Consultancy - Finance Associate, Funds Support Unit (FSU), Division of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM), New York Headquarters

Contract

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UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, hope

As Funds Custodian and Administrator of the UNICEF hosted funds, UNICEF has established a dedicated office in DFAM, the Funds Support Office (FSO), to provide financial management services. The primary responsibility of the FSO is to support the UNICEF Comptroller to ensure fiduciary oversight of the activities of the hosted funds and that UNICEF carries out the functions described in the contribution agreements signed by the UNICEF Comptroller and donors.

How can you make a difference?

As an important member of the DFAM Funds Support Office, this consultancy is being established to support the FSO Team and to provide a variety of specialized finance functions for the hosted funds including grantee disbursement support and internal reporting.

Key assignment:

Support the processes for disbursement of funds by:

• Maintaining vendor profiles for grantees i.e., updating bank details and due diligence assessments etc.
• Monitoring the receipt of funds by grantees by preparing and sending out acknowledgement of receipt of payment forms and ensuring completeness of the process.
• Support monitoring of database for tracking donor commitments.
• Draft and send out letters of agreement for disbursement of funds to grantees.
• Ensure grant confirmation letters are returned to process payment
• Ensure project revisions and reprogramming requests are processed in a timely manner
• Calculate monthly interest income for Hosted Funds
• Perform any other tasks to support the deliverables of the Funds Support Office, as applicable and assigned.

Expected Results:

1. Information for grantee vendor accounts remains updated and accurate.
2. All grantees acknowledge receipt of payment within 2 weeks of receiving payment.
3. Grant confirmation letters and payment acknowledgement forms are drafted and sent out in a timely manner.
4. Returned grant confirmation letters, payment acknowledgement forms and project revisions are processed in a timely manner.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• An excellent command of the English language is required (writing, speaking, and comprehension)
• Completion of University degree in Finance or Economics
• A minimum of 1-2 years of finance-related experience
• Prior experience in grants management, funds disbursement or related field is required
• Basic knowledge of SAP is required
• Managing resources including ability to navigate large volumes of data is highly desirable
• Proficiency computerized application systems and PC software, e.g. Excel, Word, Access is a must
• UN experience required
• Knowledge of UNICEF/UN System rules, regulations, procedures especially HACT procedures is considered an asset
• Must be able to work in a high-volume, changing environment on tight deadlines
• Applicants must already have a valid working permit and residency in the United States or a G-4 visa

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results:

• Demonstrates interest in human development/humanitarian work, especially in an international context
• Enthusiasm for learning new things and applying skills in an organizational context
• High personal integrity
• Embraces diversity
• Able to work effectively with minimal supervision
• Strong self-initiative, creativity and ability to multi-task.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check. PROPOSED PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Lump sum payment will be made monthly inclusive of all professional fees, daily allowances, living allowances, and other administrative costs. Overtime, weekend and official holidays will not be compensated, nor will any holiday/leave time be granted.

Remarks: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.