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. UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. 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.
Job Specific:
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Finance Manager, who reports to the Head of Support Services, the Finance Associate will ensure the effective execution of financial services and processes and transparent utilization of financial resources. The Finance Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations.
The Finance Associate works in close collaboration with IPAS Finance and other relevant colleagues in HQ as well as colleagues in the support services, programme and project functions in the field offices, resolving finance-related issues and information exchange. S/he promotes a client, quality, and results-oriented approach.
Functional Responsibilities
Summary of Key Functions:
Administration of budgets and cost-recovery system
Accounting, Payments, Payroll
Office cash management
Knowledge building and Knowledge sharing
Administration of budgets and cost-recovery system:
Ensures administration of budgets and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:
Preparation and modifications of budgets for projects,
Presentation of researched information for planning and status of office’s financial resources
Provision of inputs for implementation of cost-saving and reduction strategies in consultation with the office management.
Preparation of cost sharing and trust fund agreements, follow up on contributions within the office’s resource mobilization efforts.
Accounting, Payments, Payroll
Accounting, Payments, Payroll functions focusing on achievement of the following results:
Proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports for projects; preparation of all types of vouchers; Pay Cycle and payments execution.
Proper receipting of goods, services, and establishment of accruals.
Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, timely corrective actions on unposted voucher taken, including those with budget check errors, match exceptions and unapproved vouchers; transactions are correctly recorded and posted; payrolls are duly prepared and processed; travel claims, MPOs and other entitlements are duly processed
Review of payment requests including supporting documents against the annual work plan.
Timely accounts closure
Timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues.
Timely corrective actions on erroneous data in the Enterprise system. Preparation of financial reports as required.
Maintenance of the Accounts Receivables for projects and follow-up with partners on contributions, deposits creation in Enterprise System and their application to pending items.
Timely reimbursements, payments of costs by the Government
Preparation of vouchers for projects.
Office cash management:
Alternate to the supervising Finance Associate/Senior Finance Associate for timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements. Timely identification and recording of receipts for income application.
Alternate to the supervising Finance Associate/Senior Finance Associate for daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in Enterprise system to monitor imprest level; identification and recording of contributions.
Alternate to the supervising Finance Associate/Senior Finance Associate for timely preparation of monthly cash flow forecast for use by Operations Manager/ Finance Analyst. Liaison with clients to obtain estimate of their cash requirement.
Effecting of operational Advances after submission of the reconciliation and settlement of the previous advances.
Knowledge building and knowledge sharing:
Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for personnel on finance-related topics.
Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice by synthesizing lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in human resources.
Contribute feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.
As Key Business User provides financial management support in the financial management module of Enterprise system to internal clients.
Impact of Results
The effective and successful achievement of results by the Finance Associate directly affects the overall efficiency of the individual team’s provision of administrative services, impacting the office’s capacity to efficiently and effectively service the operational needs of the office/programme/projects. Timely and accountable delivery of services, accurate data entry, and presentation of financial information to ensure client-oriented approach and satisfaction that promotes the image and credibility within UNOPS Financial Services. This enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country/region served.
Education
Completion of secondary school or equivalent is required.
Diploma Certificate in Accounting, Business Administration, or Finance or other relevant disciplines with four (4) years of experience may be accepted.
A Bachelor’s Degree in related subjects i.e. Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or other relevant disciplines will be an asset but not required.
A Master’s Degree in the relevant disciplines will be an asset but not required.
CPA /ACCA certification is desirable
Work Experience:
A minimum six (6) years of progressively responsible finance or accounting experience is required at the national or international level.
Knowledge of UN/UNOPS financial rules and regulations is an added advantage as well as working knowledge of ERP is desirable.
Experience /knowledge of web-based applications and Google Suite products, especially google forms, sheets, docs and slides is an asset.
Some experience in UN system organizations is desirable.
Languages
Fluency in written, reading and spoken English Language is required.
