Head of Finance - MMCO

Contract

This is a P-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 133,817 USD and 172,529 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Background Information - Myanmar

Myanmar is one of UNOPS leading offices in Asia, acting as fund manager for some of the largest development programmes in the country, including the Access to Health Fund and the Livelihood and Food Security Fund (LIFT). In addition, UNOPS Myanmar is Principal Recipient for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Myanmar and Cambodia, and for the Global Fund Regional Artemisinin-resistance Initiative targeting drug resistant malaria in the Greater Mekong sub-region. UNOPS provides procurement, infrastructure and project management services to a wide range of organizations in the country, international development partners, other UN agencies, NGOs and INGOs. UNOPS Myanmar 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

Within UNOPS Myanmar’s Support Services Department, the Finance Unit is responsible for the successful delivery of financial services to all of UNOPS’ operations in Myanmar. The Finance Unit is comprised of over 100 people, many based throughout Myanmar as part of Finance’s Managed Cash Flow Unit. The Head of Finance is responsible for the transparent utilization of financial resources and effective leadership of the Finance Unit and shall focus on:

• Strategic Advice and Guidance
• Financial Management, Reporting and Controls
• Financial Knowledge Management and Capacity Building
• Management and Leadership

S/he shall abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

Functional Responsibilities

The Head of Finance analyses and interprets financial rules and regulations and provides solutions for a wide spectrum of complex financial issues, promoting a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations. Under the guidance and supervision of the Head of Support Services, the Head of Finance is responsible for the following:

Strategic Advice and Guidance

• Reliable strategic and technical advice and timely performance management reports to MMCO projects, programmes, and Senior Management Group, to enable and encourage informed management engagement on financial issues.
• Advice to MMCO senior leadership on cost reduction strategies aimed at maintaining MMCO’s financial viability.
• Participation in the development and implementation of the MMCO’s business plan as a strategic partner.
• Provide advice to MMCO senior leadership on financial performance against the annual delivery targets with the purpose of informed strategic decision and resource allocation in line with the organizational priorities.
• Review, analysis and revision of data for finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, and direct support during the development and implementation of project acquisition to ensure efficient financial implementation and adherence to both UNOPS and client pricing policies.
• Actively participate in the interagency discussions and meetings in respect to any financial arrangements and procedures which affect the financial operations in country

Financial Management, Reporting and Controls

• Continuous review of financial and accounting operations ensuring adequate financial controls are in place to protect financial resources and ensure reliability of data and financial reports.
• Development and implementation of UNOPS Myanmar financial management Standard Operating Procedures, guidelines and control mechanisms, in conformity with UNOPS rules and regulations.
• Management of the locally shared services and management budgets including review, analysis, reporting, monitoring performance and identification of administrative budgetary requirements as well as provision of guidance on budget preparation and the procedures for submission to facilitate consolidation at the regional level.
• Timely and accurate financial reports to funding sources in accordance with UNOPS rules and procedures and established donor requirements
• Management of Accounts Receivables and Accounts Payable including payroll and development - of reporting mechanism.
• Account review, analysis and reconciliation, ensuring the quality and accuracy of the financial data disclosed in the certified financial statements; Implement related and effective risk management actions.
• Monthly, quarterly and annual closure activities for MMCO in compliance with pertinent UNOPS policies and procedures, and in line with Finance Group guidelines.
• Management of audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audit engagements and follow up on audit observations/recommendations; Implement necessary changes to strengthen financial controls.
• Establish, manage and maintain arrangements with commercial banks in Myanmar to achieve cost-effectiveness and secure payments.
• Lead the development and implementation of cash handling procedures and prepares cash and currency flow forecasts and projections.

Financial Knowledge Management and Capacity Building

• Contribute to the development of internal capacity across MMCO in financial accounting.
• Develop capacity of stakeholders in financial accounting by leading, organizing and conducting training/workshops, identifying expert resources to facilitate as needed.
• Synthesize and disseminate of lessons learned and best practices in Finance, and offer sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Provide technical guidance and on the job training to ensure work standards are achieved, both in terms of quality and quantity of inputs/outputs processed.

Management and Leadership

• Leadership and oversight of the Finance Unit, establishing strategic team objectives, key performance indicators, and measurement standards toward delivering expected results.
• Management of the Managed Cash Flow Unit (MCFU) responsible for cash-flow/disbursement/cash transfer mechanisms and implementation of internal controls, risk management and planning of related activities, including a team upwards of 80 personnel.
• Continuous assessment of the performance and effectiveness of financial services, recommending changes and/or corrective actions in the team structure and/or finance operations to enhance and maintain effectiveness in the changing environment.
• Attract, retain and develop talent with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance, offering guidance to enable responsible, effective and efficient performance.
• Promote collaboration and foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

Impact of Results

The Head of Finance directly impacts the effective management and financial integrity of UNOPS through the effective stewarding of UNOPS Myanmar resources, maintaining appropriate controls and integrity of financial management in accordance with relevant UNOPS rules and regulations, enabling prudent management financial resources and building an informed and shared management engagement on financial issues in support of the UNOPS Myanmar strategy.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

a. Education

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related discipline is required. A Bachelor’s Degree in the above mentioned fields, with an additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of Master’s Degree.
• Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent highly desirable.

b. Work Experience

• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in financial management and accounting.
  • Minimum 2 years experience in supervising and managing teams with large number of personnel deployed in several locations.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience managing financial systems and budgets .
  • Knowledge of international accounting and financial reporting standards is required.
  • Hands on experience with UN administrative/financial regulations and rules as well as procurement procedures would be an asset.
  • Experience in multi-donor and multi-agency accounting, budgeting and auditing is highly desirable.
  • Experience in a large-scale project management environment is desirable.
  • Experience in handling complex financial management issues at the international level is desirable.
  • Experience in other functional areas in operations - HR, Procurement and General Administration, would be an asset.
  • Knowledge of budgetary procedures, policies and practices is desirable.

c. Language

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.

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: Fixed Term Appointment Contract level: P4 / ICS11 Contract duration: 1 Year (renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding)

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.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.