Result of Service

The effective monitoring and oversight of OzonAction implementing partners are strengthened through timely due diligence reviews, proactive risk management, systematic follow-up of audit requirements, and maintenance of complete and up-to-date partner records in corporate systems. Implementing partner compliance with UNEP policies and procedures is enhanced through regular monitoring and reporting, while partner-related risks are promptly identified and communicated for appropriate action. In addition, OzonAction regional teams are supported in meeting implementing partner monitoring and reporting requirements through timely follow-up of reporting obligations, maintenance of supporting documentation, and improved monitoring of Quarterly Business Review (QBR) performance ratings. The assignment contributes to ensuring operational continuity, strengthening portfolio oversight, improving accountability, and supporting effective management of OzonAction's global implementing partner portfolio pending the filling of longer-term staffing requirements.

Work Location

Nairobi, Kenya

Expected duration

Six (6) months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment (http://www.unenvironment.org). The UNEP Law Division is the lead Division charged with carrying out the functions of UNEP in the field of environmental law, governance, and related policy issues, including those related to multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). It works with international and nongovernmental organizations, national and local governments, business and industry to develop and implement policies, strategies and practices that are cleaner and safer, incorporate environmental costs, use natural resources efficiently, reduce pollution and risks for humans and the environment, and enable the implementation of global treaties. The Law Division’s OzonAction is responsible for fulfilling UNEP's mandate as an Implementing Agency of the Montreal Protocol's Multilateral Fund. OzonAction delivers its support to developing countries through a regionalized programme in the delivery of the Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP) workplan and projects. In fulfilling UNEP's mandate as an Implementing Agency of the Montreal Protocol's Multilateral Fund, the Law Division's OzonAction has one of the largest project portfolios of any Branch in UNEP with approximately 400-500 ongoing projects at any given moment. UNEP OzonAction Branch supports all developing (Article 5) countries operating under the Montreal Protocol through the Clearinghouse mandate assigned to UNEP by parties of the protocol at the establishment of the Multilateral Fund in 1991. Technical and Policy services are provided to 147 Article 5 countries to support them in meeting the compliance targets of the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment and respond to technological and technical concerns of the different stakeholders engaged in the implementation of the protocol at the national level. The OzonAction Branch has experienced an increased workload associated with implementing partner due diligence reviews, risk monitoring, audit follow-up, partner documentation management, and implementation of the Implementing Partner Monitoring and Reporting (IPMR) framework. To ensure effective implementing partner monitoring functions and maintain compliance with corporate requirements, UNEP seeks to engage an Individual Contractor to support partner oversight, risk management, monitoring and reporting activities across OzonAction programmes and regional networks. The contractor will contribute to strengthening implementing partner compliance, ensuring timely follow-up of due diligence and audit requirements, maintaining accurate partner information within corporate systems, and supporting regional teams in meeting IPMR reporting obligations. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the OzonAction Finance and Budget Officer and under the overall guidance of the Head of OzonAction Branch and in close coordination with OzonAction regional networks, the contractor will undertake the following assignments: A. Implementing Partner Due Diligence Monitoring i) Review the due diligence status of OzonAction implementing partners and communicate status updates to relevant programme teams. ii) Monitor due diligence validity periods and follow up on pending renewals to ensure continued compliance with UNEP policies and procedures. iii) Support the consistent application of implementing partner due diligence requirements across OzonAction regional offices based on new implementing partner policy. iv) Assist in development and application of the OzonAction Branch Implementing Partner Risk Monitoring Framework across regional offices. v) Review OzonAction IP management dashboard and communicate risk areas. B. Partner Documentation and Corporate Systems (UNEP partner Portal) Support i) Review implementing partner records in the UNEP Partner Portal and ensure supporting documentation is current, complete and compliant with organizational requirements. ii) Follow up with programme teams, online resources and partners to obtain outstanding documentation. iii) Maintain and update monitoring trackers related to implementing partner compliance requirements. iv) Clean up OzonAction implementing partner records in UNEP partner portal. C. Audit and Compliance Follow-Up i) Monitor the status of outstanding audit reports associated with Programme Cooperation Agreements (PCAs). ii) Liaise with regional teams and relevant UNEP offices to facilitate timely submission and review of audit reports. iii) Maintain consolidated records of audit status and communicate outstanding issues to management. iv) Review partners who have undertaken HACT Micro-assessments within the branch. D. Partner Risk Monitoring i) Monitor partner risk ratings and risk-flagging status in the UNEP Partner Portal and other corporate systems. ii) Identify partners categorized as High Risk or Critical Risk and communicate their status regularly to the Global Financial Team (GFT) and relevant programme personnel. iii) Follow up on risk mitigation measures and support escalation processes where required. iv) Coordinate with other UNEP divisions regarding shared implementing partners whose agreements are classified as High Risk or Critical Risk and monitor the implementation of agreed actions. E. IPMR and Performance Reporting Support for ROA networks. i) Monitor IPMR reporting deadlines and follow up with responsible officers to ensure timely submission of reports. ii) Review IPMR supporting documentation for completeness and compliance with established requirements. iii) Support regional teams in maintaining up-to-date Quarterly Business Review (QBR) partner performance assessments and ratings. iv) Prepare periodic monitoring reports, dashboards and analytical summaries for the ROA regional network. F. Other Duties i) Contribute to the improvement of tools, templates, guidance materials and processes related to implementing partner monitoring and reporting. ii) Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications/special skills

High school diploma or equivalent is required. Formal technical training in data analytics, business intelligence, or data science is desirable. A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in project monitoring, programme management, finance, reporting, partner management, or related fields. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced by two (2) years for candidates with a first-level University degree. Experience with implementing partner management, compliance monitoring, risk management, or project oversight within the United Nations system is required. Experience in the use of Enterprise Resource Planning and business intelligence tools (in SAP Umoja or similar) is required. Experience in the United Nations Common System’s or international organizations similar to UN Common System’s financial policies and processes is desirable. Experience supporting donor-funded programmes and portfolio reporting is an advantage. One year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Individual Contractor - Global Finance Implementing Partner Monitoring