Senior Finance Associate

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 - UNOPS

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

AUMCO

The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) was set up in August 2019 as a part of the UNOPS Europe & Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on:

• Infrastructure
• Procurement
• Project Management (full service, back on track)
• HR and Transactional Services
• Grant Management
• Technical and Advisory Services

UNOPS in Uzbekistan

UNOPS currently manages the Project “Support to Development of Oncology Services Project in Uzbekistan (Phase II)” funded through a major loan from the Islamic Development Bank and in line with SDG3 (Good Health and Wellbeing). UNOPS will support the Government of Uzbekistan in strengthening the preparedness of its national healthcare system, and preventing and treating oncological cases in an effective and timely manner. By identifying, procuring, delivering and operationalizing urgently needed medical, laboratory, radiological and ICT equipment, the project will significantly contribute to improved access and quality healthcare services for local communities in 14 regional locations including Tashkent and throughout the country.

We expect our portfolio of projects to be developed further in Uzbekistan and this position’s functional responsibilities to be extended towards new projects that we expect to implement.

*** Only Uzbekistan nationals or persons already holding a valid residence/work permit in Uzbekistan are eligible for this position*** ***Qualified females are encouraged to apply***

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Support Services Manager and overall guidance of the Head of Support Services, the Senior Finance Associate will provide financial and administrative support to the timely processing, recording, monitoring, and maintaining of financial transactions in accordance with UNOPS’ financial rules, regulations, policies, and processes.

1. Administration and implementation of operational and financial management strategies
2. Administration of budgets and monitoring
3. Accounting and administrative support
4. Treasury management (bank accounts and petty cash)
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 project agreements’ provisions and contribute to the office’s resource mobilization efforts and efficiencies.
• Implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies in consultations with office management.

2. Administration of budgets and monitoring Ensures administration of budgets and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Preparation (and revisions as may be required) of project budgets and follow up with HQ on required timely approvals.
• Monitor and review the project / projects spending status continuously.
• Implementation of the control mechanism for projects through monitoring budgets preparation and revisions, budgetary status.
• Presentation of thoroughly researched information for planning of financial resources of the office, report and analyze the financial situation.
• Analyze data and prepare projects’ financial forecasts.

3. Accounting and administrative support Provides accounting and administrative support focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Proper control of the supporting documents for payments, and preparing financial reports for projects.
• Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that payments processed are completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in ERP System (Enterprise Resource Planning); travel and other claims are duly processed.
• Coordination and review of closure processes (quarterly, year-end).
• Timely corrective actions on payments due that are prevented due to various reasons
• Contribute to the Accounts Receivable management and follow up with partners on contributions.
• Coordinate timely VAT reimbursements by the Government.
• Review of financial commitments and coordinate with the project management team / procurement team accurate receipt of goods and services in the ERP system that leads to establishment of accruals in UNOPS’s accounting records.

4. Treasury management (bank accounts and petty cash) Ensures UNOPS policies and processes in the area of treasury management are adhered to fully and are focused on achieving the following results:

• Timely review of cash position for local bank accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for upcoming disbursements.
• Timely identification and recording of receipts in UNOPS local bank accounts.
• Be the primary contact with local bank management on routine operational matters. May also serve as member of the bank signatory panel upon decision of management.
• Timely and accurate preparation of bank reconciliations.
• Performing remittance process through UNOPS’s ERP.
• Liaise with the HQ on replenishment of the local bank account as may be required.
• Perform the duties of the petty cash custodian as may be required.

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 newly recruited 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.
• Utilize UNOPS’s platforms that facilitate knowledge sharing.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Secondary school (High School or equivalent) with a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience is required.
• Alternatively, a first level university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration or related field with a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience is required.
• An advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in the above mentioned subjects or related field may substitute for additional years of experience.
• Relevant certification in financial management or accounting a distinct advantage.

Experience - Relevant experience is defined as experience within the areas of finance, accounting, business administration or related field. - Previous experience in UN system organizations is desirable. - Experience in working with ERP platforms would be an advantage.

Language - Full fluency in English is essential. - Fluency in Uzbek and/or Russian is required.

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

This is a local position.

1. Contract type: Local Independent Contractor Agreement (LICA)
2. Contract level Local ICA Support Level 7, LICA7, ICS7
3. Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

*** Only Uzbekistan nationals or persons already holding a valid residence/work permit in Uzbekistan are eligible for this position*** ***Qualified females are encouraged to apply***

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.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
• 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
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, 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 recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.

Working with us We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.

Diversity With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.

Work life harmonization UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.