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

he 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 United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has been supporting Nepal by implementing projects since 2007. It was established as a country office for Nepal in 2015 and operates under the South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO), Colombo.

The UNOPS Nepal Office has implemented Projects in all seven provinces of Nepal with key government partners; the Nepal Police (Ministry of Home Affairs), the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA), the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Provincial Governments. Supporting Nepal’s development plan and the 2030 Agenda, the Nepal Office is implementing projects in post-earthquake reconstruction, security and justice, field monitoring and coordination, and in recent times– immediate health support to respond to the Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) crisis. Within the reconstruction portfolio, the Nepal Office provided socio-technical assistance to individual households, developed innovative approaches for retrofitting earthquake-damaged homes, and delivered services to the most vulnerable households, ensuring nobody is left behind.

With a steady growth of the country portfolio in recent years and a new strategic direction, UNOPS Nepal is looking to strengthen the Procurement capacity of the country office as well as ongoing and upcoming projects under the country office. Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Support Services and the Country Manager, the Finance Senior Associate in Nepal under the SAMCO ensures effective execution of financial services and processes and transparent utilization of financial resources. The Finance Senior Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations, with responsibility for budget control functions, treasury functions and accounts maintenance.

The Finance Senior Associate works in close collaboration with the SAMCO, Nepal Country office, IPAS Finance and other relevant colleagues in HQ as well as colleagues in the support services, programme and project functions in the field offices, resolving finance-related issues and information exchange; s/he promotes a client, quality and results-oriented approach.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

• Administration and implementation of financial strategies
• Budgetary and monitoring control]
• Treasury functions
• Accounting support
• Financial reporting and control

• Assistance in and facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

  1. Ensures administration and implementation of operational strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance with 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.

• Elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance in consultation with office management.

• Elaboration of proposals and implementation of cost-saving and reduction strategies in consultations with office management.

  2. Ensures efficient budgetary and monitoring control, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Extraction of required financial information from UNOPS project agreements and set up of necessary accounts in line with existing UNOPS financial policies and procedures.

• Compilation of data for the preparation of budget estimates.

• Monitoring and review of status of budgetary allocations and expenditures on an ongoing basis. Continuous networking with clients/partners to provide feedback and mutually agree on corrective actions, when required.

• As delegated, approval of budgets in oneUNOPS, as per awarded proposals and review of budget revisions.

• Establishment and maintenance of proper financial controls mechanisms to stay within budget allotment.

  3. Ensures proper functioning of the Treasury, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Maintenance, operation and control of bank accounts. Maintenance of cash book, including control of disbursements, analysis and reconciliation of account.

• Preparation and confirmation of appropriateness of operational transactions processed through the interpretation and determination of applicable policies, regulations, rules, i.e. disbursements within authorized limits, payroll, contractual agreements, payments to suppliers, travel claims, etc.

• Maintenance and control of petty cash fund and preparation of report for replenishment
• Frequent contact with the local bank to obtain day-to-day information on rates of exchange, interest rates, changes in procedures and bank regulations, etc.
• Review of payment requests for completeness prior to processing, ensuring that documentation needed is complete and that all required procedures are fulfilled to enable the payment.

• Review and confirmation of validity of charges by verifying authorized amounts and ensure availability of budget and funds.

  4. Provides accounting and administrative support to the Finance Group, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Maintenance of ledgers and accounting records for classification and recording of financial transactions and for the reconciliation of accounts and preparation of recurring or special reports.

• Timely entry of transactions in the computerized accounting and finance system and timely submission of monthly accounts; adherence to UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations in all financial transactions
• Preparation of bank reconciliation report. Review and analysis of reports for discrepancies and action as required. (For reason of internal control, this function is not to be performed by the post responsible for operating the bank account).
• Clarification and response to queries and observations of auditors (both internal and external).
• Communication with colleagues/clients on areas requiring verification, corrections, additional information, etc. to improve quality of output and/or account submission and increase knowledge base in the process.
• Review of vouchers and supporting documentation for completeness, accuracy, and correctness of account code charges.

5. Ensures effective financial reporting and control, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Support to the preparation of monthly expenditure schedules and quarterly and year-end statements.
• Contacts with project colleagues and Regional Offices to verify, correct, add and improve quality of financial activities of a particular project, including financial reports.
• Frequent contact with other finance staff in the organization in the preparation of payments, data reconciliation, client reporting, or audit activities.
• Preparation of financial statements for clients

6. Ensures proper supervisory role (when supervising staff) and facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Establishment of work plans, standards for performance evaluation/s, indicators for work progress and achievements, together with supervisee(s). Corrective actions to achieve objectives and deadlines.
• Technical guidance and on-the-job training to ensure work standards are achieved, both in terms of quantity/quality of input/output processed.
• Training of colleagues upon requests from portfolio managers, the supervisor and other finance officers in setting projects, budget revisions, troubleshooting and understanding of the processes on day to day financial transactions, reporting and other related tasks
• Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in Finance.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice

Impact of Results

• The key results have an impact on the overall UNOPS efficiency in financial resources management and success in implementation of operational strategies. Accurate analysis and presentation of financial information enhances the organization’s credibility in use of financial resources and proper financial process management. The information provided facilitates decision making of the 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:

Secondary Education with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance. University Degree in Business or Public Administration would be desirable, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

5 to 7 years of progressively responsible finance experience is required at the national or international level. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Office 2003 and/or newer versions) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in written and oral English required. Knowledge of second UN working language desirable.

Contract type, level and duration

This is a local position.

1. Contract type: Local Independent Contractor Agreement (LICA)
2. Contract level Local ICA Support Level 7, ICS7
3. 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.

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.