Grants Management Assurance Specialist

Organizational Context

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the UN, providing project management, procurement, and infrastructure services globally. The Global Portfolios Office (GPO), specifically the Water, Environment, and Climate (WEC) portfolio based in Vienna, focuses on sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding. This role supports the GPO/GVA/WEC in managing grants and ensuring partner compliance.

Job Purpose

The Grants Management Assurance Specialist is a home-based retainer role responsible for conducting crucial due diligence and assurance activities for Implementing Partners (IPs) receiving grants through UNOPS. Operating under the WEC Programme Management Specialist, this role ensures that fund utilization is efficient, ethical, and compliant with UNOPS policies and UN Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) methodology. The specialist's work is vital for maintaining accountability, fostering trust with partners, and safeguarding the success of projects, particularly in challenging environments. Engagements are assignment-based via task notes, responding to specific grant assurance needs.

Responsibilities

The role involves conducting comprehensive Capacity Assessments of Implementing Partners (IPs), including desk reviews, meetings, and analysis of submitted documentation to identify gaps and risks. This includes assessing institutional and project-based capacities and recommending risk ratings. The specialist will also review Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) compliance, developing Capacity Strengthening Implementation Plans for IPs with medium or low capacity. Additionally, the role requires conducting HACT-compliant spot checks during and post-grant implementation, discussing recommendations, and issuing reports. Financial closure procedures for grants and support for financial aspects of grant closure are also key responsibilities.

Work Experience

Required experience includes a financial role with at least 2 years in Grants Management, drafting agreements, Financial Management and Reporting, or using financial systems. Desired experience encompasses audit/financial management assessments, HACT-compliant capacity assessments, PSEAH assessments, organizational maturity/financial capacity assessment, and budget management.

Skills

Funding, Grant Administration, Human Resources, Procurement, Project Management.

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