Finance Officer

B

FamilyFamily

PR3

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

No

2023-01-27-08:00

February 16, 2023Finance 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.

To perform the responsibilities and tasks of the position in the context of Iran, it is critical that the incumbent has solid Finance expertise and experience in Admin/\Finance management in complex humanitarian operations, especially within the UN system. Experience in UNHCR and familiarity with UNHCR’s rules/regulations as well as related tools/systems are important added value.

The incumbent is expected to have flexibility/adaptability, political acumen, cultural sensitivity, as well as excellent inter-personnel and communication skills that fit to the context in Iran. Given that the position will lead and manage the Admin/Finance unit at the country level with a supervisory function, she/he is also expected to have practical managerial experience coupled with possession of maturity, analytical and diplomatic skills, and team building/leading capacity.

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Operational context

Nature of the Position:

The Islamic Republic of Iran hosts one of the largest refugee situations globally. The Government of Islamic Republic of Iran (GIRI) has progressive policy towards inclusion of refugees into national services, including health and education sectors. UNHCR support the Government through the provision of protection and humanitarian assistance for refugees as well as through contributions to the national services in host communities. UNHCR also works closely with sister UN agencies, NGOs, and other international organizations under the umbrella of the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR) and as per the inter-agency Refugee Response Plan. Following the Afghan emergency in 2021, UNHCR has been enhancing its assistance efforts to address increasing needs of Afghans and communities generously hosting them in cooperation and collaboration with its partners.

Over the past years, due to the scale-up of the operation, the volume, nature and magnitude of finance and admin activities in UNHCR Iran have also significantly increased. This necessitates the Operation to have strong resource management and oversight capacity at the Country Office level in Theran, with the support extended to three Sub-Offices, one Field Office and two Field Units in the country.  

Under this context, the Finance Officer leads the Admin/Finance unit of the UNHCR Representation office in Theran. While ensuring compliance to the UNHCR rules and regulations, she/he will oversee overall financial activities of UNHCR Iran, while managing day-to-day finance/administrative activities undertaken by the Admin/Finance team in Thran. She/he will assume oversight of financial activities and provide necessary guidance and training to relevant staff in the Country office as well as in Sub-Offices/Field Offices. She/he will closely liaise with the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, including through regular meetings and joint monthly financial review, as well as with the HQs as required. Further, the Finance Officer will represent UNHCR in external meetings focusing on Admin and Finance matters, including engagement with relevant authorities as well as with partners. The Finance Officer will coordinate and work closely with different Sections / Units in the operation, to ensure timely and effective delivery of support functions/services to the staff and to the Operation.

Living and Working Condition: (to be filled by supervisor, Max 2500 characters)

Here you can provide specific information related to living and working conditions in the duty station where the position is based

UNHCR is present in Iran through its Country Representation in Tehran, three Sub-Offices (Mashhad, Kerman, Shiraz), Field Office in Tehran and two Field Units (Esfahan and Dogharoun).

Tehran is a B category duty station (Family duty station). Certain aspects of working/living conditions in Iran could be affected by the ongoing sanctions. 

Issuance of entry visa and residence permit for international staff and his/her dependents/family members is subject to the approval of the Government, for which the process can take several months. Family members with a dependent visa are not allowed to work. For international staff and their family members residing in Iran are required to follow the cultural practices in Iran, which include the donning of culturally appropriate dress, particularly for women.

Iranian schools only teach subjects in Farsi.  There are a few privately owned schools offering curriculum in English in Theran. There are also some Embassy schools such as French Embassy School, Italian Embassy offering course in their native language as well as in English. German Embassy School, in its international section provides classes in English up to grade 8, which is open for any nationals. At this moment, there is no schools in Iran offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum., Pakistan Embassy School and Indian Embassy School also offer courses in English, which however are open only for nationals of the respective countries.

In Tehran, pharmacies, shops, shopping malls, markets and cafes/restaurants, etc are available. Staff can purchase basic commodities, groceries, household items and clothing, while some foreign products / international food items etc may be less easily available. Living cost in Teheran is on rise. Iranian banks are available and accessible by foreign nationals through a required process. There are several hospitals and clinics offering medical services to Iranians and foreign nationals alike, although, at times the language can be a barrier for international who do not speak Farsi. Staff live in private accommodation – different options are available with varying rental prices.

There are one international airport and one domestic airport in Tehran. For in-country travels, there are multiple domestic flights and trains connecting Tehran to cities/towns across the country, including where UNHCR has offices. When required, the office also use road missions. Direct international flights are connected to a number of countries with several airlines.

The security level in Iran had been at level 2 except for Sistan-Balouchestan as level 3, which are currently under review. The area is prone to earthquakes. Depending on the season, air quality in Tehran can deteriorate to below a normal range.

Living/working conditions in Iran could evolve and can be subject to change.  

Desired Candidate Profile:

To perform the responsibilities and tasks of the position in the context of Iran, it is critical that the incumbent has solid Finance expertise and experience in Admin/\Finance management in complex humanitarian operations, especially within the UN system. Experience in UNHCR and familiarity with UNHCR’s rules/regulations as well as related tools/systems are important added value.

The incumbent is expected to have flexibility/adaptability, political acumen, cultural sensitivity, as well as excellent inter-personnel and communication skills that fit to the context in Iran. Given that the position will lead and manage the Admin/Finance unit at the country level with a supervisory function, she/he is also expected to have practical managerial experience coupled with possession of maturity, analytical and diplomatic skills, and team building/leading capacity.   

Additional Qualifications

Skills

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

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

Add.2 to Bi-annual Compendium 2022 - Part B

This position requires Functional Clearance