Finance Senior Associate (Internal Candidates Only)

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 - Myanmar

UNOPS Myanmar is one of UNOPS’ leading offices in Asia, acting as fund manager for three of the largest development programmes in the country, namely the Access to Health Fund, the Livelihood and Food Security Fund (LIFT) and the Joint Peace Fund (JPF). In addition, UNOPS is Principal Recipient for the Global Fund in Myanmar and for the Global Fund’s regional artemisinin-resistance initiative towards elimination of Malaria, which works to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination in the greater Mekong sub-region. UNOPS provides procurement, infrastructure and project management services to a wide range of organisations in the country, including the Government of Myanmar, international development partners, other UN agencies, NGOs and INGOs. UNOPS plays a critical role in ensuring that the quality of services provided to its partners meets stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Background Information - Job-specific

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Finance Senior Officer, the Finance Senior Associate serves as principal assistant in the Myanmar Country Office (MMCO) with responsibility for budget and recovery control functions, reporting functions and accounts maintenance. The Finance Senior Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations.

The Finance Senior Associate may supervise clerical and support staff of the Finance Unit. The Finance Senior Associate works in close collaboration with the UNOPS operations, programme and projects’ staff in the Office, Regional Offices/Projects Centres and HQ for resolving finance-related issues and information exchange.

The functions/duties/key results of this job description are generic and not all duties are carried out by all Finance Associates.

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. Financial reporting and control
5. Team Management
6. 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/GLJEs, review of financial reports for admin projects.
• Coordination and review of accounts closure.
• Closely monitor GLA and provide it correctly to the requested units to minimize GLJE preparation.
• Provision of Advisory services and support to the client projects as required for financial management / budgeting / data quality
• Timely VAT reimbursements, payment of GLOC by the Government.

4. Financial reporting and control - 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 staff and Regional Office 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, recovery, data reconciliation, client reporting, or audit activities. - Preparation of financial statements for clients

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 lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in financial management. - Collect feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

a. Education - Completion of secondary school is required. Bachelor degree may substitute required years of work experience. - CPA, first University Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or equivalent disciplines is desirable. - Relevant certification in financial management or accounting a distinct advantage.

b. Working 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 desirable.
• Competent in the usage of computers and office software packages/ Computer and information technology literacy, including demonstrated expertise in Microsoft Excel, Word and Access is required.
• Good writing and data analytical skills are required.
• Experience/knowledge of Google Suite products, especially google forms, sheets, docs and slides is an asset
• Some experience in UN system organizations is desirable.

c. Language Requirements - Full working knowledge in written and oral English and fluency in Myanmar language required. - Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset.

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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level: Local ICA Support-7 / LICA-7 / ICS-7 Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

This vacancy is open to **UNOPS internal candidates only.

"THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION. ONLY MYANMAR NATIONALS ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY. ALL OTHER APPLICANTS WILL BE REJECTED."**

The successful candidate is expected to be in Myanmar to perform the duties and responsibilities of the advertised position

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.
• 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.