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
