Finance and Reporting Specialist

Volunteering Finance & Economy

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.

This UNV assignment is part of UNICEF programming initiative etc. Provide brief description of the project including relevant stakeholders, outcomes etc. and/or include web link. UNICEF became Principal Recipient of the Global fund Malaria Grant for South Sudan which supports the National Malaria Strategic Plan for South Sudan and is currently implementing Grant Cycle 7 to support preventive, curative and system strengthening components of the program.

Supervision, induction and duty of care of UN Volunteers (Roles and Responsibilities of Host Entities)

UN Volunteers should be provided equal duty of care as extended to all host entity personnel. Host entity support to the UN Volunteer includes, but is not limited to: • Introductory briefings about the organisation and office-related context including security, emergency procedures, good cultural practice and orientation to the local environment; • Support with arrival administration including setting-up of bank accounts, residence permit applications and completion of other official processes as required by the host government or host entity; • Structured guidance, mentoring and coaching by a supervisor including a clear workplan and performance appraisal; • Access to office space, equipment, IT support and any other systems and tools required to complete the objectives of the assignment including a host entity email address; • Access to shared host entity corporate knowledge, training and learning; • Inclusion of the volunteer in emergency procedures such as evacuations; • Leave management; • DSA for official travel, when applicable; • All changes in the Description of Assignment occurring between recruitment and arrival or during the assignment need to be formalized with the United Nations Volunteer Programme; • Investigate misconduct: sharing reports with the UNV; • Provide emergency assistance, e.g. the death of volunteer or medical evacuation, in collaboration with UNV. Accept letters of guarantees or potential liabilities for covering medical costs not claimable under medical insurance in extraordinary situations (e.g. isolation facilities` services during pandemics).

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Programme Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Finance and Reporting Specialist will:

1. Facilitate financial planning and management • Provide Facilitation to the for financial planning process for the Global Fund project by preparing/analyzing financial data/estimates and documentations verifying relevancy, accuracy and completeness to Facilitate budget planning. Provide financial operations review throughout the financial planning and implementation process including reprogramming/ budget revisions. • Support the review of budgeted expenditures by the Ministry of Health accordingly with allotment and tagging of expenditure codes and verify compliance with guidelines and procedures related to the section Grants and in line with Global Fund guidelines and requirements. Keep UNICEF informed of any non-compliance for timely action. • Prepare accurate Budget Versus Actual (BVA) report for submission to the Global Fund in line with reporting periods for the ministry. • Provide technical and operational Facilitation on the application, interpretation and implementation of operational policies, procedures and guidelines for the ministry of health. • Prepare and/or monitor financial exception of the Ministry of Health which deviates from the SOP and keeps UNICEF informed for timely action. • Review financial transactions carried out by the Ministry of Health and raise flags when action is needed by UNICEF. • Facilitate the Ministry of Health in addressing Management Actions following review by the Global Fund if any. • Support Ministry of Health in financial reporting by reviewing expenditure listings generated for the reporting period and completing the needed analysis to align with donor requirements.
2. Control of accounts • Support the Ministry of Health to complete applicable accounts activities (monthly, quarterly and yearly) on a timely basis and per closure instructions including Pulse Checks, PU/DR and FCR. • Support the Ministry of Health Examine disbursement transactions (transfer, adjustments, reprogramming and liquidation) reviewing documents.
3. Treasury and cash management • Support the Ministry of Health to maintain a system to monitor and forecast periodic cash requirements. Provide current information on cash position/forecast to management and make recommendations or take action to ensure sufficient availability of resources for programmes and operations activities by preparing and submitting detailed cash forecast and disbursement request to the Global Fund.
4. Asset Management • Support the Ministry of Health maintain a detailed Fixed Assets Register (FAR) in line with the Global Fund Fixed Assets Management guidelines for assets outside the UNICEF System. • Support the Ministry of Health organize and facilitate periodic physical verification of programme assets to ensure completeness and accuracy of the asset register. • Participate and/or organize training and learning events to build capacity of Ministry of Health on programme assets management.
5. Knowledge and capacity building • Facilitate training and learning events to build capacity of Ministry of Health staff and stakeholders/implementing partners on Global Fund policies, guidelines and reporting requirements.
6. Others • Prepare a comprehensive report for the Ministry of Health on the expenditure actualization of the grant, including any identified discrepancies and corrective actions to be taken. • Support Ministry of Health to Plan for the commencement of sub-recipient external audits, including quality responses to the audit queries in a timely fashion.

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

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

management, coordination and technical expertise, preferably with a track record of successful program finance management. • Experience in health program/project development in UN system agency or organization is an asset. • Experience working in the region is an asset. • Diplomacy, conflict management, flexibility, understanding of local cultural and social practices are key success factors for this consultancy. • Excellent oral and written communication skills and report writing. • In-depth analytical and problem-solving skills. • Excellent facilitation skills, training skills and ability to organize and implement training. • Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and proven interpersonal skills. • Experience in building successful relationships with government counterparts, UN agencies, CSOs and other relevant stakeholders. • Ability to cope with hardship conditions. Knowledge of computer management skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint software.

South Sudan is a unique location with huge (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

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Added 15 hours ago - Updated 6 hours ago - Source: unv.org