Operations Associate
Support finance and HR operations as part of the UNICEF Oman team.
Overview
Support finance and HR operations as part of the UNICEF Oman team.
You have:
- Experience in financial management, audit or relevant field is required.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel is required.
- Experience in an international organization and/or large corporation is preferred.
- Strong communication skills are essential.
- Ability to work in a team and respect diversity is important.
Contract
This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.
Oman’s GDP per capita stood at US $17,227.7 at the end of 2018, placing the country in the high-income category. Oman ranks 48 on the Human Development Index, indicating very high human development. The country’s economy is highly dependent on oil and gas, which contributed 78.2 per cent of Government revenue in 2018. The government translated gains from oil revenues to an impressive social welfare system and ensured universal coverage of health and education services. These achievements have been well documented and recognized globally.
Founded on a solid collaboration with the Government, UNICEF has contributed towards numerous achievements on children and women in Oman since 1971. Given the high-income status of Oman, the operational modality of UNICEF is a unique experience. The programme is of an upstream nature focused on providing support to the government in the areas of strategic policy development, institutional capacity building as well as development of state of the art models aimed at children’s development.
The Government of Oman – UNICEF Country Programme is centred around two priority outcome areas: 1) Enhancing Children’s Potential: Children of all ages have more equitable access to quality services in protection, education and health, and enhanced opportunities to realize their full potential; 2) Making Data Work for Children: Data disaggregated by age, sex, disability, governorate and income are used effectively in planning, monitoring, policy and practice related to children and the Sustainable Development Goals.
UNICEF Oman Country Office (OCO) is made up of a small dynamic team whereby the Operations Associate (National UN Volunteer) would be an integral part of the Operations team, assisting with specific tasks in the areas of Human Resources and Finance to support the smooth implementation of the country programme.
National UN Specialist Volunteers in Oman are entitled to:
• Volunteer living allowance USD 2,869.24 • Annual and learning leaves; • Free Medical and life insurance; • Free access to different learning platforms.
For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of UNICEF OCO Operations Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN volunteer will be accountable for delivering effective and efficient services and support in the areas of Finance and Human Resources in particular. The Operations Associate will report to OCO Operations Officer.
Key Tasks:
FINANCE Support to OCO:
• Consolidate office expenditures as part of monthly preparation of office cash forecast, keep monitor of spending
rate.
• Financial processing of program and operational payments, including review of documents, raising invoice
process request to GSSC service gateway.
• Prepare MDM requests for new vendors, make sure all information and requested documents are attached to
the request.
• Proactively track upcoming payments for consultants through the tracking spreadsheet
• Issue payment advice and share with concerned beneficiaries. Follow up with GSSC for any delays.
• Maintain financial filling system to all office related invoices and other supporting documents as per UNICEF
financial policies and audit guidelines.
• Monitor bank balances to ensure sufficient funds are available and external transfers are deposited.
• Support RO with bank reconciliation preparation.
• Raise Fund Commitments “ FC” for different organization spending needs. Replenish FCs with funds upon
request and when needed.
• Prepare reports for VAT reimbursement on quarterly basis, follow up with Tax dept for reimbursed amounts.
• Support the Head of Operations in completing the with closing year-end account and activities
• Support in orientation session provided to new employees on financial matters.
• Liaise with local banks to facilitate financial transactions.
• Assist on all aspects related to preparation of reports, compilation of data and answering queries on pledges
recorded, funds received, adjustments made to ensure financial compliance.
• Performs other financial processing duties, as required.
Human Resources Support to OCO: • Support in recruitment and placement through preparing and circulating internal and external advertisements, liaising with candidates in the various stages of the recruitment process, initiating and following up on reference checks and academic verifications and ensuring the completion of other background checks. • Monitors life cycle of recruitment process to update supervisor as necessary, including on-boarding • Initiates the processing of a wide range of personnel actions in accordance with UNICEF rules and regulations, by ensuring all relevant forms and actions are completed by staff and forwarded to the GSSC. • Maintains and prepares all personnel-related records and files, ensuring all information on each staff member is up-to-date and accurate. • Advises and assists international staff, experts and consultants on all aspects of allowances, salary advances, travel claims and other financial matters, and calculates and authorizes payments due for claims and services • Proactively seek inputs to the Annual Leave Plan on a quarterly basis • Supports with the timely advertisement and recruitment of interns as required and with on-boarding • Support in learning & capacity development as requested by the Learning and Development Committee • Performs other HR related duties, as required.
OCO support to Yemen CO: • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor that might be relevant to Salalah hub.
Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:
• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and
external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International
Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters,
press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and
organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement,
financial management, audit or relevant field is required. Experience in an international organization and/or large corporation is preferred. • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel required. Experience in database packages, web-based management systems and ERP systems (preferably SAP financial modules) is considered as an asset
As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a time when you had to manage a financial task involving multiple stakeholders? | This question gauges your financial management skills and how you handle communication with different parties. | Highlight specific examples and the positive outcome of your actions. |
| How have you utilized Excel in a previous role to manage data? | The interviewer wants to assess your proficiency with Excel and application in practical situations. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your experience with recruitment processes. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy in financial reporting? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you give an example of how you've demonstrated commitment to learning and development in your career? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |