The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is an international humanitarian organisation operating in approximately 125 countries with 412 offices worldwide.  Its Headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland and some 6,700 staff are directly employed with the organization.  Expenditure in 2011 was $2.2 billion with over a third of this expenditure being disbursed through partnership arrangements.  In recognition of the need for prompt action and quality programmes the organization devolves considerable authority and decision-making autonomy to its Representatives and staff worldwide.

UNHCR is seeking expressions of interest for a project manager with ERM expertise and experience to implement ERM throughout the organisation.   The Deputy High Commissioner is the organisation’s project sponsor.  The ERM project manager is accountable to him for the development and rollout of a simple ERM framework and methodology that meets the needs of the organization and does not cause onerous burden on country operations.

While full implementation of ERM in UNHCR is expected to take several years the project manager is initially required for a period of one year but may be extended for a longer period subject to achievements, project needs and available funding.

The ERM Project Manager will have ERM expertise in either public or private entities and experience in project management.  The project manager is therefore expected to have ERM technical knowledge and skills as she/he will develop the ERM policy, methodology and framework, tool kits, guidance and learning materials, and organize pilot testing of same.  The ERM project manager will be guided by a concept paper recently approved by the High Commissioner on implementing ERM in UNHCR.  She/he will be supported by a Project Advisory Team and will be provided with some resources to engage additional expert services if required.  Travel to UNHCR field offices will be required, increasing as ERM is rolled out worldwide.

She/he will have good leadership and interpersonal skills, management and problem solving competencies and will be results-oriented.  At least 10 years relevant experience, preferably in multinational/multicultural environments, and a university degree are required.  Fluency in English is essential and knowledge of another UN language is desirable.

The ERM Project Manager will be based in the UNHCR Global Service Centre in Budapest, Hungary and will regularly report to the ERM Project Advisory Team and the Deputy High Commissioner. 

She/he has the following responsibilities:

• Establish and regularly update a detailed project plan to achieve the agreed upon deliverables and milestones taking into account the recommendations and the principles outlined in the approved concept paper.  Monitor the implementation of the plan, and manage day-to-day activities and resources.
• Define and assign tasks to staff and/or consultants; supervise and coordinate their work and provide guidance and coaching where necessary.
• Develop an organization-wide ERM framework and methodology including an ERM policy; define risk roles and responsibilities as well as methods and procedures for their identification, analysis, management and monitoring.
• Develop ERM communication and learning strategies.
• Develop tool kits, guidance and learning materials and organize pilot testing and revision of materials.
• Regularly convene meetings of the Project Advisory Team or as required to report on progress against the work plan including any obstacles or expected delays and the reasons therefore; table recommendations for advice, endorsement and/or action; raise matters of critical importance to the success of the project for consideration and recommendation on the way forward; report on the use of resources.
• Develop and maintain the Corporate Risk Register and facilitate risk assessment across the organization through interviews, questionnaires and facilitation of workshops, including the training of Directors in the Senior Management Committee at Headquarters.
• Prepare reports on risk management, including a consolidated risk assessment report.
• Advise, as appropriate, on the development of adequate Risk Treatment Plans.
• Identify business systems and processes where ERM should be ultimately integrated and make recommendations for this to be achieved.

Expressions of interest should be forwarded to HQBSCAPC@unhcr.org by 12 July and should comprise a motivation letter, curriculum vitae and a signed UN Personal History Form. 

Specific experience in project management and implementing ERM must be clearly highlighted. 

Remuneration will be determined based on the qualifications, skills and experience of the selected candidate.   Expected start date is 1 August or soon thereafter.

The Personal History Form (P11) is available here.