Purpose of consultancy:
Given the essential role of Programme Criticality (PC) in Security Management System (SMS) and its potential significance and linkages with Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and Business Continuity Planning BCP, it is crucial to ensure that the PC governing and support structure at the HQ is institutionalised, robust and well-supported by organisational leadership with a well-identified chairmanship rotational system of the PCSG and PCCT. The main objective of this study is to examine the current structure and administrative procedures, identify any potential gaps or inefficiencies, and provide recommendations to address them. Specifically, the study will focus on analysing and providing recommendations to ensure the organisational and operational sustainability of the PC by identifying the most suitable UN entity to host the PC Secretariat, staffing, budgeting, and the rotation of chairmanship of the governing bodies. The recommendations resulting from this study will inform and guide the PCSG in making decisions on these issues at their next biannual meeting.
- As an increasing number of UN operations are required to conduct PC assessments and implement them systematically, the significance of Programme Criticality (PC) as a tool to ensure the continuity of operations during disruptive events has become more evident. This study will examine the existing literature and provide preliminary recommendations to assess the need to strengthen the use of PC Policy within the scope of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and Business Continuity Plans (BCPs). Specifically, the study will lay the foundation for future comprehensive theoretical and empirical study of the role of PC in Resilience Management Systems.
How you can make a difference:
UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.
Scope of work :
- Conduct an exploratory study on the use of PC in ERM and BCP. Use academic journals, books, and reports from the United Nations and other reputable sources to ensure a comprehensive review. exploratory study instead.
- Collect and analyse secondary data on the use of PC in ERM and BCP, including its effectiveness in ensuring continuity of operations during disruptive events.
- Conduct an exploratory study of existing governance and support structures of PC and other inter-agency coordination mechanisms in the UN and similar international organisations.
- Collect and analyse data on the current PC governance and support structure, including staffing, decision-making processes, and chairmanship rotation. Use a mixed-methods approach – where applicable - to collect data and ensure comprehensive analysis.
- Identify potential gaps or inefficiencies in the current PC governance and support structure and evaluate their severity and impact on the implementation and development of PC Policy.
- Develop clear and actionable recommendations to address these gaps and inefficiencies, including identifying the most suitable UN entity to host the PC Secretariat, improving the rotation of chairmanship of the governing bodies, budgeting, and strengthening the use of PC Policy within the scope of ERM and BCP. The recommendations should be based on the data collected and should be feasible and practical.
- Lay the foundation for a future comprehensive theoretical and empirical study of the role of PC in Resilience Management Systems by outlining potential research questions and areas for future study.
- Provide a comprehensive report that includes the methods used, data collected, findings, and recommendations. Conduct a follow-up half-day retreat with PCCT members to discuss the report and finalise the recommendations.
Required Expertise and Qualifications:
Education:
Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in International Relations, Development Studies and/or Regional Studies, Project Management, Organisational Learning and Behaviour or related field.
Knowledge and Experience:
- At least 7 years of professional experience in supporting United Nations operations in the area of emergency, crisis response and recovery. Field experience in integrated UN contexts in high security risk environments is highly desirable;
- Knowledge and understanding of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and UN Security Management System (SMS) is required. Exposure to Programme Criticality is highly desirable;
- Experience in conducting organisational assessment, and proven record of producing analytical papers and lessons learned reports is highly desirable;
- Experience in project management, including the ability to manage timelines, budgets, and resources.
- Experience in inter-agency planning and coordination is desirable;
- Experience in working with UN entities or other international organisations;
- Excellent research skills and the ability to analyse and synthesize complex information.
- Strong communication skills to present findings and recommendations in a clear and concise manner.
- Proven ability to deliver in a timely manner within cost and quality standards;
- Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team in a multicultural setting.
Languages:
- The candidate should have excellent command of the English language, both written and oral.
Disclaimer:
UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Fraudulent notices, letters or offers may be submitted to the UNFPA fraud hotline http://www.unfpa.org/help/hotline.cfm