Finance Specialist

The Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) was established in 1990 and mandated by name in United Nations General Assembly resolution A/RES/45/181.The WSSCC Secretariat is hosted by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and aims to accelerate the achievement of sustainable sanitation, hygiene and water services for all people, with special attention to the unserved poor, by enhancing collaboration and coordination of all sector stakeholders. The WSSCC Secretariat is located in Geneva, Switzerland. More information on WSSCC can be found on the website at www.wsscc.org.

Systems Development

• Support in the development of a financial accounting and reporting system that will facillitate grant management, enhance financial oversight and transparency and allow for systematic analysis of expenditure against results.
• Coordinate systems development in such a way that the information can be integrated with UNOPS financial management systems if needed.
• Develop financial reporting system in such a way that the information is readily accessible to all stakeholders and can be analysed for presentation to different audiences.
• Contribute to the development and acquisiton of appropriate computer software to implement proposed financial management system.
• Support the roll out of systems with Executing Agencies, Country Program Monitors and Council Staff. Prepare materials and deliver ongoing financial training and support to the WSSCC team and partners as necessary
• Support Program Officers in the review of financial and operational information relating to grant processes and implementation, including procurements, budgets, work plans and financial management aspects (accounting systems, internal control mechanisms, audit arrangements etc.)
• Participate in procurement activities relating to the selection of  EAs and CPMs, from the initiation of the procurement process until the management of the financial aspects of the contracts; 
• Take part in procurement evaluation panels when needed and collaborate with UNOPS staff to ensure all contractual documents are well drafted and comprehensively covering the substantial elements of the funded activities;
• Participate in country visits, and give financial inputs and guidance (written and verbal) to the Program Officers and in-country actors
• Conduct and supervise compliance reviews of grant disbursements, in particular liaising with Council colleagues to ensure quality of disbursement documentation
• Work with Council colleagues, UNOPS auditors, CPMs or other external bodies in the conduct of special assignments eg special budget reviews, risk assessments

• Master degree in finance, accounting, auditing, business administration, economics, commerce or related field is required
• A bachelor's degree with a combination of 2 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted  in lieu of the master's degree.

• Minimum five years experience providing financial management services broadly in the performance areas of the position as mentioned under functional responsibilities.

• Fluency in written and spoken English and French is required. 

• Proven conceptual analytical and evaluative skills and ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identifying issues, formulating options and making conclusions and recommendations. A complete in-depth grasp of financial principles and practices.
• Knowledge of project management, especially with regard to project start-ups, highly desirable.
• Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan and those under his/her supervision.
• Solid computer skills including proficiency in Excel. Knowledge of other software applications (such as databases) and ERP would be desirable.
• Proven ability to write in a clear concise manner and to communicate effectively orally.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with financial counterparts and substantive offices.
• Ability to communicate technical financial matters in a simple and clear manner to individuals not well-versed in the intricacies of financial management.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Familiarity with UN Financial rules and regulations an advantage.

• 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.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• 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.  

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.

This position is based in Switzerland and the fee is subject to taxes levied by the Swiss authorities.

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

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

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

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