A (least hardship)
Family
Family
Residential location (if applicable)
PR4
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
Professional
Reason
Regular > Regular Assignment
No
2023-01-27-08:00
February 16, 2023
Senior Finance Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
In the Regional Bureaux, the incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Regional Controller and in functional coordination with DFAM¿s Accounts and Financial Service (AFS). In the Country or Multi-Country Offices, the incumbent is normally supervised by the Representative, Assistant Representative (Admin) 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 establishes and maintains efficient mechanisms and reliable 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.
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 directly supervises 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 assigned geographic area of responsibility.
- 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).
- Identify potential risks in relation to financial management, including the effectiveness of internal controls, and propose mitigating actions; monitor the application of internal control mechanisms.
- 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.
- As delegated, supervise and manage local financial personnel, including participation in recruitment of senior local financial personnel.
- 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.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P4/NOD - 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 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:
Project management accreditation highly desirable. Risk management certification. Good knowledge of UNHCR systems (such as Focus and MSRP). Excellent knowledge of United Nations financial rules and procedures.
Functional Skills
FI-Financial Accounting - Modified cash-based accounting as per international standards
FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc)
FI-Financial auditing
FI-General Financial Management
FI-International Auditing 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 desired candidate should have a strong understanding of the UNHCR administrative, financial policies and procedures and supervisory experience to provide guidance to the admin and finance team in the country office and the field offices; to provide advice to the senior management of the operation on areas related to financial risks. Frequent external contacts with counterparts in other organizations or at working level in national Governments on issues of importance to Organizations programs. He/she will act as adviser or representative of the Organization with authority to discuss problems and seek common ground on which to recommend solutions based on predetermined guidelines provided by higher authority.
The desirable candidate will directly supervise professional and general service staff.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
Spanish
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Nature of Position:
Colombia is facing the most complex situation among other host countries in the context of this crisis, as it is receiving most of the refugees and migrants from Venezuela - an estimated 33% of those who have left Venezuela. Additionally, Colombia has little experience regarding the reception of asylum seekers and refugees as well as dealing with their own political crisis and internal conflict. According to the migration office of Colombia (Migración Colombia in Spanish), a total of 1,630,903 Venezuelans are living in Colombia with intention to stay. Around 44% have had access to a form of legal stay in Colombia and consequently 56% - over 900,000 persons - don 't have a regular status in the country. In addition, more than 750,000 Venezuelans have transited in Colombia to reach Ecuador or other countries in Latin America. A total of around 500,000 Colombians have also returned to Colombia from Venezuela. Venezuelans in an irregular situation are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, extortion, violence, trafficking, sexual abuse, discrimination and xenophobia, especially in insecure border areas where armed criminal groups operate. The risks of being a victim of sexual violence are even greater for women and girls, who represent 48% of the Venezuelan population in Colombia. Furthermore, host communities are themselves subject to increased pressure, which can jeopardize peaceful coexistence and fuel manifestations of discrimination and xenophobia.
Under the direct supervision of the Representative, the Senior Finance Officer will have oversight of the ABOD budget and the Finances of the Colombia operation, including the monitoring of the financial plan for 4 Sub Offices. He/she will also have to establish efficient administrative control mechanisms to ensure compliance with UN Financial and Administrative procedures. The incumbent will directly supervise the ICT, Finance and Admin. units.
The Senior Finance Officer should have a strong understanding of the UNHCR administrative, financial policies and procedures and supervisory experience to provide guidance to the admin and finance team in the country office and the field offices; to provide advise to the senior management of the operation on areas related to financial risks. Frequent external contacts with counterparts in other organizations or at working level in national Governments on issues of importance to Organizations programs. He/she will act as adviser or representative of the Organization with authority to discuss problems and seek common ground on which to recommend solutions based on predetermined guidelines provided by higher authority.
The incumbent directly supervises professional and general service staff.
Living and Working Conditions:
Bogotá has a subtropical highland climate, dry and rainy seasons alternate throughout the year, in general is cold and rainy, clear sky sunny full days are quite unusual.
Traffic in Bogota: due to lack of metro services the capital is severely affected by traffic blockages. Taxis are a good option to public buses as there are many options and the fares are inexpensive. Private car ownership forms a major part of the congestion, buses remain the main means of mass transit. There are two bus systems: the traditional system and the Transmilenio.
Bogota is a large capital city with the amenities of large cities, good health facilities and international schools are available, as well as plenty of good restaurants. Green areas surrounding Bogota are perfect locations for eco-tourism and hiking activities. Very high altitude (2800 mts); the covid crisis has brought the security concern of common crime; Current operational circumstances require frequently long working hours.
Security Considerations
Security awareness needed.
Additional Factors
Spanish essential as few people speak English and all meetings and communications are conducted in Spanish.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
BU-Budgeting, BU-PeopleSoft EPM/Budget, FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other), FO-Complex field emergency operations, MG-Change Management, MG-Office Management, MG-Organisational Culture and Behaviour, PG-Programme Planning, PG-Resource planning, PR-People Oriented Planning, RM-ISO 31000 - International Risk Management Standard, SC-Customer Oriented Skills - Care
BA: Accounting (Required), BA: Business Administration (Required), BA: Economics (Required), BA: Finance (Required), BA: Public Administration (Required)
Certifications
HCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Risk Management Basics & ERM Program - UNHCR, IPSAS_Accounting for Leases - Other, Office Management - Other
Annual Budget OL in Operation/Office, Number of Persons of Concern Served, Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: Internally Displaced Persons, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned IDPs, Working with Persons of Concern: Stateless
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Add.2 to Bi-annual Compendium 2022 - Part B
This position requires Functional Clearance
