Programme Specialist (HACT), P-3 at UNICEF

This post will be actively engaged in Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) activities in Nigeria but will also provide technical assistance and oversight within the sub-region.

Under the supervision of the Representative, and in close working relationship/support to Deputy Representative and Chief of Operations as well as in close coordination with the Regional Programme (HACT) Specialist, the incumbent will provide technical and administrative support for the effective implementation of HACT in order to achieve results related to:
a. Proactive implementation of efficient risk-based oversight of cash transferred to partners in the country.
b. Timely identification and remediation of risks impacting the achievement of results and efficient use of cash provided by UNICEF.
c. Adequate capacities of UNICEF staff and partners for the effective use of HACT throughout the partnership cycle.
d. Provision of adequate and continuous feedback to UNICEF on the quality of assurance activities in the field to achieve results and in adherence to UNCIEF's zero tolerance to corruption.

 

1. Participate in the development, implementation and reporting of the HACT implementation plan and the annual HACT Assurance plans.
2. Provide technical support to ensure that the Office has evidence-based information, as per the assurance plan, to assess whether progress reported by partners is in accordance with work plans and that resources provided by UNICEF are safeguarded, including:
a. Monitor whether activities are taking place as per the assurance plan and undertake analysis of issues requiring management attention.
b. Support the spot check process in the Office by undertaking select spot checks and/or providing technical support to internal staff undertaking spot checks.
c. Assist programme sections to determine appropriate follow-up actions to issues and recommendations identified in spot checks and scheduled audit.
d. Advise senior management when special audits may be required.
e. Provide technical support in drafting terms of reference for special audits and follow-up on findings.
f. Make recommendations to Office with regards to implementing UNDG HACT Framework as per UNCIEF policies and procedures.
g. Adapts HACT tools for the office, such as templates, according to the common criteria established in UNICEF policy and procedures.
h. Identify high-risk areas requiring special support from regional offices and/or HQ.

3. Provide administrative support to the Office in development, documentation and reporting on HACT plans and activities, including:
a. Document the Head of Office's decision regarding the use of the government’s supreme audit institution.
b. Support micro assessment process, including documenting and updating the micro assessment plans and liaising with other adopting agencies for micro assessment of shared implementing partners.
c. Document the office's approach to determining cash transfer modality.
d. Document the office's capacity development plans.
e. Support the assurance planning and monitoring process, including ensuring that the assurance plan is documented and incorporates any planning required for partners shared with other adopting agencies.
f. Support in maintaining all documentation related to HACT activities (excluding FACE form) and ensures that it is shared with senior management and office staff as needed.
g. Assist in the preparation and oversight of country/sub-regional LTAs for HACT activities and support.
h. Communicate, as required, status of oversight of resources transferred to partners and HACT implementation in the Office to regional office and HQ.

4. In close consultation with managers, contribute to formulation of staff capacity development strategy and plans in relation to HACT, and exercise effective technical leadership in implementing them, ensuring that Office staff have the basic knowledge and skills to fulfil their responsibilities related to HACT, and training is planned and carried out to fill identified gaps.

Review the findings from micro assessment and assurance activities to identify common weaknesses in financial management of high and significant risk partners and propose capacity development actions that can be undertaken by UNICEF and providing administrative and technical support for their implementation.

Contribute to the capacity development of national partners to understand HACT processes and properly use the FACE form.

5. Conduct periodic on-site reviews of implementing partners' financial records for cash transfers together with programme and/or finance colleagues ensuring an effective transfer of knowledge/competence. Schedule and supervise routine audits of implementing partners' internal controls for the management of cash transfers and handling of supplies and conduct initial assessments of partners' financial controls and systems to ensure their conformity to international standards and sound financial separation and controls. Identify the need to conduct special investigations or special audits when anomalies and ethical concerns are identified.

6. Assist managers in risk assessing PCA's and potential agreements with donors from a HACT perspective.

7. In consultation with the Regional Programme (HACT) Specialist, provide technical support, undertake capacity building and participate in the development and assessment of HACT plans with Country Offices across the region.

 

- 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.

- Specialized training in Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) as well as ERP Systems (i.e. SAP) is considered highly desirable.

- A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience, at the national and international levels, in 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 is required.

- Prior experience in implementing and monitoring HACT or similar grant management oversight systems is required.

- Previous experience in training professionals in the context of HACT is considered highly desirable.

- Previous hands on experience in a supervisory/managerial capacity is desirable.

- Work experience in emergency duty station is considered an asset.

- Fluency in English (verbal and written) is required. Knowledge of an additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is considered an asset.

 

- Communicates effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking.
- Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.
- Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
- Analyzes and integrates potentially conflicting numerical, verbal and other data from a number of sources.
- Demonstrates and shares detailed technical knowledge and expertise.
- Ensures that team or department follows relevant company policies and procedures.
- Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives.
- Has good leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear.
- Sets clearly defined objectives and plans activities for self, own team or department.

 

This is an extension of the application deadline to expand upon the candidate pool.  Previous applicants need not reapply as their original application will be duly considered.