Finance Assistant

Mid Finance & Economy

Overview

Support financial services ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work.

You have:

• Completion of secondary school or equivalent. Specialized training in finance is desirable.
• 2 to 3 years of relevant accounting and financial experience at national level is required.
• Fluency in written and oral English and the language of the duty station is required. Knowledge of the second UN working language is desirable.

Contract

This is a LICA-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as Local Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally only for nationals. It's an external contract. It usually requires 4 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA-4 contracts.

Background Information - Afghanistan

1. Background Information: UNOPS

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

UNOPS AfghanistanWith more than 20 years of experience in the country, UNOPS Afghanistan focuses on providing maximum support to the people of Afghanistan through the delivery of projects and services that improve the lives of people in need. The UNOPS Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) serves as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the implementation agency. UNOPS AFCO activities currently cover a range of sectors, including humanitarian, basic human needs, cash for work, infrastructure, development, procurement and HR services.

The functional objective of UNOPS AFCO is to contribute to improving the lives of girls, boys, men and women living in Afghanistan. The aim of UNOPS AFCO is to provide efficient and cost-effective implementation services on behalf of all our partners to support the humanitarian response and development of the country. UNOPS AFCO’s mission is to exceed the expectations of all stakeholders in the delivery of AFCO services at all times, in all places, and in all circumstances in order to improve the lives of Afghans in need.

Project Information

In November 2023, ADB approved the Verification of Claims and Expenditures Project (VCEP) to conduct a verification of outstanding claims from contractors, consultants, suppliers and project management offices for the works and services completed in Afghanistan under ADB-financed and administered projects prior to 15 August 2021. UNOPS is the executing agency for VCEP.

The main objective of VCEP is to verify claims from contractors, consultants and suppliers for works and services completed prior to 15 August 2021 under different types of contracts, including civil works, supply of goods and consulting services in Afghanistan. VCEP also includes a verification of advances provided to contractors, consultants and suppliers and eligible expenditures incurred by the project management offices prior to 15 August 2021 under ADB-financed and administered projects.

Background Information - Job-specific

Job-Specific Information

Under the guidance and supervision of the Finance Senior Officer (International), the Finance Assistant supports the provision of financial services ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work. The Finance Assistant promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations.

Summary of Key Functions:

• Implementation of operational strategies and procedures
• Financial and administrative support

• Knowledge building and sharing

  1. Ensure implementation of operational strategies and procedures, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance of verification processes and records with UNOPS/donor/project policies, strategies and guidelines.

  2. Provides financial and administrative support, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Assistance in proper control of the supporting documents for payments and pending liabilities and reports; payment execution.

• Review and processing of financial documentation (claims, supporting documents, invoices, etc.) and maintaining management information system by ensuring that transactions are correctly recorded and reported;.
• Provision of information for reports on status, procedures, discrepancies. etc.
• Follow-up with relevant parties for information relating to processes and any discrepancies.
• Assist in preparation of correspondence and reports in accordance with the set procedures.
• Extracting, inputting, copying and filing data from various sources.

• Maintenance of the proper filing system for records and documents.

  3. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Participation in the Finance-focused trainings

• Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Impact of Results:

The key results have an impact on the overall execution of the UNOPS financial services. Accurate data entry and presentation of financial information and a client-oriented approach enhances UNOPS’ capability to effectively and efficiently manage financial resources.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

3. Qualifications and Experience a. Education - Completion of secondary school or equivalent. Specialized training in finance is desirable.

b. Work Experience

• 2 to 3 years of relevant accounting and financial experience at national level is required. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Office 2003 and/or newer versions) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems.

c. Languages

• Fluency in written and oral English and the language of the duty station is required. Knowledge of the second UN working language is desirable.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA Contract level: Local ICA-4 Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

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Potential interview questions

Added 9 months ago - Updated 9 months ago - Source: jobs.unops.org