Finance Specialist, (NO-3), Kigali, Rwanda #10342 (For Rwanda Nationals Only)

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Operations, the incumbent assists in the area of accounting control, recording, reporting of assets, liabilities and income. Monitors the appropriateness and accuracy disbursements of funds and payments of accounts in accordance with the rules, regulations and established budgetary limits. She/he will ensure quality check of financial transactions to ensure compliance with finance policies and procedures in general and with GSSC requirements in particular. Provides training to staff on UNICEF admin and finance policies and procedures and will provides guidance to compliance issues to UNICEF policies and IPSAS She/he analyses and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues. The position will be responsible for quality assurance work, analyzing cause and effect of policy changes to the operations of the office and provides advice on implementation.

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, Opportunity

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.

The efficiency and efficacy of the Finance Specialist directly impacts on the optimum, appropriate and effective use of resources and efficient financial recording, accounting and reporting, which in turn facilitates management oversight, decision making and quality control.

How can you make a difference?

The incumbent will provide guidance on the appropriate application and interpretation of rules, regulations, policies and procedures interpretation of rules, regulations, policies and procedures, as well as on work priorities, which affect the efficient delivery of accounting and financial services to the office.

The incumbent will recommend on the application of rules, regulations, policies and procedures involving more complex financial matters, as well as new or improved methods and procedures, such recommendation affect the efficient of the office

The efficiency and efficacy of the Finance Specialist directly impacts on the optimum, appropriate and effective use of resources and efficient financial recording, accounting and reporting, which in turn facilitates management oversight, decision making and quality control.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Operations, the incumbent assists in the area of accounting control, recording, reporting of assets, liabilities and income.  Monitors the appropriateness and accuracy disbursements of funds and payments of accounts in accordance with the rules, regulations and established budgetary limits.

She/he will ensure quality check of financial transactions to ensure compliance with finance policies and procedures in general and with GSSC requirements in particular. Provides training to staff on UNICEF admin and finance policies and procedures and will provides guidance to compliance issues to UNICEF policies and IPSAS

She/he analyses and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues. The position will be responsible for quality assurance work, analyzing cause and effect of policy changes to the operations of the office and provides advice on implementation.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Conducts quality check and ensures, accurate and timely processing and recording of disbursements and payments, (e.g.,vendor/ supplier/service provider payments, advances to government, settlement of staff travel expenses etc.) are done in a time manner and in accordance with established rules, regulations and systems, and within budgetary limits also ensures recovery of advances and accounts receivable. Briefs the staff on the application and interpretation of UNICEF accounting and financial rules, regulations, procedures and policies.
2. Supports office in compliance effort and internal control of Operation/Finance policy, rules and regulations including implementation & sustainability of Audit/Internal Control and Peer review recommendation. Conducts quality check of financial transactions to ensure compliance with IPSAS, HACT, Admin/Finance policies and procedures. Provides guidance on policies and ensures adequate systems are placed for risk management including review/update of Finance work flow processes if any change/new Rules and Regulations.
3. Ensures accuracy and quality assurance of all transactions/documents (DCT, Invoices management and processing) prior to submission of request to GSSC for processing. Provides information on required action from GSSC and timely responds to queries from GSSC. Ensures review of DCT payment/liquidation conformity with UNICEF procedures and budget approved using FACE.
4. Ensures Bank & Cash Management, Controls and operates bank accounts in accordance with UN/UNICEF financial rules and regulations and local banking practices.  Provides up-to-date information on the cash position or status of such accounts.  Reconciles bank statements, keeps abreast of all procedures and regulations regarding the maintenance of bank accounts, exchange and interest rates, etc. Ensures also the responsibility of safekeeping cash and cheques.
5. Provides oversight on ensuring timely preparation of financial transactions and accounting reports, and reconciliation of accounts, to ensure accuracy and up-to-date financial information and required reports and statements for the head of Office and HQ are timely availed. Also ensure monitoring and accounts receivables are timely performed.  Reviews and analyses General ledger accounts of accounts payable (Vendor/ suppliers, Staff and partners), Goods receipt/invoice receipt etc. Submits report to GSSC for clearing and Undertake clearing of General ledger accounts and clearings on monthly basis for F-44 & F-32 done locally. Performs periodic processing/closure activities, as assigned
6. Prepares and analyzes financial data for budget estimates and financial planning. Reviews budget expenditures by codes against approved allotments, and verifies compliance with reports received from HQs.
7. Provides capacity building training to staff on IPSAS, GSSC, Admin and Finance policies and procedures. Undertakes visits to project areas to provide accounting and finance training and support, establishes and/or reviews systems and procedures for compliance with the rules and regulations, and prepares reports and recommendations. Provides support in implementation of HACT assurance activities

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

• Advanced university degree in accounting, business administration (with specialization in Finance), economics, or financial management and membership - or enrolled for membership - of recognized professional accountancy body

Minimum Five years of practical professional work experience in finance, accounting budgeting, supply and administration and/or other related fields.  Working experience in SAP will be an added advantage.

*A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with seven years of  professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.

• Experience in a UN organization is an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French and local language is an asset.

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]   
• Formulating Strategies and Concept [II]
• Leading and Supervising [II]
• Planning and Organizing [III]
• 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:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

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