Project Finance Advisor

Contract

This is a IICA-3 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 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The Finance Group (FG) is a critical and strategic business function in UNOPS and serves as an authoritative and integrated partner in the organization on strategic financial planning and budgeting, business strategy and practices, financial analysis and risk assessment, financial project management services and long term organisational treasury and investments. As the steward of resources of a self-financing UN entity, FG is accountable for timely cost recovery and reporting to partners, maintaining the integrity and transparency of financial management of resources in accordance with the highest standards of ethics and organisational/international accountability framework and the accurate and transparent financial reporting to governing bodies, clients, partners and stakeholders.

The Project Finance Advisor reports to the Head of Project Finance who provides broad supervision and guidance. As a senior team member the position will include supervisory responsibility on other team members and fulfill the Officer in Charge (OIC) role for the Head of Project Finance in her/his absence. The role contributes to the Finance Group's vision of being a true business partner to UNOPS projects, by providing advice on all financial matters for client project delivery to senior management and members of the project teams. This includes establishing aspects of the financial framework within which client projects can operate, i.e. the policies and systems that govern cost recovery, financial aspects of global agreements with partners, budget presentations, cash management, and the financial reporting. The role is part of a centre of excellence, providing seamless, appropriate, relevant and proactive project specific tools, guidance and where necessary support. The role includes collaboration on project setup, implementation and closure with the Integrated Practice Advisory Service (IPAS) and UNOPS Partnerships Group, and supports outreach and training on all things related to project finance.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of Project Finance, this role is responsible for supporting the finance vision of being a true business partner to UNOPS client projects and business development activities, by providing in-depth advice on all financial matters that pertain to UNOPS overall cost recovery model, but also to the financial needs of UNOPS partners.

This role will be instrumental in advancing UNOPS cost recovery mechanisms and policies and supporting field operations with hands-on project finance accounting.

Summary of functions that can be assigned to the role and the supervised team. This list is intended to provide a high level view on the areas that might be relevant for the role, but other related tasks to project finance matters can be assigned as per business requirements:

1. Financial review of partner agreements; Review of global/regional or individual partner agreements and related templates; review of legal clauses on financial matters; maintenance of standard financial aspects of UNOPS standard and partner specific legal agreement templates; support to financial discussions with partners. This is to ensure quality and process compliance with UNOPS policies as well as documentation of the partner needs.

2. Project budgeting and accounting; Development and review of project budget templates, policy setting for financial record keeping against client project accounts, systems configuration as well as adjustment and oversight of client project accounts.

3. Cost attribution and cost recovery; Policy setting on cost recovery mechanisms for direct and indirect cost, system configuration on recovery mechanisms, planning of recovery rates where applicable, review of cost recovery budget proposals and oversight of recovery performance.

4. Project cash management; Policy setting on cash management for client projects, systems configuration, as well as processing and oversight of cash management processes.

5. Client financial reporting; Preparation and review of client financial reporting templates, policy setting for client financial reports, systems configuration, preparation of client project financial reports, and oversight of client project financial reporting performance.

6. Project financial closure; Policy setting on financial closure of client projects, systems configuration, and oversight of client project financial closure and performance,.

7. Knowledge management, innovation and stakeholder management; Development and introduction of innovation, dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned on project finance matters. Coordination, briefing and outreach to key stakeholders for the team/function internal and external to UNOPS.

The role is expected to help us rethink and improve the UNOPS cost recovery model to ensure full cost recovery for indirect cost as well as direct cost for shared services. It will also support the advancement of project finance practices and provide support to project managers, business developers and our donors on financial matters.

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned finance professional, with a proven track record in one or more of the areas mentioned above, a sound understanding of international finance management best practices, together with an open mind for innovation, while being focused on delivering practical solutions.

A good candidate will have an international outlook, experience working in a global or international organization, ideally with good experience in project financial matters.

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. 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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent), preferably in Finance or Business Administration, or other related field is required.

Experience:

• Required: 7 years of experience working in financial management.
• Required: Experience working in a field location.
• Required: Supervisory experience.
• Highly desirable: experience working on financial matters as they relate to project management, including project budgeting and project reporting.
• Strong asset: Understanding of UNOPS financial model as it relates to client projects.
• Strong asset: Further experience with partner relations and project financial aspects.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of Spanish and/or French is desired.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA Contract level: I-ICA3 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