Quality Assurance Risk Officer

Under the direct supervision of the Head of – the Project Review and Oversight Unit the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Project Management

• Support PRC harmonisation associated to GEF, GCF, and non-vertical funded concepts and projects, and support the implementation of a risk-based quality assurance approach (tiered PRC)
• Participates in the CAG and PRC processes, with particular emphasis on harmonisation of processes associated to interventions supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Green Climate Fund (GCF), and provides reviews of assigned concepts/projects, using UNEP’s quality standard framework enshrined in UNEP’s Programme and Project Management Manual (PPMM);
• Monitors and analyzes programme/project/concept development and implementation across the project cycle of assigned programmes/projects at risk;
• Undertakes research and analysis, including through utilization and development of UNEP’s performance dashboards, by identifying problems and issues to be addressed, and proposes corrective actions to maintain quality standards and mitigate risk;
• Identifies lessons learned from the concept and project review process, and makes recommendations for areas of improvement or management action; and
• Prepares reports, and convenes discussions, as a basis for strengthening UNEP’s policies and procedures, tools, guidelines work slows, and operating procedures associated to projects at risk
• Producing yearly updates based on the guidance to be provided and liaise with other relevant UNEP units under the coordination of the Head of the Unit.

Training and Learning Elements

• Training: The incumbent will be required to undertake UNEP’s mandatory project management training course (certified, and in collaboration with the UN System Staff College). UNEP has an extensive e-learning platform hosting new and emerging environmental thematic areas at a global and regional level, for advanced to beginner learners. The United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON) offers substantive and varied professional and personal practical skills development opportunities for on-the-job application (e.g. language training, computer training, Performance Appraisal training, report writing training) and to advance career mobility in the UN system.
• Learning elements: After one year the International UNV will be able to review and prepare programme/project/concept reports in accordance to UN/UNEP’s quality assessment and risk frameworks.

Results/Expected Outputs

• Application of UNEP’s risk frameworks and project management controls to solve problems by formulating remedial action proposals; producing diagnostic reports on risks to trigger wider engage and eventually lead to continued sophistication of policies and procedures governing management of projects at risk.
• Concepts screened before CAG submission and QEC and PRC review conducted, with particular emphasis on harmonisation of processes associated to interventions supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Green Climate Fund (GCF), using UNEP’s quality standard framework enshrined in UNEP’s Programme and Project Management Manual (PPMM) and risk frameworks.
• Risk analysis of programme/project/concept development and implementation across the project cycle of assigned programmes/projects conducted quarterly including through utilization and development of UNEP’s performance dashboards.
• Lessons learned from the concept and project review process and recommendation from research and analysis provided, including by identifying problems and issues to be addressed, and corrective actions to maintain quality standards and mitigate risk. lessons learned from the concept and project review process.
• Meetings and discussions convened on strengthening UNEP’s policies and procedures, tools, guidelines workflows, and operating procedures associated to projects at risk. Yearly update to provide in liaison with other relevant UNEP units under the coordination of the Head of Unit.
• Appropriately updates and monitors databases for periodic reporting.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take an active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
• Adequately demonstrates ability to learn and apply UN administrative rules, regulations, and policies.
• The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring, and formal on-the-job training, when working with national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts.
• Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated, and documented in all activities throughout the assignment.
• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in, and capacities developed.

Eligibility criteria
Age

• 27 - 80

Nationality

• Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Requirements
Required experience

• 4 years of experience in the design and/or management and/or implementation of environmental-related programmes, projects, and activities is required. Familiarity with the principles of results-based management is an added advantage.
• Good understanding and demonstrated experience on Results-Based Management (RBM), Quality Assurance of project design and or evaluation, risks identification/management (required)
• Familiarity with data and indicators, database management, and data visualization (required).
• Experience in programme/project management and implementation at all phases of the programme/project development cycle. Knowledge of project cycle management and results-based reporting (desired).
• Good writing and oral communication skills in English is essential (required).
• Ability to communicate in additional UN language professionally (desired).
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to perform in a team and deliver on time (desired).
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender (desired).
• Computer skills: proficiency in MS Word, Power Bi, Excel, and PowerPoint (required).

Area(s) of expertise

• Administration, Development programmes, Communication

Languages

• English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

• Bachelor degree or equivalent in Economics, environment, business administration, management, or a related field in the arena of Sustainable Development.

Competencies and values

• Communication
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism

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