Finance Specialist

Job categories Finance

Vacancy code VA/2017/B5007/11984

Department/office GPO, GVA, Geneva

Duty station Kiev, Ukraine

Contract type Local ICA Specialist

Contract level LICA Specialist-10

Duration 1 year

Application period 18-Mar-2017 to 02-Apr-2017

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.

This vacancy is closed.

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Background Information - Job-specific

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. 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. With over 8,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

In response to the request of the Government of Ukraine and further to the meeting between the President of Ukraine and UNOPS Executive Director on 15 May 2016 the United Nations Office for Project Services concluded an Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the UNOPS on the opening of the UNOPS Office in Ukraine. The Agreement was signed on 22 November 2016.

According to the Agreement the UNOPS Office in Ukraine is to provide a broad spectrum of services to the Government and people of Ukraine including but not limited to procurement, contracting, recruitment and administration, implementation of technical assistance, humanitarian and investment projects that are funded by the Government, international organizations, local communities, foreign governments and non-for-profit organizations, international financial institutions, UN Agencies and alike.

Under the overall guidance of the Head of Operations, the Finance Specialist is responsible for efficient financial resources management and the provision of accurate, thoroughly researched and documented financial information, effective delivery of financial services, transparent utilization of financial resources and management of the Regional Office or Operations/Project Centre Finance Unit. He/she analyzes and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues. The Finance Specialist promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations.

The Finance Specialist supervises and leads support staff of the Finance Unit and works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations, and project teams in the Regional Office or Operations/Project Centre, UNOPS HQ staff and Government officials ensuring successful delivery of financial services.

Functional Responsibilities

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Summary of Key Functions

Effective and accurate financial resources management and oversight
Implementation of operational strategies and procedures
Projects budgets management and organization of an optimal cost-recovery system
Office or Operations/Project Centre cash management and treasury
Control of Office, Operations/Project Centre accounts
Facilitation of knowledge building and sharing

1. Ensure effective and accurate financial resources management and oversight, focusing on achievement of the following results:

§ Elaboration of proposals for planning of financial resources of the Office or Operations/Project Centre, continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation and presentation of forecasts for development and management projects; provision of high-quality professional advice to the Office or Operations/Project Centre management

§ Proper planning, expenditure tracking and audit of financial resources, in accordance with UNOPS financial rules and regulations.

§ Organization and oversight of Office, Operations/Project Centre cash management processes, including liquidity management, recommendation of imprest level, risk assessment, bank relationship management, timely accounting and reconciliation of all transactions, security for cash assets on site.

§ Monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions and investigation of anomalies or unusual transactions. Provision of information to supervisors and other UNOPS staff at HQ on the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained.

§ Identification of problems in financial and administrative areas, suggesting alternative solutions to resolve issues in compliance with broader UNOPS policies, rules and procedures.

2. Ensure implementation of operational strategies and procedures, focusing on achievement of the following results:

§ Full compliance of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and audit follow up with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implementation of effective internal control, proper design and functioning of the financial resources management system.

§ Elaboration/establishment of internal standard operating procedures and control of the workflows in the Finance Unit.

§ Elaboration and implementation of cost-saving and reduction strategies (including introduction and development of e-banking).

§ Up-to-date on policy developments on UNOPS financial management issues.

3. Ensures timely budget preparation and effective monitoring and control, focusing on achievement of the following results:

§ Coordination of the preparation of the field operating budget; review of budget submissions, regular analysis and reporting on the budget approvals and the delivery situation; monitoring of expenditures against budget allotments and reporting on variances

Coordination with the Head of Operations to ensure compliance with UNOPS financial rules and regulations, financial policies and procedures and that project budgets and revisions are prepared in accordance with established procedures and budgetary guidelines of the funding agency; ensure that project budget rephasings are processed accurately and in a timely manner.
Identification of administrative budgetary requirements; provision of guidance on guidelines for budget preparation, the format to be used in reflecting budget proposals and the procedures for submission to facilitate consolidation at the global level.
Review, analysis and revision of data with respect to the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, in terms of staff and non-staff requirements submitted by project managers; review of budget proposals for reasonableness, consistency with the organizational goals and priorities.
Monitoring and advice the Head of Office and Head of Operations on the financial status of projects and programmes (including pending and approved budgets; contributions confirmed but not yet available for expenditure; contributions available for expenditure and contributions already expended).
Monitoring of budget implementation, expenditure levels against allotments and determination/recommendation of reallocation of funds when necessary
Status of budgetary allocations monitored on an ongoing basis; networking with clients to strengthen budget management and take corrective actions when required.
Collaboration in the improvement of the UNOPS Project Budget formulation system, with the cooperation of the Information Technology group, ensuring relevance of system at all times by updating and proposing change to facilitate financial management of project and enhance financial reporting.Timely financial reports for submission to the funding agency in accordance with UNOPS rules, and in line with the established procedures.
Review and appropriate recommendations with respect to the finalization of budget performance reports, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures
Review and update of guidelines, procedures in light of changing circumstances or for the purpose of complying, streamlining and/or strengthening of existing financial and budgetary procedures

4. Ensures proper Office and Operations/Project Centre cash management and treasury functions, focusing on achievement of the following results:

§ Timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements; identification and recording of receipts for income application.

§ Daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in ONEUNOPS to monitor imprest level; identification and recording of contributions.

§ Establishment of efficient local banking arrangements and compliance with local financial and banking regulations

Building of project capacity to effect payments using ONEUNOPS Accounts.
Monitoring of the delivery and income of the portfolio; planning and adjustment of expenditures for the administrative budget
Discussion and communication with the Head of Operations the savings or potential concerns that may require further review.
Analysis of trends and forecasting of income from projects and other sources.

5. Ensures proper control of Office and Operations/Project Centre accounts and payments, focusing on achievement of the following results:

§ Analysis and elaboration of proposals for the internal expenditures’ control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in ONEUNOPS ERP System; payrolls are duly prepared; monthly payment orders (MPOs), travel claims and other entitlements are duly processed.

§ Quality control of the account by performing ongoing review, analysis and reconciliation of accounts. Investigation of discrepancies and initiation of timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers. Timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues.

§ Control of the Accounts Receivables for UNOPS projects and follow up with partners on contributions, maintenance of the General Ledger.

§ Ensuring proper maintenance of the field financial accounts; preparation of financial records, statements and reports as required or approval of the work of subordinates; coordination of field replies to internal and external audit queries;

§ Ensuring proper receipt, management, safeguarding and disbursement of payments handled by the field; review, modification, initiation and implementation of internal control procedures in coordination with Headquarters;

· Proper control of the supporting documents for payments; preparation of all types of vouchers; Pay Cycle and payments execution.

· Ensuring proper maintenance of the Accounts Receivables for UNOPS projects and follow-up with partners on contributions, deposits creation in ATLAS and their application to AR pending items.

6. Provides support to knowledge building and knowledge sharing, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Organization and conduct of training for the operations/ projects staff on Finance.
Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in Finance.
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 quantity/quality of input/output processed

Education

Master’s Degree or equivalent in Finance, Business Administration, Public ...

Experience

Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s d...

Languages

Proficiency in written and oral English and Ukrainian required. Knowl...

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...

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.

Functional competencies

Knowledge Management and Learning Promotes a knowledge sharing and le...

Knowledge Management and Learning

Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to provide analytical inputs to strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
Ability to make the analysis of requirements and parameters provided in support of financial processes in the Regional Office or Operations/Project Centre
Ability to formulate and manage budgets, contributions and investments, and transactions; conduct financial analysis, reporting and cost recovery
Ability to successfully lead the Finance Team
Excellent IT skills, knowledge of Atlas
Ability to implement new systems and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change

Management and Leadership

Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback

Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude

§ Keen sense of ethics and integrity in dealing with clients and service providers and demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with counterparts and clients

Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) Contract level: Local ICA S...

Additional Considerations

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A NATIONAL POSITION FOR WHICH ONLY UKRAINIAN NATIONALS ...

This vacancy is closed.

Apply

APPLICATION TIPS

How to send a good application:

TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE

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.

We are proud of our people. The UNOPS family brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf on our partners. Spread across 80 countries, our workforce is rich in diversity and culture – with inclusion at its core.

We understand the importance of balancing professional and personal demands and offer several flexible working options.

Explore what we offer here.