Finance Associate, fixed-term appointment, GS-6 level, UNICEF in Astana, Kazakhstan

UNICEF Office in Astana, Kazakhstan is looking for a Finance Associate, fixed term appointment at GS-6 level.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, [insert tagline]

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

How can you make a difference?

The Finance Associate is responsible for providing a variety of specialized tasks in finance functions, ensuring accurate and timely delivery in full compliance with UNICEF financial rules and regulations. It is also required to demonstrate the capacity to research, adapt, evaluate irregular cases and recommend improvements to process delivery and design.

At the G-6 level, the below tasks are expected to be carried out with a high level of independence.

1. Provides interpretation of finance and administrative rules, regulations and procedures to heads of units/sections as required. Advises and assists on all aspects related to preparation of reports, compilation of data and answering queries on pledges recorded, funds received, adjustments made to ensure financial compliance, accuracy and completeness of data for its inclusion into statement of accounts and adjustment of budgets. Advises units of discrepancies and assists to resolve differences in their records and financial transactions.

2. Maintains financial records and monitoring systems to record and reconcile expenditures, balances, payments, statements and other data for day-to-day transactions and reports. Acts as the main Finance Local Focal Point and works with Global Shared Service Center (GSSC) on finance and accounting issues. Requests GSSC, when necessary, to correct inaccurate entries, to transfer funds between accounts, and to liquidate obligations no longer required. Prepares payment requests for operating expenses. Reviews payment requests (including DCT related as applicable) submitted by programme and expense reports for compliance with UNICEF rules and regulations. Acts as Petty Cash Custodian.

3. Prepares recurring reports as scheduled and special reports, as required for budget preparation, audits or other reasons. Retrieves information on costs of programme elements, such as staff and related costs, from automated files and compiles them in standardized and customized reports. Monitors financial KPIs and alerts on approaching deadlines and overdue activities.

4. Under supervision of the Operations Manager, closes monthly periods, year-end accounts and prepares year-end reports related to accounts receivable, accounts payable, prepayment, deposits, and other sub-accounts.

5. Advises and assists staff, experts and consultants on all aspects of allowances, salary advances, travel claims and other financial matters. Verifies calculations of payments due for claims and services.

6. Maintains liaisons with officials of local banks to obtain day-to-day information on exchange and interest rates, changes in procedures and regulations, and matters pertaining to maintenance of office bank accounts. This includes prepares recurring reports and bank reconciliation.

7. Prepares detailed cost estimates, participates in DSA survey, estimates expense rates for partners and participates in budget analysis and projects, as required.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Completion of secondary education is required with professional/university level courses in Accounting and Finance/Business administration considered as an asset.
• A minimum of six years of clerical experience in the area of finance and accounting is required.
• Fluency of English and Russian are required. Knowledge of Kazakh language is desirable.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The technical competencies required for this post are:

• Analyzing (II)
• Applying Technical Expertise (II)
• Planning & Organizing (II)
• Following Instructions and Procedures (II)

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.