Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations. With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it. A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners’ needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

The Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC) was established in 2018 for efficient delivery of grants and fund management, and the provision of quality pharmaceuticals and health products. The ARHC aims to significantly impact the targets of UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and well-being, by expanding the population benefitting from UNOPS-managed health-related engagements across the Asia Region. The ARHC portfolio manages the PR Programme of the Global Fund, which has been providing financial support to the GMS countries for Malaria programs since 2003. Global Fund has selected UNOPS as a regional PR, responsible for delivering the targets set out in the grant agreements in collaboration with selected sub-recipients (SRs) from the National Programmes, local and international NGOs, the private sector and other UN agencies. UNOPS in Cambodia is currently the Principal Recipient programme (PR) for the Regional Artemisinin Resistance Initiative (RAI).

Background Information – Job-specific

The Principal Recipient programme (PR) under the UNOPS Asia and Pacific Regional Office has been established to support, develop and oversee UNOPS’ programmes implemented with GFATM financing in the Region to ensure that synergies between different programme components are effectively developed.

The PR’s Cambodia team works in close cooperation with Regional PR teams to ensure the effective grant management and coordination of in-country GFATM grants as well as, in- Regional Principal Recipients of GFATM regional grants for Greater Mekong Sub-region (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam).

Under the direct supervision of the Program Management Advisor and overall management of Senior Programme Coordinator, the Programme Management Office (PRMO) – Specialist (Risk and Compliance)

• Ensure effective controls are in place on the use of Global Fund grant monies and that all payments are eligible, justified and represent value for money;
• Ensure that financial records for all transactions are maintained accurately and on a timely basis;
• Mitigate the risk of fraud or misuse of grant funds and reduce the ineligible expenditures reported by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and the Local Fund Agent (LFA);
• Ensure the continuity of the program implementation in high risk environments and that safeguards are in place with respect to Global Fund investments;
• Ensure that reporting to the PR is accurate, timely and in accordance with SRs Grant Agreement and the applicable policies and regulations of the Global Fund.

Programme Management Office (PRMO) – Specialist (Risk and Compliance) will closely work with the Programme Management Advisor. S/he will supervise UNOPS Finance Associates (Compliance and Monitoring) working at the National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control (CNM) as well as other SRs/SSRs to execute and enhance the financial, risk and compliance management functions. The specialist will ensure the quality and compliance of the financial implementation of the program and will perform the following specific duties and responsibilities.

Functional Responsibilities

1. Risk Management & Compliance

• Manage the timely and efficient delivery of all Risk, Compliance, Assurance services
• Full compliance of operations of the country with UNOPS and donor rules, regulations and policies.
• Ensure that there is an effective system of internal controls in place in order to prevent and detect fraud, misappropriation and misapplications. In particular with regards to travel related costs (TRC)
• Recommend improvement for effective internal control mechanisms to ensure adherence to the Finance Manual, Program Management Guidelines (PMG)/Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

2. Project Financial and Operational Compliance

• Facilitate internal and external audit exercise for UNOPS and Sub recipients including development, coordination and execution of the audit work plan
• Carry out regular monitoring and performance review on the effectiveness and efficiency of the overall project implementation (Programme, Monitoring &Evaluation, Procurement and Supply chain Management and Finance), assess risk areas, document lessons learned report and provide on time update, facilitate solutions and make appropriate recommendations for improvement
• Maintain compliance standards by determining project implementation conformity with rules and regulations of UNOPS and the Global Fund
• Advise the management about any suspected misconduct in the project implementation

3. Sub recipients Capacity building

• Undertaking assessments of financial systems, risks and performance of UNOPS and Sub recipients through carrying out analytical work and assisting with capacity building and providing support on all aspects of financial management including relevance project management
• Take initiative to identify weaknesses, challenges, legitimate solutions to simplify the process, design financial control tools, provide feedback, share best practice in accounting, financial management/reporting through ongoing capacity building exercises with Sub recipients
• Strengthen the capacity of sub recipients on financial management by identifying training needs, develop training programs and materials, provide guidance and conduct specific training sessions to SRs on audit processes.

4. Financial Management and Reporting

• Provide guidance to Sub recipients, national program and sub national offices in developing budget plans, financial expenditure reports in a timely manner and with quality.
• Ensure that there are controls in place to separate grants funds from other sources of funds.
• Ensure that all transactions are appropriately coded and recorded so that the required data for the Annual Financial Report (AFR) and for Progress Update and Disbursement Report (PUDR) is generated automatically with minimal manual intervention.
• Oversee the month-end close-out procedures performed in the accounting system and support Sub recipients, CNM and Sub National level.
• Support the SRs and Sub National level to ensure that a system to track tax exemptions and reimbursements is in place and shall ensure that the Sub recipients takes all necessary steps to obtain reimbursement for taxes where direct exemption is not available
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation and submission of periodic program and financial reports, including Progress Update and Disbursement Request (PUDR, Annual Financial Report (AFR) and Annual Financial Statements.

5. Audits, Reviews Coordination and Support

• Facilitate and coordinate with annual external audit and follow-up on audit recommendations.
• Provide support to UNOPS’ Internal Audit and Investigation Group on data or field visit requirements.

6. Knowledge Management

• Knowledge building and sharing with regards to management and operations in the Office, synthesis of lessons learnt/best practices, and sound contributions to UNOPS knowledge management initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for leveraging the use of Information technology to enhance program support, financial, Compliance and Risk management to facilitate knowledge management, and information sharing.
• Development of tools and platforms for operations and data management, ensuring information and knowledge sharing with colleagues, clients and partners

Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Programme Management Office (PRMO) – Specialist (Risk and Compliance) for the Office directly impact on the development and performance of the projects, visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and consequently strengthen its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country served.

Competencies

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

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics, HR or related field.
• A combination of a bachelor’s degree with an additional two (2) years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

Certification

• Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or equivalent is highly desirable.

Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, compliance, audit, internal audit, accounting, and risk management at the national or international level is required.
• Experience with audits of development aid programmes or the projects funded by international donors and institutions is an asset.
• Experience in the use of ERP accounting software packages preferably SUN accounting systems is desirable.
• Experience in project management, Procurement and Supply chain Management would be an advantage.
• Strong Communication and interpersonal skills is preferable.
• Good knowledge of donor organizations an experience in working with public institutions would be an asset.
• Previous experience with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis would be an asset.

Languages

• Full working knowledge of English is required.
• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contract Agreement (LICA)
Contract level: LICA 10
Contract duration: Open-ended, and subject to organizational requirement, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
Duty station: Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Phnom Penh city is a family duty station.

This vacancy is open only to Cambodia nationals or those who have a valid residence permit in the country of assignment.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.