lead the integration of risk management with other oversight and control processes including compliance, internal controls and due diligence.

Together with the CRO, lead the development of the UNOPS Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework to ensure it meets the needs of the organization; responds to accepted recommendations from mandated organizations and bodies; aligns with best practice; and is appropriately implemented.

Lead efforts to integrate risk management into UNOPS key decision-making processes globally including those overseen within regions those relating to projects and office-level risks) and at headquarters those relating to planning and performance review at a corporate level).

Collaborate with other functions and teams to ensure that risk management oversight and control activities are well coordinated and coherent across locations, functions and processes.

Collaborate with regional units to ensure that risk management and risk ownership is embedded within operational management activities.

Through appropriate monitoring and oversight, ensure that UNOPS is able to identify and address key risks through the application of systems, approaches, tools and resources and that vertical escalation of risks facilitates effective risk management.

Supervise the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) in the development and execution of risk management plans and activities.

4. Compliance and Internal Control
Lead efforts to drive reductions in UNOPS authorised (exceptions) and unauthorised non-compliance through a coherent risk-based approach that provides systemic solutions to lower the cost of compliance, making it easier to comply; and improves mechanisms to prevent, detect and respond to non-compliance.

Oversee the Head of Compliance in leading the definition and establishment of a compliance framework and organization-wide compliance programme.

Collaborate with other units to ensure that accountabilities and responsibilities for compliance and internal control are well understood and that alignment is reflected within policies, processes and other guidance materials.

Conduct ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the compliance framework and programme and provide advice, support and challenge to units involved in operational management, and management oversight to drive systemic improvement.

Ensure that UNOPS has visibility of its key compliance risks and that appropriate measures are being taken to address them

Oversee the escalation of compliance issues from operational management to RCG when certain thresholds are met, providing support and guidance to RCG compliance personnel. In particular, engage in the resolution of complex compliance matters that impact several policy domains.

Support the Head of Compliance in their role as focal point for personnel to escalate concerns relating to non-compliance

Provide compliance reporting to senior management, including preparation of internal reports highlighting compliance and non-compliance with actions to be taken or policy changes required.

Oversee activities of UNOPS Contracts and Property Committee through direct supervision of the Chair

Oversee activities of UNOPS Bid Protest function through direct supervision of the Bid Protest Registrar

5. Due Diligence
Oversee the Head of Due Diligence in leading the development of a central due diligence function and wider due diligence network across UNOPS, driving integration of due diligence within the wider risk management, compliance and new engagement processes. Oversee the design, implementation and maintenance of due diligence processes at UNOPS which align to the UN SDG Common Approach to Prospect Research and Due Diligence for Business Sector Partnerships. Ensure assessments of reputational, financial and other related risks are conducted as part of the pre- and post-engagement decision-making processes at UNOPS. Review and provide comments in legal agreements associated with engagements,projects and portfolios, ensuring risks identified in due diligence are appropriately considered. 6. Knowledge Management and Innovation
Lead the development and introduction of practices that ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practice approaches in risk management, compliance, internal controls and due diligence Oversee the successful implementation of policies, standards and tools for risk management, compliance, internal controls and due diligence Ensure the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building Collaborate with internal and external partners, colleagues and stakeholders to keep abreast of evolving trends, and build partnerships/alliances to share good practice and lessons learned Keep abreast of organizational changes to align functional strategy and approaches to organizational development

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. (for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Education A Master’s degree in law, business administration, politic...
Education
A Master’s degree in law, business administration, political science or other related field is required.  Bachelor’s degrees in similar fields may be accepted with additional years of work experience requirements. Experience

Minimum of 10 years relevant work experience including in international organisations or 12 years relevant work experience with a Bachelor's degree;

Relevant work experience of progressive seniority supporting and leading decision related to risk or complianceconsiderations in highly complex environments/contexts;

Minimum of 3 years experience designing and implementing assurance, risk management and/or compliance strategies, frameworks and programmes

Experience working at leadership level.

Experience establishing and maintaining broad collaborative relationships and strategic networks and partnerships to expand collaboration.

Language Requirements
Fluency in English, both written and verbal Working knowledge of either Spanish or French is an asset

Contract type: Staff Contract level: D1

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