Finance Senior Associate

Contract

This is a LICA-7 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 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA-7 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

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.

The UNOPS Amman Multi-country Office (Ammmco) implements projects in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, in partnership with bilateral donors, national governments, and other UN agencies. With an established presence across the region, the office runs operations, including large-scale procurement, project development, and technical management, and provides financial, human resources, and infrastructure-related services. The functional objective of the UNOPS Hub in Amman is to deliver its projects efficiently and effectively and in line with the principles, rules, and regulations of UNOPS in order to support the response to the current needs and national priorities in the region.

Under the direct supervision of the Finance Specialist. The Finance Senior Associate works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and project teams in the office to resolve complex financial management and operational-related issues and information delivery

Functional Responsibilities

1. Administration and implementation of operational and financial management strategies
2. Administration of budgets and effective cost recovery
3. Accounting and administrative support
4. Office cash management
5. Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1. Administration and implementation of operational and financial management strategies Ensures administration and implementation of operational strategies, adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance with UN/UNOPS rules, regulations, and policies of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and follow-up on audit recommendations; implementation of effective internal controls, proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system.
• Implementation of cost sharing and trust fund agreements, elaboration of conditions of contributions within the office resource mobilization efforts.
• Implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies in consultations with office management.

2. Administration of budgets and effective cost recovery 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 UNOPS projects, follow up with HQs on authorized spending limits) for projects.
• Establishment of criteria for pro-ration of Agencies contributions to the common services account, preparation and modifications of the common services budget and follow up on timely recovery of payments.
• Implementation of the control mechanism for d projects through monitoring budgets preparation and modifications, budgetary status, maintenance of the General Ledger.
• Presentation of thoroughly researched information for planning of financial resources of the office, reports containing analysis of the financial situation.
• Timely preparation of cost-recovery bills in Enterprise System for the services provided by elaboration and implementation of the income tracking system and follow up on cost recovery.

3. Accounting and administrative support Provides accounting and administrative support to the Finance Unit focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Proper control of the supporting documents for payments, review of financial reports for projects.
• Approval of vendors in Enterprise System (as a senior member of the Finance team).
• Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Enterprise System; payrolls are duly prepared; travel claims, MPOs and other entitlements are duly processed.
• Coordination and review of accounts closure
• Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers. Timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues.
• Maintenance of the Accounts Receivables for UNOPS projects and follow up with partners on contributions.
• Timely VAT reimbursements, payment of GLOC by the Government.
• Proper receipting of goods and services and establishment of accruals.

4. Office cash management Ensures proper cash management functioning focusing on achievement of the following results:

• 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 Enterprise System to monitor imprest level; identification and recording of contributions.

• Selecting bank transfers and deals for approval and settlements.

• Performing Pay cycle manager role in Enterprise System.
• Timely preparation of monthly cash flow forecast for use by Operations Manager/Finance Analyst. Liaison with UN Agencies to obtain estimate of their cash requirements.

5. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

• Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for personnel on financial management
• Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice by synthesizing of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in financial management.
• Collect feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: - Completion of secondary school is required. - Relevant certification in financial management or accounting a distinct advantage. - Bachelor's Degree preferably in Business Administration, Public Administration, or equivalent disciplines is desirable but not required.

Experience: - Minimum of 7 years of relevant working experience within the areas of finance, accounting, business administration or related field is required. - Knowledge of UNOPS financial rules and regulations; working knowledge of ERP is highly desirable - Experience with MS Office 2003or newer versions, and financial management, using electronic systems, environment and are desired. - Some experience in UN system organizations is desirable.

Language Requirements: - Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA Contract level: Local ICA Support-7 Contract duration: 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 Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
• This position is stationed in Amman, Jordan, which is a family duty station.

Terms and Conditions

• 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 (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.