Finance Specialist

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The Department of Financial Resources Management (FRM) oversees the financial transactions of the Organization by establishing its financial regulations and rules, as well as the accounting policies and procedures; processes the disbursements of funds; prepares the financial statements of the Organization including the reporting of regular funds and extra-budgetary funds; monitors the inflow of funding and utilization of these resources; is responsible for investments and banking, financial analysis, the monitoring of the cost centers’ financial administration; payroll, pension, taxes, Staff Health Insurance, and the processes and systems involved with FRM’s area of responsibility.

Under the general supervision of the Manager, Financial Resources Management (FRM), and the direct supervision of the Advisor, Accounting Operations & Statutory Reporting (FRM/AR), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1. Manage the general ledger activities for the financial operations of the Revolving Fund for Access to Vaccines, the Regional Revolving Fund for Strategic Public Health Supplies, and the Reimbursable Procurement on Behalf of Member States; review the books-of-accounts, analyze, and reconcile the various general ledgers and subsidiaries;
2. Review and approve the accuracy of daily invoices and quarterly Statements of Accounts sent to Member States and participating institutions for Revolving Fund for Access to Vaccines, the Regional Revolving Fund for Strategic Public Health Supplies, and the Reimbursable Procurement on Behalf of Member States;
3. Prepare and review financial reports for the Financial Report of the Director for the assigned funds and periodically review the expenditure detail report;
4. Approve Member States’ line of credit requests up to the respective delegation of authority for the Revolving Fund for Access to Vaccines and for the Regional Revolving Fund for Strategic Public Health Supplies, on behalf of the PAHO Director, and in collaboration with the technical areas;
5. Prepare collection and accounts receivable aging reports to follow up with responsible units;
6. Manage the budget for the prepayment and line of credit accounts of the funds;
7. Liaise with internal and external auditors on their audits of the financial statements, financial transactions, and implementation of financial policies, internal controls, and financial reporting practices;
8. Liaise with technical entities and country offices to ensure provision of appropriate level of financial and accounting services, training, and operational support;
9. Oversee the formulation and automation of the Procurement Funds and the implementation of financial policies for financial reporting according to the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS);
10. Lead and supervise the entire team and overall operations of the funds;
11. Provide leadership, guidance, and monitoring of staff through setting of clear work objectives, timely and effective use of performance reviews and feedback mechanisms, regular communications, and solving interpersonal or technical conflicts; establish and support a learning environment;
12. Attend the opening bids for the annual acquisition of vaccines;
13. Review the Agreement Review process (ARP) and provide financial advice to the Office of the Legal Counsel (LEG) on required changes;
14. Prepare a wide range of internal and external presentations to be delivered to senior management on financial transactions and financial reporting requirements of the Fund;
15. Promote knowledge transfer; review and approve for publishing all written standard operating procedures and job aids related to the Procurement Funds process and activities;
16. Maintain strong relationships with Administrative and Technical Offices, internal and external auditors, PAHO/WHO Representative offices, and participant Member States and Institutions. Review responses of other team members;
17. Provide advice related to members' financial positions in the Fund or financial transactions and policies;
18. Collaborate in the planning, development and enhancement of the Organization's computerized information systems, as well as implement administrative guidelines, procedures and controls to improve the efficiency and effectiveness to better serve its customers;
19. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration from a recognized university.

Desirable: Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA) or a master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration would be an asset.

In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO, only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process.

Essential: Seven years of combined national and international experience in accounting and finance in the private or public sector.

Desirable: Experience working with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and/or Workday Financial Management Modules would be an asset.

• Overall attitude at work: Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization’s mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts.
• Teamwork: Creates team spirit; promotes collaboration and open communication in the team; proactively supports others; welcomes team responsibilities and drives team results; promotes knowledge sharing in the team. Proactively identifies conflicts and facilitates their resolution in a respectful manner; tactfully resolves conflicts between or with others and takes action to reduce any possible tension; effectively builds a rapport with individuals and teams, establishing good personal and professional relationships, as well as minimizing risk of potential conflict.
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences: Treats all people with dignity and respect. Relates well to people with different cultures, gender, orientations, backgrounds and/or positions; examines own behavior to avoid stereotypical responses; considers issues from the perspective of others and values their diversity.
• Communication: Foresees communication needs of audience and targets message accordingly. Facilitates open communication; encourages others to share their views openly and takes time to understand and consider their views. Writes down ideas in a clear, structured, logical and credible way; drafts and supports the development of guidelines, policies and procedures. Shares relevant information openly and ensures that the shared information is understood; considers knowledge sharing as a constructive working method and demonstrates awareness of the Organization.
• Knowing and Managing Yourself: Remains objective and focused even in a “changing and moving” environment; continues to display positive behavior when facing some constraints; keeps challenges in perspective. Effectively controls own emotions, avoiding displaying them inappropriately; continues to show positive attitude when producing individual results, as well as supporting team’s work; continues to be collaborative with others, even in stressful and challenging circumstances. Sees feedback as a key element in personal and professional development; displays a high level of self-awareness in response to positive and negative feedback, accepts negative feedback positively, moving forward quickly and constructively. Seeks all relevant information for decision making from a wide range of sources; quickly learns new competencies and skills that expand role capability; shows rapid understanding of new and/or complex information relevant to job.
• Producing Results: Prioritizes work and makes planning/Organizational adjustments as necessary; seeks clarification from supervisor on timelines, as needed. Uses feedback and inputs from supervisor to achieve results. Produces quality results and has frequent discussions with supervisor to achieve results. Is action-oriented and sees tasks through to completion. Shows understanding of own role and responsibilities in relation to expected results. Solicits and accepts direction and guidance from supervisor and team members and takes responsibility for own work and actions, as appropriate.

• Knowledge of current best practices in financial management, with specific emphasis on accounting standards, internal control environment. oversight practices, and the development of policies and procedures.
• Strong analytical skills in the review of financial alternatives in accounting transactions.
• Strong supervisory skills including team building, training and performance assessment.
• Ability to apply accounting theory and principles to financial systems to ensure the correct application of the accounting theory and principles.
• Analytical skills in the review and evaluation of projects, proposals and alternative scenarios.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships within and outside traditional financial functions and within a multicultural environment.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, complemented by excellent communication and interpersonal skills combined with the ability to write, speak, and present in a clear and concise, diplomatic, tactful, and courteous manner.

Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams and Outlook.

Experience with complex ERP systems particularly with regards to financial, accounting, and/or administrative operations.

Post Adjustment: 50.4% of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.

This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.

Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual.

PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

PAHO/WHO offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary and post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance). Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. Benefits for internationally recruited staff may include home leave, travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, education grant for dependent children, assignment grant and rental subsidy.

Candidates appointed to an international post with PAHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post.

Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. A written test and/or interview will be held for this post. The post description is the official documentation for organization purposes.