Governance, Risk and Compliance Specialist, Supply Chain Management Unit
Organizational Context
UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU) is self-funded and ensures effective delivery of life-saving reproductive health products and programme supplies. This role sits within the GRC team in SCMU, reporting to the Head of Pillar 3 - Quality Management Advisor, and collaborates with various internal and external stakeholders.
Job Purpose
The Governance, Risk and Compliance Specialist leads the GRC function within UNFPA’s Supply Chain Management operations, providing strategic advice to senior management on governance, risk, internal controls, compliance, and organizational performance. The role ensures GRC principles are embedded in decision-making and management processes, driving initiatives to strengthen accountability, resilience, efficiency, and continuous improvement across the supply chain. This position is responsible for enhancing the quality, governance, risk management, and control environment of SCMU, contributing to effective oversight and delivery of UNFPA operations and programs.
Responsibilities
The specialist will maintain and improve an integrated GRC framework for SCMU, including enterprise risk management, internal controls, and compliance. They will define and maintain standards, policies, and procedures to ensure consistent quality monitoring of products and services throughout the supply chain. Responsibilities include proactively detecting supply chain risks, managing SCM activities across organizational levels with clear roles and RACI ownership, and overseeing governance processes for relevant Supply Chain governing bodies. The role also involves coordinating with audit and assurance functions, managing audit recommendations, and providing advice to strengthen controls. Additionally, the specialist will develop and implement capacity-strengthening initiatives, advocate for training, and coach personnel. They will champion thought leadership, foster knowledge sharing, and provide counsel on supply chain management issues. The role also contributes to developing UNFPA’s value proposition, supporting collaboration with external relations for funding, and overseeing resource mobilization proposals for quality assurance. Effective collaboration with internal stakeholders and key supply chain partners is crucial, as is representing SCMU in relevant forums. Team leadership and creating a conducive working environment are also key aspects of this position.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in supply chain-related Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) at the international level within NGOs, UN system, or equivalent organizations. At least two years of hands-on experience in development/humanitarian environments in low-resource countries is required, along with at least one year in global security risk management/analysis. Demonstrated expertise in change management, team management (especially in remote/matrix structures), and strong interpersonal skills for partnership development are required. Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is also necessary. Practical experience in procurement, logistics, or supplier management is an asset.
Skills
Core competencies include integrity, commitment, cultural diversity, embracing change, achieving results, accountability, professional expertise, analytical and strategic thinking, teamwork, and communication. Managerial competencies involve providing strategic focus, engaging staff and partners, developing people, and making sound judgments. Technical skills include providing GRC advice across supply chain and operational processes, aligning HR management, and external/internal communication and advocacy.