Finance Specialist

Mid Senior Finance & Economy

Contract

This is a IICA-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - PSC

Peace and Security Cluster

The UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners. It is led by the Director, who has overall authority and accountability for the performance PSC on behalf of its clients. The Director is responsible for administering and providing oversight of the day-to-day management of the Project Field offices, both according to the client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations.

United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) South Sudan

The PSC Project Unit operates as an integral part of Peace and Security Cluster structure. The Head of the Project Unit reports to the PSC Director who provides direction and guidance. S/he is responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, supervising and closing all projects in the country in order to support substantive partners in delivering its mandate.

PSC’s partner is the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), and UNMAS’ representative in-country is the Chief of Mine Action Programme (CMAP). The CMAP is therefore the HPU’s primary stakeholder. UNOPS PSC and UNMAS have developed a delineation of responsibilities, using a responsibility matrix to define who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed. The HPU is expected to work in close cooperation with the CMAP, ensuring that, in substance, the mine action programme operates as one integrated team.

PSC Project Unit in South Sudan delivers services for UNMAS in support of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and their mandate, under SCR 2729 (2024) and its four main objectives, particularly in terms of the Protection of Civilians and in Creating Conditions Conducive to the Delivery of Humanitarian Assistance. This is achieved through a carefully designed and managed operational reach that is necessary, flexible and fit-for-purpose, consisting of four mechanical and 17 manual third-party contracted and splittable clearance teams, overseen by a small Operational/QA capacity.

Background Information - Job-specific

Under the direct supervision of the Support Services Officer, the Finance Specialist acts as an advisor to Senior Management on all aspects of financial management and operations. This includes strategic financial resources management, within UNOPs rules and regulations. S/he leads the financial management operation, ensuring financial integrity of the Business Unit’s programmes/ projects operations, consistent delivery of efficient and effective financial management services to the client office, primarily, Budget Preparation and Management; Cash Management and Treasury functions; and Control of Accounts and Payments. Leading and guiding the Business Unit Financial management Team, s/he fosters collaboration within the team, with programme staff and with other stakeholders with a client-oriented approach. The incumbent provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial management issues, maintains oversight over the financial management of projects, and promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach.

Function responsabilities

*QUALIFIED FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*

Under the direct supervision of the Support Services Officer, the Finance Specialist acts as an advisor to Senior Management on all aspects of financial management and operations. This includes strategic financial resources management, within UNOPs rules and regulations. S/he leads the financial management operation, ensuring financial integrity of the Business Unit’s programmes/ projects operations, consistent delivery of efficient and effective financial management services to the client office, primarily, Budget Preparation and Management; Cash Management and Treasury functions; and Control of Accounts and Payments. Leading and guiding the Business Unit Financial management Team, s/he fosters collaboration within the team, with programme staff and with other stakeholders with a client-oriented approach. The incumbent provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial management issues, maintains oversight over the financial management of projects, and promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach.

Functions / Key Results Expected:

1. Implementation of operational and financial management strategies
2. Budget management
3. Control of office cash management and payments
4. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1. Implementation of operational and financial management strategies:

Ensure the implementation of operational and financial management strategies, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Advice to senior management on strategic financial resources management
• Authoritative interpretation of requirements for handling transactions advice and guidance concerning UNOPS’ financial practices and rules.
• Operational efficiency of the managerial or accounting aspects of the areas managed.
• Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of forecasts for projects.
• Full compliance of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and audit follow up with UN/UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies and IPAS standards.

• Implementation of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of the financial resources management system.

• Performance of appropriate role in Enterprise system for transactions approvals and bank reconciliation.

• Proper planning, expenditure tracking and audit of financial resources, including extra-budgetary income in accordance with UNOPS rules and regulations
• Control of the workflows in the Finance Unit.
• Elaboration and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies.
• Monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions, and investigates anomalies or unusual transactions. Informs supervisors and other UNOPS colleagues at Headquarters of the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained.
• Support for the development and implementation of Financial Standard Operating Procedures, guidelines and control mechanisms, in conformity with UNOPS rules and regulations

2. Budget management

Manages the project budgets focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Financial resources management through planning, guiding, controlling of the resources in accordance with UNOPS rules and regulations.
• Advise programme management in the formulation of concept notes and draft programmes budgets.
• Coordination of the preparation of the field operating budgets; review of budget submissions, regular analysis and reporting on the budget approvals and the delivery situation; monitoring of expenditures against budget allotments and reporting on variances
• Review, analysis and revision of data with respect to the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, in terms of staff and non-staff requirements submitted by sections; review of budget proposals for reasonableness, consistency with the organizational goals and priorities
• Monitoring of budget implementation, expenditure levels against allotments and determination/ recommendation of reallocation of funds when necessary
• Review and appropriate recommendations with respect to the finalization of budget performance reports, analysing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures
• Preparation and monitoring of budgets of management projects.
• Elaboration of proper mechanisms to eliminate deficiencies in budget management.

3. Control of office cash management and payments Ensures proper control of office cash management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Elaboration of the internal expenditures’ control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Enterprise system, receipting of goods and services and establishment of accruals are properly done
• Timely accounting and reconciliation of all transactions
• Management and oversight of the petty cash and the operational advance accounts and expenditure tracking, and recording of cash disbursements made on sites
• Timely response to HQ requests to resolve any financial data issues

4. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

• Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for personnel on finance related topics.
• Contributes to Finance knowledge networks and communities of practice including collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• An Advanced University Degree (Master's degree or equivalent) with 5 years of relevant experience OR
• A First Level University Degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience is required

Experience

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in providing financial management services in the areas of accounting, budget management or cash management in a private or public organization
• Experience working with an international governmental organization is desired (eg. UN, OSCE, World Bank etc)
• Experience working with ERP systems is desired
• Knowledge of UNOPS financial rules and regulations is an asset.

Languages

• Fluency in English (Reading, Speaking & Writing) is required.
• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) 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: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA)
• Contract level: IICA-2 (ICS 10)

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.

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Added 6 hours ago - Updated 6 hours ago - Source: jobs.unops.org