Finance Specialist

Peace and Security Cluster

United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) South Sudan

The PSC Project Unit operates as an integral part of Peace and Security Cluster structure. The Head of the Project Unit reports to the PSC Director who provides direction and guidance. S/he is responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, supervising and closing all projects in the country in order to support substantive partners in delivering its mandate. 

PSC’s partner is the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), and UNMAS’ representative in-country is the Chief of Mine Action Programme (CMAP). The CMAP is therefore the HPU’s primary stakeholder. UNOPS PSC and UNMAS have developed a delineation of responsibilities, using a responsibility matrix to define who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed. The HPU is expected to work in close cooperation with the CMAP, ensuring that, in substance, the mine action programme operates as one integrated team. 

PSC Project Unit in South Sudan delivers services for UNMAS in support of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and their mandate, under SCR 2729 (2024) and its four main objectives, particularly in terms of the Protection of Civilians and in Creating Conditions Conducive to the Delivery of Humanitarian Assistance. This is achieved through a carefully designed and managed operational reach that is necessary, flexible and fit-for-purpose, consisting of four mechanical and 17 manual third-party contracted and splittable clearance teams, overseen by a small Operational/QA capacity.

1. Implementation of operational and financial management strategies

2. Budget management 

3. Control of office cash management and payments

4. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

Ensure the implementation of operational and financial management strategies, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Advice to senior management on strategic financial resources management

• Authoritative interpretation of requirements for handling transactions advice and guidance concerning UNOPS’ financial practices and rules.

• Operational efficiency of the managerial or accounting aspects of the areas managed.

• Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of forecasts for projects.

• Full compliance of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and audit follow up with UN/UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies and IPAS standards.

• Implementation of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of the financial resources management system. 

• Performance of appropriate role in Enterprise system for transactions approvals and bank reconciliation. 

• Proper planning, expenditure tracking and audit of financial resources, including extra-budgetary income in accordance with UNOPS rules and regulations 

• Control of the workflows in the Finance Unit.

• Elaboration and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies.

• Monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions, and investigates anomalies or unusual transactions. Informs supervisors and other UNOPS colleagues at Headquarters of the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained.

• Support for the development and implementation of Financial Standard Operating Procedures, guidelines and control mechanisms, in conformity with UNOPS rules and regulations

• An Advanced University Degree (Master's degree or equivalent) with 5 years of relevant experience OR

• A First Level University Degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience is required

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in providing financial management services in the areas of accounting, budget management or cash management in a private or public organization 

• Experience working with an international governmental organization is desired (eg. UN, OSCE, World Bank etc)

• Experience working with ERP systems is desired

• Knowledge of UNOPS financial rules and regulations is an asset.

• Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA)
• Contract level: IICA-2 (ICS 10)

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and 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 personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.