Finance Associate

Contract

This is a LICA-6 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 6 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA-6 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO)

The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is part of the UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on:

• Infrastructure
• Procurement
• Project Management (full service, back on track)
• HR and Transactional Services
• Grants Management
• Technical and Advisory Services

• Project Information

  Project Information

In support of Uzbekistan’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare system in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, UNOPS is aspiring to provide project, infrastructure and procurement management services to the Government. This will include conducting a feasibility study and assessments to determine infrastructure and medical equipment needs and requirements of various health facilities, procurement and supply of biomedical items and supplies, and infrastructure design and implementation of priority healthcare facilities.

Under the direct supervision of the Support Services Manager, and in close cooperation and coordination with the MCO Finance Specialist, the Finance Associate will provide financial and administrative support to the timely processing, recording, monitoring, and maintaining of financial transactions and accounts relating to payments and receipts in accordance with UNOPS’ financial rules, regulations, policies, and processes.

Appointment of this role is subject to signing of the respective project agreement with the partner, which is expected to take place in Quarter 1 2022.

Functional Responsibilities

1. Administration of budgets and cost-recovery system
2. Accounting, payments, payroll
3. Office cash management
4. Knowledge building and Knowledge sharing

1. Administration of budgets and cost-recovery system

Ensures administration of budgets and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Preparation and modifications of budgets for projects, as well as their overall financial management.
• Presentation of researched information for planning and status of the office’s financial resources.
• Provision of inputs for implementation of cost-saving and reduction strategies in consultation with the office management.
• Preparation of cost sharing and trust fund agreements, follow up on contributions within the office’s resource mobilization efforts.
• Ensure full compliance of financial processes and financial records with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies.

2. Accounting, Payments, Payroll

Accounting, Payments, Payroll functions focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports for projects; preparation of all types of transactions; remittance run if required.
• Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that payments processed are completed, timely corrective actions on the payments with errors are taken; transactions are correctly recorded against correct general ledger analysis; following up on any payrolls related enquiries; travel claims and other entitlements are duly processed or sent for processing.
• Review of payment requests including supporting documents against the annual work plan.
• Timely quarterly closures exercises as per corporate guidelines and timelines.
• Timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues.
• Timely corrective actions on erroneous data in the Enterprise system.
• Maintenance of the Accounts Receivables for projects and follow-up with partners on contributions, deposits creation in the Enterprise system and their application.
• Timely reimbursements, payments of costs and VAT reimbursements by the Government.

3. Office cash management

• Timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements. Timely identification and recording of receipts for income application.
• Daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in the Enterprise system to monitor imprest level; identification and recording of contributions.
• Timely and accurate preparation of bank reconciliations.
• Timely preparation of monthly cash flow forecast for use by the Support Services Manager. Liaison with clients to obtain estimates of their cash requirement.
• Initiation of bank transfers.
• Assisting in creating the requests for operational advances establishments, settlements, closures, clearances within the approved DOA and the established processes.
• Assisting in Petty cash establishment as required, settlements, closures and clearances within the established procedures.

4. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

• Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for personnel on finance-related topics.
• Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice by synthesizing lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in human resources.
• Contribute feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.
• As Key Business User, provide financial management support in the financial management module of the Enterprise system to internal clients.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Completion of secondary education is required.
• A first-level university degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or equivalent disciplines is desirable.
• Relevant certification in Financial Management or Accounting is a distinct advantage.

Work experience

• A minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, business administration or a related field is required. An advanced or a first-level university degree may be considered as a substitute for some years of work experience.
• Knowledge of UN or UNOPS financial rules and regulations and Enterprise System is an asset.
• Proficiency in computers and office software packages (MS Office or Google Workspace) and experience in handling financial management systems is required.

Languages

• Proficiency in English and Uzbek languages are required.

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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contract Agreement (LICA) Contract level: ICS-6 / LICA-6 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

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.