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 - Sri Lanka

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. 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. With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

UNOPS in Sri Lanka

UNOPS in Sri Lanka is based in Colombo and is responsible for helping the Government of Sri Lanka and partner organizations deliver social and economic rehabilitation in areas affected by the 2004 tsunami and decades of armed conflict. UNOPS in Sri Lanka helps partners achieve their project goals in sectors including physical infrastructure, the environment and poverty mitigation.

UNOPS has supported Sri Lanka’s development since 1998, expanding operations in 2005 to support the post-tsunami response and reconstruction process. Within the organization’s mandate in project management, infrastructure, and procurement, UNOPS Sri Lanka implements customized socio-economic development projects that benefit vulnerable people and develop national capacities. Achievements in Sri Lanka include the development of sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure, procurement services & capacity building, and project management in education, fisheries, roads, health, water supply systems; flood control and sanitation, and integrated solid waste management sectors. UNOPS works closely with Government counterparts and communities to ensure increased ownership, sustainability and accountability of Projects. Key projects in Sri Lanka include the Technical Project Management support for the Maternal and Newborn Health Care Strengthening Project in Matara District, Sri Lanka funded by KOICA.

UNOPS Sri Lanka also facilitated over $22 million worth of procurement of COVID-19 protection equipment and services in partnership with the World Bank, the Government of Japan, and the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund

UNOPS Sri Lanka operates under the overall framework of the UNOPS South Asia Multi Country Office (SAMCO).

Project Information

UNOPS has signed an MOU with an intergovernmental organization called SACEP (South Asia Cooperative Environment Program). SACEP is implementing the World Bank-funded PLEASE Project in South Asia. In accordance with the Agreement, UNOPS should provide implementation support and advice to SACEP in implementing the Plastic free Rivers & Seas for South Asia Project (PLEASE). UNOPS is expected to assist the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) in implementing the RBGs (Regional Competitive Block Grants) under Component 1, Component 2 and Component 3 of the PLEASE Project.

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. Team Management

6. Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

7. 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.
• Alternate to Finance Analyst (or Operations Manager) as primary contact with local bank management on routine operational matters including negotiation of exchange rate on replenishment. May serve as member of bank signatory panel upon decision of Head of Office.
• Timely and accurate preparation of bank reconciliations.
• 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.
• Alternate as cashier for cash disbursements made on site.

5. Team Management - Facilitates the engagement and provision of high quality results and services of the team supervised through effective work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development. - Provides oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.

6. 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.

Impact of results The effective and successful achievement of results by the Finance Senior Associate directly impacts the efficient and effective management of financial resources in projects and programmes, demonstrating UNOPS’ effective stewardship of donor and partner funds. These promote the credibility of the organization as an effective service provider in project services and management.

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. - CPA, first University Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or equivalent disciplines is desirable but not required. - Relevant certification in financial management or accounting a distinct advantage.

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
• Experience with MS Office 2003 or 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 is required.
• Working knowledge of any local language is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

• Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA)
• Contract level: LICA-7
• Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Note- This is a part-time contract with a 50% level of effort.

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

• This VA is open for Bhutan Nationals ONLY
• 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.

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.