B
Family
Family
Residential location (if applicable)
PR3
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
Professional
Reason
Regular > Regular Assignment
No
2022-11-21-08:00
December 15, 2022
Finance Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
In the Regional Bureaux, the incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Regional Controller or Senior Finance Officer and in functional coordination with DFAM¿s Accounts and Financial Service (AFS). In the Country or Multi-Country Offices, the incumbent may be supervised by a Senior Finance Officer, Assistant Representative (Admin), Head of Sub-Office, or other senior positions as delegated by the Representative.
The incumbent is responsible for co-ordinating, guiding, monitoring, advising on, and supporting the financial operations in the area of responsibility (AoR). With the objective to safeguard and optimize the utilization of UNHCR¿s monetary and physical resources, the incumbent contributes to the establishment of efficient and reliable mechanisms and processes to ensure compliance with UN financial regulations and UNHCR¿s rules, policies and procedures including, and not limited to, accounts payable and treasury processes, accounting, and implementation of internal control mechanisms, including support to oversight and audit functions.
The incumbent also identifies and manages risks under their responsibility in close coordination with the Risk Management and Compliance Advisor. In the Regional Bureaux, the incumbent supports the work of the Regional Controller with authority to discuss problems and seek common ground on which to recommend solutions based on predetermined guidelines provided by higher authority.
The incumbent may directly supervise professional and general service staff.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
- Oversee and guide integrated financial management and reporting for the area of responsibility (AoR).
- Assess, review, and ensure application of finance-related policies, instructions, procedures, etc.
- Provide advice to management regarding the application of financial policies and procedures and, when necessary, coordinate with the Regional Controller or Office of the Controller, as applicable, regarding the interpretation of such policies and procedures.
- Ensure accounting records are correct and reliable, including¿and not limited to¿timely bank reconciliations, maintenance of open items, timely processing of travel financial transactions, clearance of residual requisitions and purchase order balance.
- In close coordination with the AFS, support the preparation and review of donor financial reports, and endorse such reports before submission to donors.
- Ensure monthly and yearly closing as well as any other periodic accounting-related processes are executed in a timely and accurate manner.
- Ensure the maintenance and on-going validity of the Delegation of Authority Plan (DOAP).
- Ensure that payments made are timely and accurately, and all month-end and year-end cut-off processes are implemented in line with relevant guidance.
- Supervise the preparation of financial reports, monitoring and supervising expenditures with respect to approved budgets and work plans.
- Ensure that local bank account administration and associated cash management functions are performed in adherence to financial guidelines
- Perform financial management and control related to Cash-Based Interventions in adherence to financial guidelines.
- Review and certify vouchers, including ABOD and project disbursements;
- Perform project control functions for both directly and indirectly implemented activities, in the absence of a dedicated project control position
- Coordinate, review and endorse responses to audit queries from internal and external audits and ensure the implementation of accounting audit recommendations.
- Perform other relevant duties as required.
Regional financial services applicable to positions in the Regional Bureau only
- In coordination with relevant services in HQ, and to improve cost-effectiveness and process efficiency for operations, implement and manage regional finance-related services such as: vendor and other related master data management and maintenance, invoice posting, travel claim processing, payments, bank reconciliations, accounting housekeeping and period cut-off activities, donor financial reporting, etc.
- Make proposals for the continuous improvement of financial monitoring and control mechanisms, including the streamlining of financial systems and procedures.
- In coordination with DFAM¿s Change Management and Field Support Section and the Global Learning and Development Centre, identify and provide training on accounting matters, and recommend or develop training modules as necessary, aiming at the development of financial management skills.
- In close liaison with DFAM¿s System Administration Section and other divisions as necessary, provide and plan activities for rollout of new processes or systems; assist the Regional Controller in monitoring the implementing internal control mechanisms and compliance with UNHCR's financial policies and procedures in the region.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P3/NOC - 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Accounting; Finance; Public or Business Administration;
Economics; or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Certificates and/or Licenses
Professional accounting, auditing or financial management designation (CPA/ACCA/CIA/CMA or equivalent)
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Work experience in the field of accounting/finance, project management, business analysis, quality assurance and/or risk management. Excellent knowledge of, and experience in working with, international accounting and auditing standards, with a minimum of two years of practical experience in the audit process and/or in financial statements preparation. Working experience with accrual accounting (such as IPSAS or IFRS). Excellent understanding and/or experience of financial modules a major Enterprise Resource Planning system (such as PeopleSoft, SAP or Oracle). Good understanding of project and resource management. Excellent computer skills, in particular in MS Office applications, especially MS-excel. Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Experience of managing people in multinational/multicultural environments.
Desirable
Good knowledge of UNHCR systems (such as Focus and MSRP). Excellent knowledge of United Nations financial rules and procedures.
Functional Skills
FI-General Financial Management
FI-Financial auditing
FI-International Auditing Standards
FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc)
FI-Financial Accounting - Modified cash-based accounting as per international standards
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. 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.
Desired Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate should have excellent knowledge of financial management and practices, excellent computer and analytical skills, well-organized, proficient, adaptable with strong values. Strong communication skills, both oral and written that will enhance confidence to make decisions and to communicate and share insights when called upon. Should have leadership skills, and be a team player, able to hold the team together even in challenging times, placing team agenda before personal agenda; to build capacity of staff within the Unit. Should demonstrate interest in managing financial activities. Substantial skills in data analysis, budgeting, reporting and knowledge of day-to-day financial operations. Supervisory skills, able to manage performance effectively. Intellectual curiosity and dedication to continued learning particularly in Finance. Humble confidence in the ability to deliver but willing to put the team and organization ahead. Share credit for team accomplishments and accept joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Good arithmetical skills are an added advantage because budgeting is a large part of the job. Able to work under pressure and collaboratively with the bigger team in Uganda to achieve organizational goals
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
English
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations: Need to generally adhere to any safety guidelines and policies; correct workstation for the job which entails long periods of siting while working; need to take regular breaks to minimize effect on the back; ergonomics considerations such as desk-risers, proper chair and lighting to ensure comfort
Nature of Position:
The Finance Officer will be based in UNHCR Representation Office in Kampala and will report to the Senior Finance Officer.
In the context of UNHCR Uganda operation, the incumbent should be a team leader, able to undertake the role effectively to build a solid team in Finance Unit and maintain interface with other relevant teams such as Programme, Supply, Project Control, Risk Management and Protection.
Ability to provide guidance and support to all offices in Uganda operation on all financials related to UNHCR administrative and financial rules and policies.
Ability to prioritize and work under pressure to meet multiple deadlines
Ability to plan, organize and manage routine and monthly deliverables for Finance Unit in Kampala
Ability to train, guide and mentor junior staff within the Unit to perform their functions effectively
Have hands-on experience in budgeting, and COMPASS
Have experience running, customizing, and drafting financial reports for review by Senior Finance Officer and management decision-making
Practical experience in reviewing and approving supporting documents for transactions i.e., supplier payments, staff payments, allowances in conformity and adherence to applicable UN financial rules, regulations, and policies such as Financial Rules & Regulations, IPSAS, staff entitlement policies etc.
A strong accounting background that will ensure IPSAS compliance and implementation of UNHCR Internal Control Framework (ICF) and documentation of any deviations to these policies
Living and Working Conditions: Living conditions are generally manageable. Housing and accommodation are readily available close to the office. Healthcare, educational facilities, communication networks and banks are available both in the Kampala and field locations. Taxis are available for day-to-day transportation. For security reasons, staff are discouraged from using the local motorbikes known as 'bodaboda' as a form of transportation.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
AD-Petty cash management, BU-Budget analysis and reporting, BU-Budget and Financial Management, BU-Budgeting, FI-Accounts Payable Operations - Cash Management (interdependencies), FI-Accounts Receivable Operations - Cash Management (interdependencies), FI-Application of Financial Rules, Regulations and Procedures, FI-General Financial Management
BA: Accounting (Required), BA: Business Administration (Required), BA: Economics (Required), BA: Finance (Required), BA: Public Administration (Required)
Certifications
Accounting - Other, Auditing - Other, Financial Management - Other
Administration, Finance
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Bi-annual Compendium 2022 Part B – November 2022
This position requires Functional Clearance
