By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy

Finance Specialist

Juba

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Juba
  • Grade: Mid level - LICA-10, Local Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Operations and Administrations
    • Banking and Finance
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

In November 2011, a Cooperative Agreement was signed by USAID and UNOPS for the Responsive Assistance to Priority Infrastructure Development (RAPID) Program in the Republic of South Sudan. The program covers five activities thus; Economic Growth, Education, Health/WASH, Office of Transition and Conflict Mitigation and Democracy and Governance. The program is contributing to social-economic development of South Sudan. The roads, education, health and water facilities have significantly contributed to increased access to markets, education and health services.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Project Manager and technical supervision of the Head of Finance/Finance Specialist, the Finance Specialist acts as an advisor on all aspects of financial management and operations. This includes strategic financial resources management, within UNOPs rules and regulations. S/he leads the financial management operation, ensuring financial integrity of the Business Unit’s programmes/ projects operations, consistent delivery of efficient and effective financial management services to the client office, primarily, Budget Preparation and Management; Cash Management and Treasury functions; and Control of Accounts and Payments.  Leading and guiding the project financial management Team, s/he fosters collaboration within the team, with programme staff and with other stakeholders with a client-oriented approach. The incumbent provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial management issues, maintains oversight over the financial management of projects promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach.

Functions/Key Results Expected

  1. Implementation of operational and financial management strategies

  2. Budget management and organization of the cost-recovery system

  3. Control of office accounts

  4. Control of office cash management

  5. Team Management 

  6. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

Implementation of operational and financial management strategies

Ensures the implementation of operational and financial management strategies, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

  • Advice to on strategic financial resources management;

  • Authoritative interpretation of requirements for handling transactions advice and guidance concerning UNOPS’ financial practices and rules;

  • Operational efficiency of the managerial or accounting aspects of the areas managed;

  • Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of forecasts for projects;

  • Full compliance of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and audit follow up with UN/UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies and IPSAS standards;

  • Implementation of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of the financial resources management system;

  • Proper management of the contributions management and accounting for contributions to ensure that funds due to UNOPS are properly identified, consistently and uniformly classified, recorded on a timely basis and received with sufficient supporting documentation;

  • Performance of appropriate role in Enterprise system for transactions approvals and bank reconciliation;

  • Approvals authority of pending disbursements (cheques, bank transfers, EFT) and bank reconciliations;

  • Monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions and investigation of anomalies or unusual transactions;

  • Member of bank signatory panel;

  • Proper planning, expenditure tracking and audit of financial resources, including extra-budgetary income in accordance with UNOPS rules and regulations;

  • Control of the workflows in the Finance Unit;

  • Elaboration of the framework and conditions of contributions within the Business Unit’s resources mobilization efforts;

  • Elaboration and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies;

  • Monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions, and investigates anomalies or unusual transactions;

  • Informs supervisors and other UNOPS colleagues at Headquarters of the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are are not obtained. 

Budget management and organization of the cost-recovery system

Manages the project budgets and organizes an optimal cost-recovery system focusing on

achievement of the following results:

  • Financial resources management through planning, guiding, controlling of the resources in accordance with UNOPS rules and regulations;

  • Preparation and monitoring of budgets of management projects;

  • Establishment of the development projects’ budgets preparation/modification monitoring system, control of budgetary status versus authorized spending limits (ASL) and budgets delivery levels;

  • Sending project budget (can be done only on the basis of signed documents and project budgets);

  • Elaboration of proper mechanisms to eliminate deficiencies in budget management;

  • Preparation of cost-recovery bills in Enterprise system for the services provided by UNOPS.

Control of accounts

Ensures proper control of accounts focusing on achievement of the following              

results in compliance with IPSAS and UNOPS policies and procedures:

  • Elaboration of the internal expenditures’ control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Enterprise system; payrolls are duly prepared; MPOs, travel claims and other entitlements are duly processed, receipting of goods and services and establishment of accruals are properly done;

  • Timely accounting and reconciliation of all transactions, security for cash assets on site;

  • Proper management of the contributions management business process and accounting for contributions to ensure that funds due to UNOPS are properly identified, consistently and uniformly classified, recorded on a timely basis and received with sufficient supporting documentation;

  • Manager level in Enterprise system;

  • Control of accounts closure;

  • Approval of vendors in Enterprise system;

  • Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers. Timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues;

  • Control of the Accounts Receivables for UNOPS projects and maintenance of the General Ledger.

Control of Office accounts

Ensures proper office cash management  focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements. Timely identification and recording of receipts for income application;

  • Monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions and investigation of anomalies or unusual transactions. Provision of information to supervisors and other UNOPS staff at HQ on the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained;

  • Daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in Enterprise system to monitor imprest level; identification and record of contributions;

  • Primary contact with local bank management on routine operational matters including negotiation of exchange rate on replenishment;

  • Member of bank signatory panel;

  • Timely and accurate approval of bank reconciliation, including documented review of exceptions;

  • Initiation of bank transfers and deals, selecting bank transfers and deals for approval and settlement;

  • Performing Pay cycle manager role in Enterprise system;

  • Timely preparation of monthly cash flow forecast for use by Operations Manager. Liaison with UN Agencies to obtain estimate of their cash requirements;

  • Cash disbursements made on sites.

Team Management
  • Facilitate the engagement and provision of high quality results and services of the team supervised through effective recruitment, work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development;

  • Provide oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.


Knowledge building and knowledge sharing
  • Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for personnel on finance related topics;

  • Lead, approve and conduct initiatives on capacity development and knowledge building for Finance personnel, including network development, plans, learning plans and activities, Finance practice information and best practice bench-marking;

  • Oversee team’s contributions to Finance knowledge networks and communities of practice including collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in human resources management;

  • Guide team’s collection of feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.  



Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Finance Specialist directly impact on the availability of UNOPS’ financial resources to effectively develop and implement the organization’s programmes and projects.  It enhances the organization’s financial and programme performance, demonstrating UNOPS’ effective stewardship of donor and partner funds. These promote the credibility of the organization as an effective service provider in project services and management.



Education

  • Advanced Degree or equivalent in Business Management, Business Administration or related fields is required. 
  • CPA with an additional one year of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree OR
  • A first-level university degree, with additional 2 years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree 

Experience

  • Minimum of five  years of professional-level experience in accounting with responsibility for project accounting and preparation of financial statements in an international organization is required;
  • Knowledge of UNOPS financial rules and regulations and working knowledge of google docs are desired.
Skills
  • Accounting & Finance - Budget preparation (optional)
  • Accounting & Finance - Financial Statements (optional)
  • Accounting & Finance - Knowledge of UN Financial Rules and Regulations - ( optional)
  • Accounting & Finance - Financial Management ( 2 years)
  • Accounting & Finance - ERP Agresso/Finance (optional)
  • Accounting & Finance - Cost Recovery System (optional)
  • Accounting & Finance - Team Management (optional)

Languages

  • Fluent in English language is required (read, write and speak)
  • Knowledge of Arabic language desired.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contract Agreement
Contract level: LICA-10 Specialist
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

This is a local position, therefore it is open to the nationals of South Sudan and applicants who have a valid residency work permit to work in South Sudan


For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx 

Additional Considerations

  • 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.
  • UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
  • 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
  • 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.

Background Information -South Sudan

The UNOPS South Sudan office helps a wide range of local and international partners improve the lives of the South Sudanese people by implementing infrastructure and procurement projects. All UNOPS operations have an increasing emphasis on developing national capacities and considering gender, environmental and community concerns. UNOPS is working in a range of sectors in South Sudan including: transport, education, health, post-conflict stabilization and emergency response.

Note this is a non-family duty station

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.


This vacancy is now closed.
However, we have found similar vacancies for you: