Finance and Budget Technician I (CO)
Assist in budget and financial operations at PAHO/WHO offices.
Overview
Assist in budget and financial operations at PAHO/WHO offices.
You have:
- Certificate of completion of high school.
- Six years of experience in general accounting work, or three years of experience in accounting/financial budgetary operations, and one year of college or university level courses in accounting, finance or business administration.
- Proficiency in the use of automated financial accounting systems and specialized information systems.
- Very good knowledge of English. A working knowledge of Spanish or French would be an asset.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, including Microsoft Office programs.
Contract
This is a G-6 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 6 years of experience, depending on education. More about G-6 contracts.
OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT
This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)
PAHO Country Offices are responsible for ensuring that the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) country program of technical cooperation and its country presence provides adequate support to the national health development process and, at the same time, enables countries to shape the sub regional, regional, and global health agendas. The PAHO/WHO Country Office is the basic organizational unit for technical cooperation with the country/ies, drawing on PAHO/WHO resources from all levels and all parts of the Organization.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Under the direct supervision of the Administrator, and the general guidance of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR), the incumbent assists in the budget and financial operations of the PWR Office, and is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:
- Coordinate budget and financial activities of the Office of the PWR and the SPC/CRB, assisting in the planning, compilation and preparation of the Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and the semiannual program of work for each entity, including the allocation of assessed and voluntary contribution funds by program area; ensure that all assessed and voluntary funded transactions in the areas of budget control, finance, and accounts are managed in accordance with established PAHO rules, regulations, directives and procedures; provide direction and guidance on accounting matters to staff;
- Initiate and/or approve budget and finance related actions in the PASB Management Information System (PMIS) for temporary staff and contingent workers; serve as Compensation Finance Partner Within Entity for PMIS for the PWR;
- Update budget and financial information in PMIS and in any other databases for reporting needs; provide feedback to enhance existing databases;
- Verify the execution of funds in accordance with the approved budgetary allocations; monitor and update funds as received; review documentation and source of funds prior to the establishment and request of financial commitments; monitor the use of the funds; analyze expenditures; determine availability of funds in each source; initiate transfer of expenses with Project Manager’s justification and relevant approval; amend financial commitments to ensure availability of funds for future activities;
- Coordinate operational budget and financial activities, verifying that transactions are performed in accordance with relevant rules; create invoices and payment requests ensuring accurate calculations and relevant supporting documentation;
- Initiate and complete settlement run for US dollar and local currency bank accounts, issuing checks and direct deposits;
- Process accounting entries for receipts, identifying beneficiary and other relevant information to ensure prompt application of funds;
- Ensure adequate funding of local currency accounts and initiate replenishment requests when necessary;
- Calculate and process Staff Health Insurance (SHI) advance payments to active staff, retirees and hospitals, etc.;
- Review supplier invoices for validation of participants’ costs, as applicable; review and verify financial reports for LOAs and SFCs; review expenditures and issuance of notices of reimbursement;
- Maintain and update Signatory panel as needed (letters and documentation);
- Monitor outstanding financial transactions, i.e., amounts due from staff, non-staff, sponsors and clients;
- Coordinate with technical units the receipt of pending financial reports to justify transfers to counterparts through different modalities of technical cooperation;
- Collaborate with the Administrator to monitor the payment of Government quota contributions and in the establishment or modification of internal operating procedures; maintain files on the Government’s Quota contributions and provide information and support to both Headquarters and the Government in this respect;
- Ensure that PAHO’s financial Rules and Regulations are adhered to in the obligating and disbursement of funds of the Organization, and that security control measures are in place and operational with respect to financial aspects of the Representation, as recommended by Headquarters;
- Act as Custodian for US Dollar Emergency Petty Cash; act as Focal Point in the UN OPT for Business Operation Strategy (BOS) for Finance;
- Reconcile financial reports, making adjustments as necessary and advising of any discrepancies; provide information regarding the financial operations; ensure VAT reconciliation and submission of VAT claims;
- Ensure that the year end closure and financial operating procedures are followed, in accordance with established practices and procedures; perform the monthly bank reconciliation;
- Compose routine letters, memoranda, electronic mail, reports, charts on own initiative or from verbal instructions using standard office computer software;
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education****:
Certificate of completion of high school.
If your candidacy is retained for an interview, you will need to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an accredited/recognized institution in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the following link: http://www.whed.net/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org/search/default.asp and the College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process.
Experience****:
Essential: Six years of experience in general accounting work, including experience with automated systems for financial and budgetary control operations or three years of experience in accounting/financial budgetary operations, and one year of college or university level courses towards a declared minor/major in the area of accounting, finance or business administration.
SKILLS****:
PAHO Competencies:
- Overall attitude at work: Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization’s mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts.
- Teamwork: Collaborate and cooperate with other/Deal effectively with conflict - Creates team spirit; promotes collaboration and open communication in the team; proactively supports others; welcomes team responsibilities and drives team results; promotes knowledge sharing in the team. Proactively identifies conflicts and facilitates their resolution in a respectful manner; tactfully resolves conflicts between or with others and takes action to reduce any possible tension; effectively builds a rapport with individuals and teams, establishing good personal and professional relationships, as well as minimizing risk of potential conflict.
- Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences: Relate well to diversity in others and capitalize on such diversity - Treats all people with dignity and respect. Relates well to people with different cultures, gender, orientations, backgrounds and/or positions; examines own behavior to avoid stereotypical responses; considers issues from the perspective of others and values their diversity.
- Communication: Express oneself clearly when speaking/Listen/Write effectively/Share knowledge - Foresees communication needs of audience and targets message accordingly. Facilitates open communication; encourages others to share their views openly and takes time to understand and consider their views. Writes down ideas in a clear, structured, logical and credible way; drafts and supports the development of guidelines, policies and procedures. Shares relevant information openly and ensures that the shared information is understood; considers knowledge sharing as a constructive working method and demonstrates awareness of the Organization.
- Knowing and Managing Yourself: Remain productive/Continuously learn - Remains objective and focused even in a “changing and moving” environment; continues to display positive behavior when facing some constraints; keeps challenges in perspective. Seeks all relevant information for decision making from a wide range of sources; quickly learns new competencies and skills that expand role capability; shows rapid understanding of new and/or complex information relevant to job.
- Producing results: Work efficiently and independently/ Deliver quality results/Take responsibility - Prioritizes work, monitors own progress against objectives and adapts plans as required; communicates adjustments as necessary.
- Acts proactively and stimulates action as needed; handles problems effectively and constructively. Produces high-quality results and workable solutions that meet clients’ needs. Works independently to produce new results and sets own time lines effectively and efficiently. Demonstrates positive attitude in working on new projects and initiatives. Demonstrates accountability for own success, as well as for errors; learns from experience.
Technical Expertise:
- Proficiency in the use of automated financial accounting systems and specialized information systems associated with assigned responsibilities.
- Knowledge of budgeting and accounting principles and practices and ability to analyze financial data.
- Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and carry out financial/accounting processes, such as: monitoring budget and accounting activities, developing operational standards and procedures manuals, determining priorities, adjusting or identifying new internal procedures, etc.
- Skills in planning, organizing, evaluating, problem-solving and decision-making of office management processes.
- Ability to write/originate routine and non-routine correspondence and reports.
- Ability to supervise, including skills in planning, organizing, evaluating, problem-solving and decision-making of office management matters.
Languages:
Very good knowledge of English. A working knowledge of Spanish or French would be an asset.
IT Skills:
Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). Other IT skills and knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Word are considered essential.
REMUNERATION
Monthly Salary****: (Net of taxes)
BBD $6,770.58 (Salary is non-negotiable)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates to fill other similar short-term general services positions, at the same grade level.
- Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. A written test and/or interview will be held for this position as a form of screening.
- The post description is the official documentation for organization purposes.
- Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual.
- For information on PAHO please visit: http://www.paho.org
- PAHO/WHO is an ethical organization that maintains high standards of integrity and accountability. People joining PAHO are required to maintain these standards both in their professional work and personal activities.
- PAHO/WHO also promotes a work environment that is free from harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other types of abusive behavior. PAHO conducts background checks and will not hire anyone who has a substantiated history of abusive conduct.
- PAHO/WHO personnel interact frequently with people in the communities we serve. To protect these people, PAHO has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoing will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution.
- PAHO/WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
- PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
- Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are encouraged.
- All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post.
- Administrative/support positions in Barbados are open to Bridgetown metropolitan area residents only. Candidates must be Barbadian citizens or be a permanent legal resident in the country.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience in managing a budget? | This question seeks to understand your practical experience and abilities in budget management. | Discuss specific projects or roles where you had direct budget responsibility, including outcomes. |
| How do you handle conflicts in a team setting? | The interviewer is interested in your teamwork and conflict resolution skills. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What financial accounting systems have you worked with? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you explain how you ensure compliance with financial regulations? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a time when you had to analyze financial data and make a recommendation. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |