Compliance Senior Advisor (Retainer), Multiple positions

This retainer position is located in the Risk and Compliance Group (RCG). RCG is a strategic amalgamation of  key Second Line of Defence functions at UNOPS headquarters, embodying UNOPS’ commitment to managing corporate risks effectively and aligning UNOPS’ operations with UN core values. RCG’s focus is on ensuring best practices in risk management, quality, compliance, internal controls, and due diligence.

The Senior Compliance Advisor will support RCG in the management of an organization-wide compliance capability and an enabling, dedicated compliance function which looks at exposures to key compliance risks, ensures appropriate controls are in place; provides monitoring, training and guidance activity; and ensures that UNOPS complies with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures that govern its operations.

Under the overall guidance of the Director, Risk and Compliance Group, the Senior Compliance

Advisor will have the following duties:

1. Advice and provide technical expertise in the management of the compliance function and culture within UNOPS, including through contributing to the development of internal compliance policies and procedures.

2. Continuously review UNOPS’ compliance capabilities and assess whether they are fit for purpose and reflective of recognised best practice.

3. Review key compliance obligations (internal and external) and activities across UNOPS to ensure the full picture of compliance efforts is known and assessed for efficacy.

4. Review existing compliance policies and procedures, and assess if they are adequate or need revision, and advise on implementation of best practices.

5. Undertake  compliance risk assessments to ascertain what compliance risks UNOPS is exposed to and to drive effective prioritization of compliance activities

6. Provide technical advice on the implementation of a UNOPS-wide plan to integrate the different elements of a risk-based compliance and monitoring framework.

7. Recommend systemic (cross-functional) solutions for minimizing non-compliance and advise on the implementation of adequate internal controls, in consultation with the relevant functional groups/units.

8. Contribute to the preparation of periodic compliance updates and reports as required.

9. Assess the need for additional compliance tools, knowledge and systems, as well as related training support.

10. As a technical expert, support the recruitment process for new positions in the Risk and Compliance Group and other functions with Compliance needs.

11. In consultation with the Due Diligence Unit and other functional groups, contribute to drafting a comprehensive AML/CFT framework, building strong internal controls and compliance monitoring within engagements, procurement, and grant support agreements.

• A Master's degree in law, international relations, public/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.
• Professional qualifications, among the following, would be an asset: Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS); Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE); Certified Internal Auditor (CIA); Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP); Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM); Chartered Enterprise Risk Analyst (CERA); Certified Risk Manager (CRM); or other relevant, equivalent certifications in risk management, compliance, as well as fraud and corruption.

• 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.