Due Diligence Advisor

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. A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

This position is located in the newly created Quality Assurance Group (QAG) and will lead the development of a small, expert due diligence team which is also under formation.  Given the scale and breadth of UNOPS global operations it is critical that new and existing partners, donors and clients are aligned with the UN core values, and the due diligence team therefore has a significant role in assuring that new and existing relationships are supportive of UNOPS reputation and risk appetite. 

Whilst the wider structure of the QAG is still under development,  the primary responsibilities of the Due Diligence Advisor are expected to include further development of the policy, framework, systems and tools for conducting due diligence review; partnering with key UNOPS functions to develop an integrated and customer-centric approach and leading the development of the due diligence team, providing technical expertise  and developing the business partnering approach.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment 

Under the overall guidance of the Head of Quality Assurance Group, the Due Diligence Advisor will have the following duties:

Strategy, Policy, Process and Systems

• Lead the development of an integrated due diligence policy framework (including revising the Anti Money Laundering [AML] / Countering Financing Terrorism [CFT], bribery and sanctions policies), working closely across HQ functions to ensure a coherent and effective approach to all aspects of due diligence

• Anchor the approach to due diligence within the wider UNOPS approach to risk assessment and mitigation and other engagement take-on processes, ensuring timely and effective information available for decision-making

• Assess the need for additional due diligence tools, knowledge and systems and to lead the procurement and implementation of these tools across the UNOPS network

External representation and communication

• Develop and maintain long-term agreements or other contractual instruments with specialised due diligence providers.

• Contribute to inter-agency knowledge sharing and cooperation by participating in UN-wide Due Diligence-related working groups, benchmarking communities, and similar initiatives. Spearhead organizational efforts to promote harmonization of Due Diligence practices and results across UN agencies.

• Provide corporate advisory on reputational and anti-money laundering & counter-terrorist financing policy matters in interactions with key external stakeholders (e.g., the Executive Board, donors, etc.).

• Review and integrate donors’ requirements in existing due diligence policies and procedures.

Supervisory responsibilities

• Oversee the work of the Due Diligence Specialists, particularly through training and guidance, in the screening of prospective and existing funding sources, partners, clients and other relevant entities in accordance with the UNOPS legal framework. Perform quality assurance on review activities, ensuring they are fit to the context, done in accordance with UNOPS guidelines and SOPs and UN-wide best practices.

• Set targets and performance metrics for the function and team members, and measure and communicate due diligence service performance and quality across the organisation

• In coordination with other relevant units, lead the setup of a community of Due Diligence practitioners and coordinate and facilitate this network / community

• Ensures continuous learning on reputational & AML/CFT matters across the organization and builds a community of practice amongst regional DD Focal Points and cross-functionally to foster a culture of risk management.

• In coordination with other relevant  units, lead the setup of a roster of enhanced Due Diligence practitioners (retainers).

• Ensure appropriate resources are available for people and tools.

• Develop an integrated training plan for the team and the regional DD focal points.

Compliance with the UNOPS Due Diligence and Anti Bribery and Corruption (ABC)/AML Policies

• Work with relevant stakeholders, particularly Procurement and Grants, to ensure alignment and coordination across related due diligence activities;

• Work with other stakeholders as necessary to develop compliance programs and frameworks for other key risks as determined by the Executive Director and in collaboration with the Chief Risk Officer (CRO); 

• In consultation with other business units, provide inputs to the CRO’s implementation and monitoring of Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) integrated within the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework in consultation with other business units.

• Anchor the approach to Due Diligence within the larger assurance process which continues post-engagement, developing an escalation mechanism for incidents linked to the corporate KRIs.

• Partner cross-functionally to introduce enhancements to policies, structures, procedures and tools that support effective and efficient policy implementation.

• Collect and synthesize lessons learned from policy implementation to identify risks for the organization, share learning and advise UNOPS management on required revisions to policies, procedures, and screening methods.

Due Diligence Advisory Services

• In collaboration with other business units, provide inputs to the restructuring/establishment and support of the appropriate oversight committee (Engagement Acceptance Committee [EAC]/ Vendor Review Committee [VRC]), to handle escalations involving sanctioned counterparties including agreeing to add any risk mitigation, suspend or terminate dealings with relevant counterparties.

• Deliver training and awareness-raising campaigns to promote knowledge of and compliance with due diligence policies and procedures within UNOPS.

• Provide guidance to country offices/business units/procurement partners, advising on how to identify, assess and mitigate reputational & AML/CFT and/or vendor management risks in their environment.

• Coordinate with other HQ units to ensure resolution of DD-related issues by incorporating advice/elements from other relevant areas.

• Collaborate as necessary and appropriate with IAIG on any fraud or other misconduct incidents.

Education: 

• A Master's degree in law, international relations, business administration, finance and accounting or other relevant fields is required. 

• A bachelor's degree combined with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree.

Experience:

• At least seven (7) years experience in risk-based due diligence, or anti-fraud and anti-corruption, or risk management and mitigation, or compliance or implementation of internal control systems, or other related fields, preferably in an international setting, is required.

• Experience in developing policies and internal standard operating procedures is required. 

• Experience in investigative and auditing activities is an asset.

• Work experience in the UN system is an asset. 

• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), or Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) certification is desired.

Language requirements:

• Fluency in English (writing, reading and speaking) is required;

• Fluency in either Spanish or French would be an asset.

Contract type: ICA
Contract level: ICA3 
Contract duration: 12 months, Renewal is subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

• 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. 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.