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

UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC), UNEP-CCC is a leading international research and advisory institution on energy, climate and sustainable development. As a collaborating center of the United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP), UNEP-CCC works with a wide range of international institutions, national governments and research organizations to assist developing countries in their efforts to move toward low carbon, climate resilient and sustainable development. UNEP-CCC has a staff of approximately 70 professionals from over 20 countries and currently implements project activities in more than 60 countries.

Functional Responsibilities

Context and overall objective

The Operations Support team within UNEP-CCC seeks to develop and support the ground for UNEP-CCC’s business model. The section focuses on developing, building and maintaining strong HR, IT, Finance, Admin, legal and project processes and procedures and in accordance with UN policies, in order for the programs and projects to be run professionally. Furthermore, the section supports the Programme Sections in the organization of meetings, conferences and events.

Within the section of Operations Support and under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Operations Support, the Finance Associate will perform the following functions:

Budget & Finance Support

• Prepare data for financial analysis and control of ongoing and future projects as well as for the management of the UNEP-CCC overhead account.
• Provide budget management support to Project Managers in budget formulation and project implementation.
• Participate, contribute and, in standard cases, lead initial discussions with Donors on financial and budgetary matters
• Provide input to the project structure based on the project design, funding and reporting requirements.
• Further develop, maintain and operate systems in UNEP-CCC on UNEP-CCC staff current and projected financing to support Project Managers and Team lead and provide assessment of the Centre financial sustainability.
• Work closely with UNEP staff in establishing new project funding agreements in the established UNEP to UNEP-CCC system.
• Follow up on identifying payments and ensure payments from Donors is channeled to the correct work package
• Serve as a focal point for financial audit.

Reporting

• Control the computation of project expenditure and request correction when mistakes are identified.
• Provides input into the recognition of services received.
• Ensure that supporting documentation is stored according to the agreed filing system.
• Run closing period and regular reports for monitoring of data quality as requested by Team Lead.
• Assist Team Lead in cleanup exercises of the supplier database.
• Provide support and data input to Head of Operations Support for overall UNEP-CCC financial reporting to Steering Committee and partners

Impact of results

The Finance Associate's effective and professional achievement of reliable analysis and guidance of Project Managers has a direct impact on UNEP-CCC's ability to deliver solid and accurate financial and project support. Furthermore, through the analysis work, the Finance Associate will support a solid foundation for the management, so that strategically correct decisions for UNEP-CCC can be taken on an informed data basis.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) 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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• A secondary school diploma or highschool diploma is required.
• A university degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or related field is highly desirable.

Experience

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in finance, accounting with responsibility for project accounting and preparation of financial statements in an international organization.

• Some experience in UN system organizations is desirable.

• Working knowledge of ERP systems is desirable.

Language

• Fluency in English, in both speaking and writing is required.
• Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) Contract level: LICA 6 / ICS-6 Contract duration: One year (12 months) initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds

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.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
• 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
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
• Copenhagen, Denmark is an UN Family Duty Station

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.