Background

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking a highly qualified individual to join as a Pro-Bono External Observer on UNDP’s Investment Committee. This is a unique opportunity to leverage your expertise in fixed income portfolio management within a public institution setting, contributing to the oversight and guidance of UNDP’s investment activities.

As part of the Treasury Department, Office of Financial Management / Bureau of Management Services, the Investment Unit is responsible for ensuring that UNDP has a comprehensive, coherent and successfully executed plan for the efficient and effective management of cash, investments, and foreign exchange operations for resources mobilized by the organization. The Investment Unit is accountable to the Investment Committee, chaired by the Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Management Services. The Investment Committee ensures the oversight of liquidity management, including:

• Monitor compliance with investment guidelines
• Approve changes to the guidelines
• Monitor performance against approved benchmarks, and
• Approve impairment losses per IPSAS reporting requirements.

The Investment Unit is also responsible for delivery of Treasury services to other UN agency clients, including UNFPA, UN Women, and UNCDF under the supervision of the Treasurer.

Key portfolio dimensions:

• Working capital assets: USD 11 billion
• Externally managed assets: USD 1 billion
• Foreign exchange volumes (annually): USD 5 billion

Local bank operations: 170 countries

Duties and Responsibilities

As an External Observer, you will play a critical advisory role, supporting the Investment Committee to ensure compliance with UNDP’s Investment Policy and Guidelines. Your primary responsibilities include:

1. Advisory Role:
   • Guide the Investment Committee to ensure that working capital investment activities align with the UNDP Investment Policy and Guidelines.
   • Attend quarterly review meetings (remotely or in person) with the Investment Unit and provide expert feedback.
2. Focused Areas of Oversight:
   • Ensure compliance with Investment Policy and Guidelines.
   • Review performance against established benchmarks.
   • Advise on any changes recommended by the UNDP Investment Unit regarding the Investment Policy & Guidelines.

Competencies

• Skills:
  • Strong understanding of investment policies, benchmarking, and risk management.
  • Ability to provide strategic guidance on fixed income portfolio performance.
• Commitment:
  • Willingness to serve on a pro-bono basis for a term of 3 years.
  • Attend quarterly meetings (remotely or in person) and provide timely advice and insights.

Required Skills and Experience

• Experience:
  • Minimum of 5–10 years of experience in investment management, with a focus on institutional funds and/or fixed income portfolio management.
  • Proven expertise in the management of institutional funds within public institutions or similar settings.
• Conflict of Interest:
  • The External Observer is expected to disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest promptly and adhere to UNDP’s conflict resolution procedures as outlined in the Terms of Reference.