Working out of the sub-regional hub in Johannesburg of UNICEF's Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa (ESARO), the incumbent will support the UNICEF Country Offices in Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini (BNLE) in managing cost effective, efficient and secure operations, administration and implementation of the UNICEF country programmes; consistent with operations of all other country offices in the region in accordance with strategy, plans and decisions made by regional and country office management teams. This position provides technical guidance and advice to operations related matters in the BNLE Country Offices and reports to the Deputy Representative, Operations of the BNLE Operations hub.
Summary of key functions/accountabilities:
Support to financial planning and management
Control of accounts
Treasury and cash management
Knowledge and capacity building
Support to financial planning and management
Provide support to the financial planning process for CPMP by preparing/analyzing financial data/estimates and documentations verifying relevancy, accuracy and completeness to support budget planning. Provide financial operations support throughout the financial planning and implementation process.
Review budget expenditures according to allotment and codes and verify compliance with guidelines and procedures. Keep stakeholders informed for timely action.
Provide technical and operational support on the application, interpretation and implementation of operational policies, procedures and guidelines to the Representative and CO colleagues and stakeholders. Resolve routine financial operational issues and/or recommend (and record) deviation from policies and guidelines to meet objectives.
Provide technical support to the programme counterparts/committees, e.g. review budgets and financial plans of implementing partners; monitor compliance with HACT framework, including support to assessments, assurance and capacity development of
implementing partners.
Prepare and/or monitor financial exception reports to assess unusual activities and transactions, investigate anomalies, and keep supervisor informed for timely action.
Review financial and reputational risks in the transactions carried out by the office and raise flags when action is needed by management.
Where applicable, support PSFR activities on budget preparation, strategic income projection/ reporting, setting and monitoring performance indicators, revenue and expense reporting, and provide technical advice during strategic planning exercises.
Control of accounts
Process and/or review (as per delegated authority) the accurate and timely processing submission of payments (e.g. MIP, travel claims, pension fund, advances to governments etc), journal entries and other financial transactions within scope to the Global Shared Services Center (GSSC), ensuring compliance with budgetary limits, IPSAS and organizational regulations, rules, policies, procedures, standards of accountability, and ethics. Take timely action on outstanding accounts to resolve pending issues. This includes dialogue and follow up with the GSSC to facilitate timely processing of financial transactions submitted to the center.
Process/supervise (as per delegated authority) the disbursement of payments when done locally via bank letters, checks, or petty cash.
Process and supervise cash receipts and reconcile income contributions to ensure their timely deposit and recording in UNICEF systems.
Monitor and analyze financial transactions, accounting reports and reconciliation of accounts to ensure accurate and current financial information for applicable compliance (e.g. IPSAS, donor reporting, internal policies) and management oversight, planning and/or action.
Prepare or contribute to mandated management/statutory office financial and accounting reports to UNICEF Board/Bodies/Donors, verifying the reliability of data and compliance with organizational guidelines.
Collaborate with oversight bodies (e.g. UNBOA, OIAI, Evaluation Office, JIU, donors, etc.) to provide answers to requests; and engage with the appropriate colleagues to resolve financial observations and recommendations raised in a sustainable and efficient manner.
Complete applicable accounts closure activities (monthly, quarterly, and yearly) on a timely basis and per closure instructions.
Examine DCT transactions (transfer, adjustments, reprogramming and liquidation) supporting documents to ensure FACE form has been properly entered into the system and the expenditure is broadly reasonable and in accordance with policy.
Treasury and cash management
Manage bank, petty and cash on hand accounts transactions and operations in accordance with UNICEF/UN financial regulations and rules, policies, procedures and local banking practices. Keep abreast of procedures and regulations regarding maintenance of bank accounts and exchange and interests rates. Keep supervisor and relevant colleagues informed for timely action.
Maintain contact with local bank management on routine operational matters.
Maintain a system to monitor and forecast periodic cash requirements. Provide current information on cash position/forecast to management and make recommendations or take action to ensure sufficient availability of resources for programmes and operations activities.
Submit monthly bank statements to the GSSC for reconciliation and take appropriate corrective actions on findings identified by the Center.
Knowledge and capacity building
Promote a culture of highest ethical standards and behavior in management of UNICEF’s resources.
Support initiatives for management improvement by capturing, institutionalizing and sharing best practices and lessons learned. Recommend improvements in processes and procedures to enhance productivity and performance including implementation of cost saving strategies.
Participate and/or organize training and learning events to build capacity of staff and stakeholders/partners.
Support operations of the office as required.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Education:
A first level university degree in accounting, financial management or another related financial field is required. Supplemental formal financial / accounting training may be accepted if university degree is not in a related financial field. Diploma qualification in CIPFA is acceptable in lieu of relevant university degree, or its equivalent.
Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in financial management or audit is required.
Experience in an international organization and/or large corporation is an advantage.
Experience in a UN system agency or organization some of which served in a developing country is considered as an asset.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel is required.
Experience in database packages, web-based management systems and ERP systems (preferably SAP financial modules) is considered as an asset.
Experience with IPSAS and/or IFRS is considered as an asset.
Language Requirements:
Fluency in English and a local language is required.
