Programme and Operations Quality Assurance Analyst

Job Title: Programme and Operations Quality Assurance Analyst

Organization: United Nations Volunteers (UNV)

Host entity: UNFPA Sri Lanka

Assignment country: Sri Lanka

Expected start date: 01/12/2023

Sustainable Development Goal: 5. Gender equality

Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist

Type: Onsite

Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Colombo

Details

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. Our mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. In Sri Lanka, we deliver this mandate based on principles of human rights and gender equality by advocating for rights-based gender responsive & transformative policies that enable the full realization of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.

Context

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022 2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments to accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations, and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains, and realize our goals. In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction. UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, and exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.

Task description

Under the overall responsibility and direct reporting to the UNFPA Representative, the Programme and Operations Quality Assurance Analyst will provide Programme/Operations and Quality Assurance support to the implementation of UNFPA’s 10th Country Programme. The Programme/Operations Quality Assurance Analyst will work closely with UNFPA programme officers, the operation team, and national/regional implementing partners, including providing support and oversight of the programme team in the country. The Programme/Operations Quality Assurance Analyst ensures effective and transparent utilization of financial resources and integrity of financial services of the UNFPA Sri Lanka Office. The UN Volunteer will conduct risk assessments and analyze factors affecting delivery and results achievement, recommend corrective actions, and follow up on recommendations. S/he promotes a client-oriented approach, consistent with UNFPA rules and regulations. 1. Provide effective programme/operation management support to the Country Office, focusing on the achievement of the following results: · Provide support in the identification, selection, and registration of implementing partners based on the 10th Country Programme needs to be based on strategic, competitive, or non-competitive methods. · Provide support in the assessment and follow-up action of the office Enterprise Risk Management Plan, including the appropriate application of the Internal Control Framework per UNFPA policies and procedures. · Take a lead role in the effective implementation of the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT). Ensure implementation of assurance activities of implementing partners per the Assurance Plan. · Provide Quality Assurance on all financial monitoring activities from the conception of the programme until the follow-up of an action that may be required following assurance activities such as internal and external audits, spot checks, micro assessments, etc. · Participate in the HACT meetings and other collaborative exercises such as macro assessment / micro assessment, assurance activities, and spot check plans of IPs jointly prepared by UN ExCom agencies. · Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing for both the UNFPA country offices and implementing partners staff, organizing training on work plan management, financial management, and financial reporting. Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practices synthesizing lessons learned and best practices in programme and financial management. · Recommend and when appropriate, carry out capacity development activities and advise on systems improvements for implementing partners. · Provide programme and operational quality assurance on programme supplies activities (commodities) and support in carrying out assurance activities (from assessment of the warehouse, spot checks, review of the quality of inventory reports, and any other assurance activities that may be required). · In close collaboration with Programme Staff evaluate WP activities, carry out a quality review of accounts, and verify compliance with established budget lines, work plan (WP), and programme priorities. Prepare and analyze financial data for budget estimates and financial planning. Ensure that key business knowledge is gathered and appropriately actioned, e.g., assurance prioritization, and training. 2. Provide effective resource mobilization control support focusing on the achievement of the following results: · Support in donor reporting and assist in the management of budgets of non-core resources by budget formulation, controlling allotments, monitoring expenditures, and preparing revisions according to the needs and in line with the UNFPA policy and procedure. · Develop tools and mechanisms to perform efficient and effective monitoring of programme and project budgets; coordinate compilation of financial data, detect potential over/under expenditure problems, and suggest remedial action; provide accurate and updated financial information to HQ regularly 3. Ensure effective analysis and implementation of UNFPA operations strategies focusing on the achievement of the following results: · Assist in developing systems and oversight mechanisms for effective operations. · Continuously review and analyze the operations systems and advise on positive changes and organization-wide best practices to improve the service provision. · Constantly follow up on actions in all operations units to ensure efficiency in its service and compliance with the organizations’ requirements and propose ways to improve. · Serve as Officer-in-Charge for Operations in the absence of Operations Manager, as requested.

Eligibility criteria

Age

27 - 80

Nationality

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

Requirements

Required experience

5 years of experience in progressively responsible professional work experience in programme / operations management Proficiency in written and oral English Knowledge in providing management advisory services and/or managing staff. Experience in operations in the UN/UNFPA Country Office is an asset. · Good writing and communication skills with the ability to draft correspondence in a clear, accurate, and concise manner · Good interpersonal, planning, organizational, and multi-tasking skills · Ability to work independently and harmoniously in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic team environment maintaining tact and discretion in all dealings. · Computer literacy - Proficiency in the use of MS Office Packages and the Internet. · Familiarity with UN procedures and working methods is highly desirable.

Area(s) of expertise

Administration, Business management, Economics and finance

Driving license

-

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Master degree or equivalent in Advanced university degree in Business Administration / Management and/or social sciences with a background in programme management.

Competencies and values

Exemplifying integrity · Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system · Embracing cultural diversity · Embracing change Core Competencies: · Achieving results · Being accountable · Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen · Thinking analytically and strategically · Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships · Communicating for impact Functional Competencies: · Promoting accountability and results-based management · Implementing management systems · Organizational awareness · Promoting organizational learning and knowledge sharing · Building strategic alliances and partnerships · Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilization

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Sri Lanka is an island nation located off the south coast of India. An estimated population of around 21 million people is sheltered in this multi-ethnic, multi- cultural and multi- religious country. Colombo is situated in the Western Province of Sri Lanka and is the commercial capital of the country. The city is located on the west coast of the island, adjacent to the administrative capital, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. Bandaranaike International Airport is located 35km from Colombo and is served by the main international airlines. Sri Lanka is a tropical country with moderate temperature and high humidity all throughout the year. Average temperature in Colombo ranges between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius. The island experiences two main monsoon seasons, where heavy rainfalls occur, from May to August and October to January. Rice and curry comprise the main dishes. Sri Lankan cuisine tends to be quite spicy. There are hotels and other types of accommodation options available in Colombo. Supermarkets, banking and medical facilities are present within the city. Telephone and Internet service is widely available. Phone plans and data are inexpensive; however, it should not be expected that the internet services work consistently or at a high speed. At present Sri Lanka is undergoing high inflation and an economic crisis. The public unrest and protests are common. The prices of common commodities fluctuate on a daily basis and shortages can also be experienced. Main health advisories are related COVID 19 and Dengue, which is also highly prevalent in Sri Lanka, especially after the rainy seasons. Mosquito repellent is available in all local drug stores. Sri Lanka is a unique country and UN is providing unique humanitarian operations in Sri Lanka. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more resilience and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in challenging conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy

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