Finance Associate, GS6 (m/f)

Description

• The Finance Associate post is located in the UNFPA Pemba Project Office and reports directly to the Programme Coordinator of the Pemba Office, under the overall guidance of the Assistant Representative and the Deputy Representative
• The Finance Associate delivers quality financial services to internal and external clients in the context of the My Choice Programme, in full compliance with established UNFPA financial rules, guidelines, processes and procedures and taking a client-oriented and result-focused approach when providing finance management related guidance to project team members and IPs

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
• Ensure 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
• Interpret 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
• Assist 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
• Assist 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
• Review 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
• Follow up with relevant implementing partners (IPs) to ensure IPs’ timely implementation of audit recommendations as well as internal control and management recommendations
• Assist 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

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
• Experience in formal auditing or internal control is desirable
• Proficiency in current Microsoft Office applications (especially Microsoft Excel and Word)
• Experience in use of Pivot Tables and advanced formulas is desirable
• Experience in using ERP system (e.g. PeopleSoft, Oracle, SAP) or similar computerized applications
• Ability to write clearly and concisely
• Working experience with UN organizations desirable
• Fluency in English and Portuguese is required
• Values:
• Exemplifying integrity
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
• Embracing cultural diversity
• Embracing change
• Core Competencies:
• Achieving results
• Being accountable
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen
• Thinking analytically and strategically
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships
• Communicating for impact
• Functional Competencies:
• Managing the organization’s financial resources
• Implementing management systems
• Business acumen and ability to multi-task and balance competing priorities
• Innovation and marketing of new approaches
• Pro-activeness and client orientation
• Organizational awareness
• Job knowledge/technical expertise
• Other Desirable Skills:
• Developing people/fostering innovation and empowerment;
• Analytical and strategic thinking
• Communication, information and ideas/knowledge sharing
• Appropriate and transparent decision making
• Supervisory skills
• Commitment to excellence

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, Embracing diversity in all its forms, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities for all including persons with disabilities
• Compensation and Benefits: This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary, health insurance and other benefits as applicable