Finance and Administrative Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) started on 15 October 2019, with a mandate to assist the government in strengthening the rule of law, policing and human rights protection.

The Human Rights Service (HRS) serves as the entity within BINUH with primary responsibility for implementing the human rights tasks assigned to BINUH by the Security Council. The HRS also represents the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The HRS monitors respect for civil and political rights as well as economic, social, and cultural rights; conducts investigations into emblematic violations; works to build the capacity of Haitian institutions to protect and promote human rights; prepares reports on the human rights situation; and works with State authorities, the National Human Rights Institution and civil society to address specific and systemic human rights concerns.

Respect for human rights by State authorities and the State’s protection and realisation of human rights are essential to the consolidation of the democratic institutions of Haiti, and therefore central to BINUH’s and OHCHR’s mandate. OHCHR contributes to the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) to ensure that the protection dimension continues to be integrated in the humanitarian response, especially regarding the nexus between humanitarian response, recovery and development and is co-leading the protection group with the National Human rights institution (Office de Protection du Citoyen).

Under the direct supervision of Unit Coordinator or his/her designated mandated representative(s), within the delegated authority, the UN Volunteer Finance and Administrative Officer will perform actions related to the following:

Finance · Prepare cost estimates and budget proposals, in terms of office resource requirements such as staff and non-staff requirements, including programmatic aspects; · Monitor budget expenditure, including review of agreements and cost plans, and recommend funds reallocation when necessary, ensuring compliance with regulations and rules and established policies and procedures; · Coordinate and check financial reports as well as progress reports.

Human resources · Initiates, reviews, processes and follows-up on actions related to the administration of human resource activities; · Responds to enquiries and provides information and advice to staff regarding their entitlements, administrative procedures, processes and practices, conditions of service, duties and responsibilities, and entitlements under the Staff Rules and Regulations.

General administration · Drafts and translates routine correspondence to respond to enquiries in respect to relevant administrative, financial audit, personnel matters. · Performs other related administrative duties, as required.

Procurement · Provides logistical support to the organization of meetings, events, external translation and other related activities; · Assists with day-to-day administration of contracts between the UN and external contractors for outsourced services; · Processes the payment of contractors' invoices and monitor payments.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

· Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); · Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; · Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities. Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; · Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers; · Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible

☒ Adaptability and Flexibility

☒ Commitment and Motivation

☒ Communication

☒ Planning and Organizing

☒ Professionalism

☒ Working in Teams

Driving liscense needed

Relevant experience in providing financial management services.

• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and of spreadsheets and database packages is desirable.
• Experience in working rules and procedures on the handling of administrative and financial operations, as well as human resources is also desirable.
• Demonstrated interest and commitment to OHCHR’s mission, vision and values;
• Motivated to contribute towards peace and development and to serve others;
• Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills;
• Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team;
• Flexible and open to learning and new experiences;
• Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, experience environments, and living conditions;
• Fluency in spoken and written French and English is required;
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded;
• Computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media, and others).

Haiti, especially the capital Port-au-Prince, is a bustling and crowded country with high levels of poverty and unemployment throughout. While much of the infrastructure is somewhat lacking, and much of it is in the process of development, Haiti nonetheless has many areas of stunning natural beauty; it has a rich and diverse cultural heritage that is an enticing draw for foreign staff and expats alike.

Haiti is affected by problems in terms of safety and security, and many governments advise avoiding certain areas of the capital of Port-au-Prince. Due to the instability of the political system in Haiti, there are frequent protests, some of which run the risk of turning violent and are therefore best avoided.

While the end of 2019 was marked by nearly four months of “peyi lok” – widespread civil unrest, insecurity and political turmoil translating in recurrent teleworking arrangements – the beginning of 2020 started by a deadlocked political dialogue and then the onset of the COVID-10 pandemic in mid-March. UNDP in Haiti has become adept with regard to risk management. This has taken the form of proactively planning in advance in order to anticipate and prevent a negative impact of the volatile country context on programme and staff. For example, UNDP Country Office took the initiative to facilitate voluntary evacuation for high-risk UNDP and UNV personnel at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Strengthening security capacity within UNDP Country Office and an adaptive and proactive approach to the security environment has enabled UNDP to remain operational while ensuring the maximum safety for personnel.