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Grants Management Assurance Specialist
UNOPSUnited NationsProgrammeMid LevelICA - LICA - Specialist - Retainer
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Full Description
**Job Highlight**
The incumbent will support grant assurance activities through capacity assessments, compliance reviews, and risk management measures for Implementing Partners in line with UNOPS policies and HACT methodologies.
**About the Region**
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organisations. With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.
The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) brings together diverse expertise to help partners deliver impact worldwide. With hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and expert teams operating globally, GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding - including in some of the world’s most challenging environments. By leveraging our collective expertise and global networks, GPO supports UNOPS’ strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals across more than 130 countries. We work closely with major global partners - including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies - to deliver a wide range of services, such as project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support. As part of the Global Portfolios Office, UNOPS Geneva provides comprehensive solutions in secretariat hosting, operational support, and fund management.
**About the Country/Multi-Country Office**
The Water, Environment, and Climate (WEC) portfolio, based in Vienna with offices worldwide, is part of the UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO). Over the past 15 years, WEC has built strong partnerships and effectively managed a portfolio exceeding 500 million USD, supporting key initiatives through fund management, project implementation, and administrative support.
WEC translates partners' agendas into action through global, regional, and country-specific initiatives focused on climate action, environmental protection, and conservation. Partners benefit from WEC’s ability to implement and scale their strategic priorities, including support for key multilateral environmental and climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement, the Cartagena Convention, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
**Job Specific Context**
In recent years, UNOPS gradually updated its grant management policy framework by introducing rigorous due diligence and risk management measures. This includes, among others, mandatory Capacity Assessments (aligned with UN Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) methodology) and Protection from Sexual Exploitation,Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) compliance for all implementing partners (IPs). The risk-based approach ensures fund utilization is efficient and ethical through robust accountability mechanisms, such as: mandatory due diligence and capacity assessments prior to award, milestone-based disbursement, and regular monitoring, spot checks, and the right to audit. This framework is critical for effective delivery, fostering trust and accountability, and protecting both partners and long-term project success.
To support the project teams to effectively manage these new requirements, GPO/GVA/WEC is looking to strengthen and diversify its pool of Grants Management Assurance Specialists.
**Role Purpose**
The Grants Management Assurance Specialist is a home-based retainer responsible for conducting due diligence and assurance measures for Implementing Partners (IPs) which receive grants through UNOPS. They will be supervised by the WEC Programme Management Specialist and operate under the overall guidance and direction of the WEC Portfolio Management Team.
The Grants Management Assurance Specialist will be engaged for a particular assignment through a task note, at the request of the Programme requiring a grant assurance service.
**Functions / Key Results Expected**
Capacity Assessment:
• Undertake the Capacity Assessment by conducting a desk review and meeting(s) with the IPs;
• Review for completeness of submitted self assessment questionnaires and supporting documentation;
• Provide guidance to IPs on required information;
• Recommend additional information to be provided by IPs as required;
• Review and analyse submitted documentation, relate findings to risk categorization indicators;
• Identify gaps and/or risks in the IP capacity, including submitted policy and procedural frameworks;
• Bas
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