Risk Management Officer

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Risk Management Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Risk Management Officer will be part of UNHCR's Risk Management Network and will collaborate with the Chief Risk Officer and colleagues in the network to ensure the strengthening of risk culture across UNHCR. Special attention is paid to coherence, identification of systemic issues requiring a corporate-wide response and sharing of good risk management practices and lessons learnt.

The incumbent shall engage with internal stakeholders, including with the Bureau and HQ, as appropriate. As directed by the supervisor, the incumbent may also engage with external stakeholders including government offices, partners, donors, and (for in-situ posts) contractors and refugee/host communities, to maximize collective efforts to manage risk and strengthen accountability and the quality of services provided to forcibly displaced and stateless people.

For in-situ positions, the incumbent will be in the first line, supporting the operation in risk management. S/he shall support the review of the adequacy of risk management systems, structures, procedures and capacities within the operation, make recommendations as appropriate, and assist management in their implementation. S/he should typically report to a Risk Management Adviser or senior management staff member.

For regional bureau positions, the incumbent will support the regional Risk Management Adviser in coordinating operations within their region in matters related to risk and oversight, as part of the second line. S/he should typically report to a Risk Management Adviser in a bureau.

For HQ positions, the incumbent will work within the Enterprise Risk Management Service with a reporting line to the Chief Risk Officer and/or another senior ERM colleague.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties

All Risk Management Officer Positions

• Actively contribute to the effective implementation of UNHCR's risk management strategy and policy and strengthening the risk culture in the Area of Responsibility (AoR).
• Provide support to the risk management and oversight matters, guiding colleagues in discharging their responsibilities and accountabilities to manage risks and comply with policies and procedures.
• Facilitate the integration of risk management, ethical and integrity considerations into decision making, planning, monitoring, evaluation, reporting and contingency activities.
• Coordinate the risk management process, including identification, analysis, and assessment of risks and opportunities.
• Identify and escalate to supervisor where risks are outside of acceptable levels and propose and lead the actions to reduce the risk level.
• Facilitate the design and lead the implementation of risk mitigation actions as appropriate.
• Keep the Risk Register updated and promote its use as an active risk management tool. Act as a Risk Focal Point or back-up, if needed.
• Coordinate and deliver relevant trainings, workshops, and other capacity building initiatives of UNHCR teams and partners in risk management, to strengthen the culture of integrity and accountability. Monitor and track ERM training participation.
• Advocate for ERM best practices through different communication channels.
• Support the coordination and the follow-up on the oversight entities recommendations.
• Facilitate the analysis of risk management and oversight findings and recommendations. Produce summary reports, with recommendations, on significant matters requiring management action or intervention including on emerging risks and opportunities.
• Undertake support missions as necessary.
• Contribute to inter-agency forums and discussions related to risk management.
• Represent risk management function in meetings, as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as required.

In-Situ Posts Only

• Facilitate the risk review exercises with functional experts and management to agree on the operational risk register, and appropriate risk responses; facilitate, monitor and report on the implementation of agreed responses.
• Assess the methodology, tools and practices related to the implementation of risk management activities in the operation to strengthen integrity, identify root causes of risks, and propose mitigating measures with a focus on prevention.

Bureau Posts Only

• Support the regional Risk Management Adviser in coordinating and quality assuring the risk review exercise in the operations under the AoR, monitoring that appropriate action is taken to mitigate the identified risks.
• Contribute to the implementation of the cross-functional risk-based regional monitoring plans of operations under AoR.
• Contribute to the analysis of risk management and oversight findings and recommendations. Provide inputs to or produce regional risk reports, summarizing key themes and using risk information to highlight the highest risks at the regional level, identify lessons learnt and root causes.
• Assess the adequacy of risk management in order to help improve risk management methodologies, tools and practices. Provide remote support, or participate in missions, as required.

HQ Posts Only

• Facilitate the broader use of the risk management methodology in the organization through identifying opportunities for further integration of risk management into UNHCR's policies, processes, training programmes and other initiatives.
• Facilitate the regional and situational Risk Advisers in the quality assurance process for operational risk registers.
• Facilitate regions and operations, with dedicated support missions or remote support around risk management and risk assessments, as required.
• Contribute to analysis on trends on risks at the global level.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience/Degree Level

For P3/NOC — 6 years relevant experience with undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with doctorate degree.

Fields of Education

• Business Administration
• International Affairs
• Political Science
• Risk Management
• Or other relevant field

Certificates and/or Licenses

• Risk Management (essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential:

• Experience in position(s) involving responsibilities related to risk management and quality of results.
• Knowledge of and working experience with Enterprise Risk Management frameworks.
• Experience in quality assurance and monitoring.
• Experience in dealing with complex interrelated issues that require excellent judgement and strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop solutions that address root causes.
• Experience in position(s) that require excellent communication, strong interpersonal and writing skills and demonstrated experience in developing learning and delivering trainings.
• Experience in collaboration, team building, capacity development with the ability to deliver quality results on time.
• For field-based positions, experience in UN or humanitarian field operations and emergencies in various geographical locations and multiple functional areas. Demonstrated experience requiring high level of integrity, objectivity, impartiality and fairness.

Functional Skills

• Risk Management (essential)
• Training — virtual and face to face (essential)
• Drafting and documentation
• Project management
• Data collection and analysis
• Results-based management
• Quality assurance/control/management

Language Requirements

For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.

For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

Competency Requirements

All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies.

Core Competencies:

• Accountability
• Communication
• Organizational Awareness
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Client and Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies:

• Empowering and Building Trust
• Judgement and Decision Making
• Managing Performance
• Managing Resources

Cross-Functional Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking
• Planning and Organizing
• Stakeholder Management

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile

The Risk Management Officer is expected to operate at a senior advisory level, providing strategic risk guidance to the Representative and Senior Management Team (SMT), while maintaining effective engagement with government counterparts, UN partners, the Regional Bureau, and Headquarters. The incumbent must demonstrate a high degree of professional credibility, sound judgement, and the ability to influence decision-making in a complex and high-risk operational environment.

Given the complexity and risk exposure of the Ethiopia operation, the incumbent must operate beyond a purely technical function and act as a strategic partner to senior management, driving risk-informed decision-making across the operation.

• Demonstrated experience in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) frameworks, including risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and monitoring in complex organizational settings.
• Proven experience working in complex field operations, ideally in emergencies, protracted, or high-risk contexts.
• Strong knowledge of UNHCR/UN regulations, policies, and oversight mechanisms, including audit and compliance processes.
• Practical experience managing risks related to partnerships, programme implementation, construction, fraud, corruption, PSEA, and operational access constraints.

Strategic Advisory and Leadership Capacity

• Proven ability to advise senior leadership (Representative/SMT level) and translate complex risk analysis into actionable strategic recommendations.
• Demonstrated capacity to operate as an independent and trusted advisor, including addressing sensitive and high-risk issues with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong track record of driving risk management culture and organizational change, including influencing stakeholders without direct supervisory authority.
• Experience leading or coordinating cross-functional risk initiatives across large or multi-office operations.

Stakeholder Engagement and External Relations

• Proven ability to effectively engage with inter-agency coordination platforms and external partners in complex political and operational environments.
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills, with demonstrated political awareness and cultural sensitivity.
• Experience representing risk or compliance functions in senior-level forums, including with donors, oversight bodies, or intergovernmental entities.

Analytical, Communication, and Reporting Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex, interrelated risks and develop practical solutions.
• Ability to synthesize information into clear, concise, and impactful narratives, including for senior-level briefings and decision-making.
• Strong drafting, presentation, and facilitation skills, including experience delivering high-level reports and briefings to senior audiences.

Personal Attributes and Core Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and sound judgement, serving as a role model for ethical conduct and compliance.
• High level of initiative, adaptability, and resilience in managing competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust, foster collaboration, and manage sensitive issues effectively.
• Commitment to promoting accountability, transparency, and risk-informed decision-making across the organization.

Operational Context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position

The Risk Management Officer will report to the Representative in strengthening the risk management culture across the Ethiopia operation. The incumbent pursues and promotes risk management at the country level and is expected to liaise and work with all colleagues, to ensure the strengthening of the risk culture across the operation. It is envisioned that this support will facilitate five priority areas undertaken by the Risk Management Officer as follows: strengthening decision making in risk management; supporting integrity and ethical conduct; overseeing oversight and compliance activities; supporting mitigation of high-risk areas and working with concerned stakeholders. The incumbent will support, and conduct analysis and assessment of risks associated with partnerships and direct implementation projects, policy compliance, operational practices, mitigation measures, and gaps and make recommendations in line with the operational context. The candidate will be part of the Risk Management Network, where active participation is expected, as well as sharing of lessons learned, best practices and reporting.

Ethiopia hosts one of the largest refugee and internally displaced populations in the world distributed across the country. Leading the way in the CRRF roll out, the country has adopted progressive laws and policies which offer opportunities for better protection and solutions. At the same time, Ethiopia has a very complex operational and political environment as well as the operation facing risks concerning integrity in behaviors (including PSEA), fraud and corruption and internal risks around operational efficiency. The country is also faced with challenges, including significant insecurity/conflict in several regions and areas hosting the refugees and IDPs. Hence, there is an ongoing need for comprehensive use of risk management and due diligence in all spheres of the operation to ensure an effective response.

Living and Working Conditions

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia. The city has an estimated population of 3 million inhabitants. It is where the African Union is headquartered. It also hosts the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), as well as various other continental and international organizations. Staff reside in commercial accommodation available in town. There are limited medical facilities in Addis Ababa that are equipped to deal with moderate medical cases. Evacuation opportunities are also limited. However, air ambulance evacuation can be organized for life-threatening emergencies during daytime. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised.

The climate of Ethiopia and the regions vary greatly. It is temperate on the plateau and hot in the lowlands. Generally, the high elevation of the land affects one's adjustment to the environment. At Addis Ababa, which ranges from 2,200 to 2,600 m (7,218 to 8,530 ft), the maximum temperature is 26°C (78.8°F) and minimum 4°C (39.2°F). The weather is usually sunny and dry, but the short (belg) rains occur from February to April and the large (meher) rains from mid-June to mid-September.

The economy of Ethiopia is a mixed and transition economy with a large public sector. The Government of Ethiopia is in the process of privatizing many of the state-owned businesses and moving toward a market economy. However, the banking, telecommunication and transportation sectors of the economy are dominated by government-owned companies. The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr. Foreign currency may only be changed at authorized banks and hotels. Exchange of foreign currency outside the regulated banks (black market) is a criminal offence, and international UN personnel caught by police sting operations have been known to be arrested and detained for several days. Any entry or exit of cash more than USD 3,000 (or the equivalent in other foreign currencies) must be declared to the customs authority. ATM cash withdrawals are largely available in Addis Ababa. AMEX is generally not accepted. Payment with credit card is possible in a few selected shops and tourism areas, but this form of payment is expanding. There is acceptable access to communication means, such as internet, telephone SIM cards, etc. PAMA is also available at the offices.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

• Drafting and documentation
• Data collection and analysis
• Project management
• Results-based management
• Risk management
• Quality assurance/control/management
• Training — virtual and face to face

Education

• Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration
• Bachelor of Arts: International Affairs
• Bachelor of Arts: Political Science
• Bachelor of Arts: Risk Management

Certifications

• Risk Management

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client and results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering and building trust, Judgement and decision making, Managing performance, Managing resources, Organizational awareness, Planning and organizing, Stakeholder management, Teamwork and collaboration.

UNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Additional Information

• Position is open to Ethiopian nationals only.
• Women are strongly encouraged to apply in order to promote gender balance within UNHCR.
• Candidates may be subjected to assessment (written or oral interview).
• This position requires functional clearance.

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