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Finance Officer

Tirana

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Tirana
  • Grade: Junior level - LICA-8, Local Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Operations and Administrations
    • Banking and Finance
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.  Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organisations.  With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it.  By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

Background: AUMCO


The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) was set up in August 2019 as a part of the UNOPS Europe & Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on:


  • Infrastructure

  • Procurement 

  • Project Management (full service, back on track)

  • HR and Transactional Services

  • Grant Management 

  • Technical and Advisory Services


Background: Project


UNOPS, through ECR AUMCO, is partnering with the Government of Albania and the European Union, as well as with the UN system, to facilitate the post-earthquake rehabilitation and reconstruction of a large number of key cultural heritage sites, museums, and cultural hubs and to promote tourism and economic development of the sites. 


On 26 November 2019, Albania was hit by its most deadly earthquake in a century. The earthquake measured 6.4 on the Richter scale and caused significant casualties and property damage, resulting in 51 deaths, over 1000 injured, and nearly 14,000 people displaced. To measure and assess the economic damage, a Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) was conducted, estimating the total economic losses at nearly EUR 1Billion.  

The PDNA documented the destruction of public and private infrastructure. Of particular concern was the destruction of cultural heritage monuments and property, as 53 cultural heritage properties were significantly damaged by the earthquake. This project seeks to remediate the effect of the earthquake on Albania’s cultural heritage through the rehabilitation of monuments, as well as contribute to Albania’s socio-economic recovery through the construction and upgrade of these sites. It will be important also to support improvements in the capacity of institutions responsible for the management of these cultural monuments and sites to better accommodate tourism. A final outcome of the project is the effective communication of project results to the wider public and developing and implementing an advocacy platform resulting in better recognition of the important role of culture in the social and economic well-being of Albanian citizens.

Functional Responsibilities

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Support Services Manager who reports to the Senior Programme Manager, the Finance Officer is responsible for the effective delivery of financial services reflecting best practices in international public Finance, compliance with UNOPS financial rules and regulations, appropriate risk management and obtaining the best value for money.  

Maintaining the highest degree of personal and professional ethics, the Finance Officer maintains a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Business Unit.

Functional Responsibilities

  • Implementation of financial management strategies
  • Budget Preparation and Management
  • Cash Management and Treasury
  • Control of Accounts and Payments
  • Team Management
  • Knowledge Building and Sharing

Implements operational strategies in consultations with office management

  • Ensure full compliance with the requirements of the UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations in all financial transactions, recording, reporting, etc.
  • Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation of the Project to ensure accurate reporting are provided to management for decision making. 
  • Ensure full compliance with the requirements of the UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations in all financial transactions, recording, reporting, etc.
 
 
Implements key aspects of budget preparation and management towards the achievement of the  following:

  • Coordination of the preparation of budgets,s, review of budget submissionss, regular analysis and reporting on the budget approvals and the delivery situation,, monitoring of expenditures against budget allotments and reporting on variances.
  • Identification of administrative, budgetary requirements. Provision of guidance on guidelines for budget preparation.
  • Review and update of guidelines, procedures in light of changing circumstances or for the purpose of complying, streamlining and/or strengthening of existing financial and budgetary procedures
  • Review, analysis and revision of data with respect to the finalisation of cost estimates and budget proposals, in terms of staff and non-staff requirements submitted by project managers. Review of budget proposals for reasonableness, consistency with the organisational goals and priorities.
  • Monitoring of budget implementation, expenditure levels against allotments and determination/recommendation of reallocation of funds when necessary
  • Status of budgetary allocations monitored on an ongoing basis. Networking with clients to strengthen budget management and take corrective actions when required.  Provision of information to supervisors and other UNOPS personnel at HQ on the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained.
  • Collaboration in the improvement of the UNOPS Project Budget formulation system, with the cooperation of the Information Technology, ensuring relevance of the system at all times by updating and proposing changes to facilitate financial management of the Project and enhance financial reporting.
  • Review and appropriate recommendations with respect to the finalisation of budget performance reports, analysing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.

Cash management and treasury: provides substantive review, contributions, and support towards the achievement of the following: 

  • Act as the primary point of contact for UNOPS HQ in the implementation of the Treasury Management System (TMS)
  • Organisation and oversight of cash management processes, including liquidity management, recommendation of balance balance levels, risk assessment, bank relationship management, timely accounting and reconciliation of all transactions, security for cash assets on site.
  • Timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements. identification and recording of receipts for income application.
  • Establishment of efficient local banking arrangements and compliance with local financial and banking regulations
  • Building of project capacity to effect payments using ERP/OneUNOPS and/or Imprest Accounts.
  • Monitoring of the delivery and income of the Fund
  • Discussion and communication with the project support colleagues on the savings or potential concerns that may require further review.

Accounts and payments:  is accountable for key elements of the following:

  • Analysis and elaboration of proposals for the internal expenditures’ control system which ensures that Request for Payment are completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in ERP, invoices, travel claims, and other entitlements are duly processed.
  • Quality control of the ledger accounts by performing ongoing review, analysis and reconciliation of accounts. review discrepancies and initiate timely corrective actions 
  • Timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues.
  • Control of the accounts receivables and follow up with partners on contributions.
  • Ensuring preparation of financial records, statements and reports as required or approval of the work of subordinates, coordination response to internal and external audit queries.
  • Proper control of the supporting documents for payments, preparation of all types of Request for Payment
  • Preparation of timely financial reports for submission to the client in accordance with UNOPS rules and project agreement provisions, and in line with the established procedures.
  • Monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions and review of anomalies or unusual transactions.
  • Ensuring proper maintenance of the accounts receivables for UNOPS projects and follow-up with partners on contributions, deposits creation in ERP and their application to AR pending items.

Team Management:

  • Facilitate the engagement and provision of high-quality results and services of the team supervised through effective 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:

  • Organise, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for personnel on Finance related topics.
  • Contribute to Financial management knowledge networks and communities of practice by providing a collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in financial management.
  • Collect feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilise productively.
  • Impact of Results
  • The effective and successful achievement of results by the Finance Officer/ Analyst directly impacts on the availability of UNOPS’ financial resources to effectively develop and implement the organisation’s programmes and projects.  It enhances the organisation’s financial and programme performance, demonstrating UNOPS’ effective stewardship of donor and partner funds. These promote the credibility of the organisation as an effective service provider in project services and management.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education
 
A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Economics or related fields is required.
A Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Economics or related fields or related will be an asset.
Certification in Public Accountancy (CPA) or Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) will be an asset.
Knowledge of UN/UNDP/UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations is a distinct advantage.
  Work Experience
 
Minimum of  two (2) years of progressive  experience in budget  and financial management is required.
Experience in accounting with responsibility for project accounting and preparation of financial statements in an international organization in providing financial management services is an asset
At least 2 years of Supervisory experience of personnel in finance.
Experience working in the United Nations organization is an asset.
Experience of working in Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) systems is an asset.
Experience of working in Google environment (G drive, Google Sheets and Google Docs) an asset.

Language
 
Fluency in English and Albanian is required. 
Knowledge of another UN language is considered an advantage.

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.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
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: Regular, Local Individual Contract Agreement (LICA)
Contract level: ICS-8 / LICA-8

Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

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
  • For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
  • For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
  • 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.

This vacancy is now closed.
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