Finance Associate, GS-6 (m/f)

Duties

Management of Programme Financial Resources

• Support the monitoring of the Programme financial performance by providing necessary financial information and analysis, including implementation rate against indicators/results. Detects potential over/under expenditure problems and proposes remedial action
• Develop tools and mechanisms for effective and efficient monitoring of project budgets, coordinates compilation of financial data and provides accurate and up-dated financial information on a continuous basis
• Ensures that financial transactions, including advances of funds to implementing partners, are processed in an accurate and timely way by reviewing supporting documents and ensuring that advances and expenditures are in accordance with UNFPA Rules and Regulations
• Interprets financial policies and procedures and provides guidance and training to staff and project managers. Strives to identify ways in which project financial needs can be met within existing policies
• Assists in the management of the budget formulation, controlling allotments, monitoring expenditures, and preparing revisions according to the needs of the UNFPA country office and especially the SRH team
• Assists in the effective monitoring and follow up of funds transferred to relevant Implementing Partners (IPs) through National Implementation (NEX). Performs periodic spot checks (on-site reviews) to assess the accuracy of the financial records for cash transfers to the IP and the status of programme implementation, and to determine whether there have been any significant changes to internal controls. Reviews the IP’s internal controls with respect to financial management, procurement and/or other controls required to implement the activities defined in the work plan; and reviewing expenditures to confirm that documentation supports the expenditures and that they are in accordance with the work plan and other UNFPA’s regulations. Ensures that goods and services procured have been received and used to implement the activities in line with the work plan or programme document
• Reviews and assesses whether the amount reported on the statements of expenditures issued by the IPs (Funding authorization and certificate of expenditures - FACE form) correspond to the amounts recorded in the Implementing Partners’ accounting system, the approved budget, and reconciles to the bank statements
• Follows up with relevant implementing partners (IPs) to ensure IPs’ timely implementation of audit recommendations as well as internal control and management recommendations
• Assists in strengthening the performance of administrative and financial staff of implementing partners through periodic on-site one to one training as well as group training

Work Relations

• The Finance Associate’s internal contacts include the International Operations Manager, other operations/procurement staff and the CO’s programme/technical team. Develops sound and accountable working relationships with staff of implementing partners. Develops efficient working relationship with internal partners and external stakeholders, including technical experts, UN agencies, donors, NGOs and Governments

Requisites

• Completed Secondary Level Education required
• First level university degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Management or similar discipline desirable
• Minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience in finance, administration or office management
• Proven experience and track record in successfully managing and implementing financial policies, processes and systems in development organizations at national or international level
• Proficiency in current Microsoft Office applications (especially Microsoft Excel and Word)
• Experience in using ERP system (e.g. PeopleSoft, Oracle, and SAP) or similar computerized applications
• Ability to write clearly and concisely
• Working experience with UN organizations desirable
• Fluency in English and Portuguese is required

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted