Finance Senior Associate (Internal Announcement)

Senior Finance & Economy

Overview

Execute financial services for transparent resource use

You have:

• Secondary Education with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance required, University Degree in Business or Public Administration desirable.
• 5 to 7 years of progressively responsible finance experience is required at the national or international level.
• Fluency in written and oral English required, knowledge of second UN working language desirable.
• 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.

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 - Asia Regional Health Cluster

The Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC) was established in 2018 as a regional thematic business unit for health programming and procurement in the Asia Region for efficient delivery of grants and funds management, and the provision of quality pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. ARHC is a key delivery mechanism of one of the regional priorities in the UNOPS Asia Region Strategy 2022-2025, which is focused on implementation for impact in SDG 3 and the health sector through advisory and tailored solutions. ARHC aims to significantly impact on good health and well being by expanding the population benefitting from UNOPS-managed health-related engagements across the Asia Region. The ARHC portfolio manages the Principal Recipient (PR) Programme of the Global Fund in Asia and provides Health Procurement Services for various UNOPS projects in the Asia Region and offers expert technical support in any health related initiatives in Country Offices of UNOPS in Asia.

Background Information - Job-specific

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Procurement and Supply Chain Management Unit, , the Finance Senior Associate (PSM reporting) is responsible for 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 may supervise clerical and support staff. The Finance Senior Associate works in close collaboration with procurement team and other relevant colleagues as well as colleagues in the support services, programme and project functions in the field offices, resolving finance-related issues and information exchange; he/she promotes a client, quality and results-oriented approach.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

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

• Supervisory role 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.w

  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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

a. 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.

b. Work 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.

c. Language

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

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA

Contract level: Local ICA Specialist 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

This is local position and internal announcement. This position is eligible for Myanmar Nationals Only.

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.

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
• 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.

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.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.unops.org