Asst Finance Officer

This Job Opening is available to eligible UNHCR staff members and external applicants. Fixed Term Appointment who has been appointed by the High Commissioner/Deputy High Commissioner or designated representatives through the AC, JRB or previous joint staff-management bodies. All staff members with indefinite or fixed term appointments are eligible to apply as long as they are nationals of the country where the position is located. External applicants, who should also be a national of the country, are all those individuals not yet appointed to a position through the AC or JRB process or previous joint staff-management bodies.

External applicants for NPO positions must possess at least a first university degree.

General Service staff, regardless of grade or length of service, with a university degree, may apply to any vacant NPO position in their own country of nationality for which they qualify in terms of prior professional experience, academic qualifications, language and other requirements for the post

Candidates already in the NPO category may apply to other NPO positions at a higher grade, provided they meet the requirements of the job description in terms of qualifications, experience, skills and abilities Assistant Finance Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Assistant Finance Officer positions provide technical support with the processing of financial transactions, and monitor compliance with UNHCR and UN Financial Regulations and Rules. In addition, the incumbent supervises activities concerned with office and grounds maintenance, cleaning,  transport and similar services, briefs international staff on general administrative matters, provide advice and ensure administrative support as required, prepares correspondence, special reports, evaluations and justifications as required on general administrative matters, contributes to the preparation of submissions of new or revised procedures and practices, participates in asset verification exercise.  

The incumbent directly supervises general service staff.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability

- UNHCR¿s financial rules and regulations, policies and procedures are adhered to by the office.
- UNHCR¿s local cash is safeguarded.
- Monthly accounts are correct and approved.
- Management is promptly informed of major variances in the execution of projects (budgets, finance, implementation or timeframe).

Responsibility

- Contribute to the assessment of budgetary needs for administrative budgets (ABOD); monitor and control ABOD expenditure in the office.
- Analyze, evaluate and control disbursements/receipts, as well as expenditure variances against approved budgets;
- Review vouchers, including ABOD and project disbursements.
- Propose monthly cash requirements for the office, and ensure adequate and timely replenishments of funds.
- Contribute to the preparation and processing of monthly accounts.
- Provide financial status reports to supervisors.
- Analyze and evaluate all financial reports produced on a regular basis.
- Maintain effective business relationships with local banks.
- Support ensuring compliance with UNHCR and UN Financial Regulations and Rules, policies and procedures.
- Ensure that payments are effectuated by the monthly deadline.
- Ensure that monthly accounts are correct and approved, and ensure timely monthly bank reconciliations, including open items, review and clearance of unwanted requisitions and PO balances.
- Conduct regular checks of petty cash and cash accounts.

Authority

- Verify that all financial transactions are correct and in accordance with UNHCR rules and procedures.
- Prepare office-level financial expenditure reports submitted to the regional office or Headquarters.
- Approve vouchers, including ABOD and project disbursements.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

- Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in Accounting, Finance, or Public or Business Administration, Economics or related field, OR undergraduate degree in another field combined with a professional qualification in accounting or finance (CPA/CIA or equivalent) plus minimum one year of previous job experience in the field of accounting or finance. Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master¿s) or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) may also be accepted.
- Excellent computer skills, in particular in MS Office applications.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Excellent knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

*** For National Officer positions, very good knowledge of local language and local institutions is essential.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

- Professional qualification in accounting or finance (CPA/CIA or equivalent).
- Working experience of at least one year in an intergovernmental organization (United Nations or similar).
- Good knowledge of United Nations financial rules and procedures.
- Good understanding of accrual accounting (such as IPSAS or IFRS).
- Working experience with PeopleSoft/Oracle Financial modules.
- Knowledge of additional UN languages.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR Assistant Finance Officer positions. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates. Please also note that Arabic and English are essential for this Job Opening. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training, etc.)

UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. UNHCR has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual harassment. Successful candidates will be subject to mandatory UN Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment clearance check prior to receiving an offer. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees). All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality Interested qualified internal and external candidates meeting the requirements of the Job Descriptions posted online can apply no later than 27 October 2019 Midnight Geneva Time.