Financial Management Assistant

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

UNOPS strategy for Afghanistan is aimed at providing maximum support to the Government and people of Afghanistan though the delivery of projects and services in line with the government’s own priorities. The UNOPS Afghanistan Operation Center (AFOC) has been established as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the implementation agency. At present, UNOPS AFOC is implementing a number of projects in a range of sectors including infrastructure (roads and schools) development, capacity building to various ministries, and environmental protection, among others, on behalf of the Government of Afghanistan and the donor community.

The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) of the Government of Afghanistan, with the support of the World Bank (WB), aims to construct the Trans-Hindukush Road Connectivity Project (THRCP).  This includes improving and upgrading the 156km Baghlan to Bamyan Highway, rehabilitation of the 86km Salang Pass and developing new modalities to ensure sustainable future maintenance of this critical infrastructure. This road has a significant role to play, not only for the current traffic movement, including strategic movement of goods and freight between Northern provinces and Capital of the Country; but also as part of a wider regional resource corridor, which is already targeted as a priority to construct.

The overall objectives are to improve the Trans-Hindukush road connectivity in order to provide all year-round access and enhance local as well as international trade and regional integration. Furthermore, the improved roads will increase security by reducing the time to respond to local, regional, or national incidents, facilitate access to social services and provide new regional trade opportunities including agriculture and mining.

UNOPS has been selected as the Implementation Consultant (IC) to support the government Project Management Team (PMT) who are tasked with the design, implementation and overall management of the THRCP. This UNOPS IC remit includes technical assistance, capacity building and institutional strengthening of the PMT, along with supporting overarching strategic development needs of the Ministry of Public Works as appropriate.

The Finance Assistant will work under the guidance and supervision of the UNOPS IC International Financial Management Specialist. They will coordinate with the Project Support Unit to assist with financial management procedures and electronic systems for donor requirements. To include:

• Providing support and assistance with daily financial activities under the IC and PMT.
• Assist with collection of required financial data and information from external parties and organisations.
• Contribute to the financial management and reporting processes, including the elaboration, monitoring and implementation of budgets for monthly operation advances, training workshops and other related activities.

Specific responsibilities and duties include but are not limited to:

• Maintenance of all records and files related to banking, finance and accounting
• Assist in preparation of fund request and its process through ministry line to IC bank accounts.
• Preparation of finance vouchers and disbursement payments, based on authorized expenditures as per rules and regulations.
• Maintain accurate record of petty cash expenditure.
• Assistance to PMT Administration on preparation and disbursement of the monthly payroll and counterparts salaries.
• Assist with maintaining all documentation related to operational advances provided to the regional office of UNOPS. Coordinate closely with the PSO to ensure timely, effective and efficient reporting. Realize reporting in the regional office using Excel.
• Arrange financial meetings with THRCP stakeholders, including the World Bank, MoF, MPW and other agencies as needed to support financial analysis.
• Assist in budget preparation with THRCP team and communicate with Ministry budget team on national annual budget.
• Assist the PSO (UNOPS) for the timely and regular submission of reports to the management and donors as per the agreed reporting schedules.
• Facilitate the timely audit of the project by internal and external government or donor auditors in collaboration with the IC International Financial Management Specialist.
• Research and assess best practice and knowledge from other ministry offices that could be utilized by MPW to improve its performance.
• Accountable for small petty cash or operational advance processes that may be arranged for PMT.
• Any other duties commensurate with role as may be required.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.