Job Description
1. Complete an updated General Assessment of Risk for all active USAID-Uganda Implementing partners (including G2G partners).
Estimated LOE 10 days
- This assessment should consider significant objective factors such as the size and complexity of IP operations, the existence of IP policies and procedures, budget allocations for specific contract/agreement line items, regions of operation, and any history of fraud or misappropriation.
- Identify project’s vulnerability to both internal and external fraud; focusing on the incentives, pressure and opportunities within and outside the program.
- Assess the potential for fraud to affect project’s ability to maintain operations and to understand where fraud could occur in each of the programs.
- Provide recommendations to enhance existing controls to mitigate identified fraud risks.
2. Perform Fraud Risk Assessments, which incorporates capacity building, based on the results of the general risk assessment covering all USAID-Uganda Implementing Partners, focusing on the IP’s identified as high-risk. Estimated LOE 15 days of field work each plus 5 days for report writing.
- A series of detailed Fraud Risk Assessments of approximately eight (8) IP’s will be performed over a period of 12 months during FY2020, with the assistance of USAID Uganda OFM staff on each assignment. Emphasis should be placed on new local partners as part of the PEPFAR local partner initiative.
- These reviews will be guided by a detailed Scope of Work which will be tailored to the activities being implemented by the partners and will allow for modification based on discoveries made during the assessments.
- The Contractor will use these reviews to train USAID FA staff on how to perform a risk assessment, as well as creation of the corrective measures and report.
- Output will consist of internal reports for use by USAID-Uganda as well as corrective action reports for the relevant Implementing Partners.
- A discrete assessment of USAID staff will also be possible during this phase of the work plan since the consultant will be working closely with internal staff while performing the IP reviews.
- Any fraud uncovered during these reviews will be shared directly with RIG Kampala for further investigation by either the consultant or RIG staff.
3. Design a program to detect and prevent fraud in the local operating environment through training of USAID-Uganda staff and set-up of internal policies, procedures and tools.
Estimated LOE 15 days including the training.
- A program will be developed for the prevention and detection of fraud in Ugandan IP’s based on best practice approaches but modified to consider the Ugandan context.
- The output will consist of risk assessment tools, policies and procedures regarding USAID-Uganda IP reviews of IP operations, various Scopes of Work for reviews based on best practice as well as lessons learned in the Ugandan context, and finally training of USAID staff on how to make use of the various output to assure better management of risk in USAID-Uganda operations.
- Training will also be provided to those internal USAID staff who will be taking part in the Fraud Risk Assessments, in addition to broader training for both Finance and Program staff.
4. Perform “targeted Fraud Risk Assessment of Implementing Partners where fraud has been determined as requested by IG or OFM.
Estimated LOE 15 days per each IP, estimate 4 IPs overall.
Qualifications:
- Masters’ degree in development or a related field
- Minimum fifteen (15) years of experience conducting assessments, evaluations and research studies, to include government corruption and fraud
- Experience conducting assessments and analysis for USAID projects
- A proactive self-starter with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team; creative and resourceful under pressure
- Organized and detail-oriented
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
About the Organization
QED is a global consulting firm with more than 20 years of experience providing data-driven and insightful solutions in close to 100 countries. We are passionate about transforming lives through knowledge-based solutions. Leveraging deep expertise in monitoring, evaluation, global health, and learning, we help our clients collect, analyze, visualize, and ultimately use data in more effective ways. Our work maximizes results through the use of cutting-edge technologies and innovation, organizational development, and evidence-based decision-making.
Uganda is one of the most corrupt countries in Africa and has the fastest growing population in the world. The country faces chronic poverty, food insecurity and government systems failing to deliver services, due to the high population growth, a stagnant economy, and a patronage system. To best determine how OFM can navigate the high-risk environment in carrying out their mandate of oversight and accountability of USG resources, a Risk Assessment was performed in 2016. The assessment focused on various business processes including governance structures or home office oversight, procurement systems, financial management, administrative and human resources processes, and project performance and monitoring. Key personnel were interviewed, existing controls and structures were reviewed, and the potential risk posed to U.S. Government funds was assessed. This assessment helped to focus the work of OFM over the course of the next three years. As USAID/Uganda rolls out the revised strategy and is concentrating on working closely with the Government of Uganda as well as local partners, OFM needs an updated assessment to direct our activities over the course of the next few years.
