Associate Finance Officer

Grade

PR2

Professional

Reason

Temporary > Temporary Assignment/ Appointment

H (no hardship)

Family<p></p><p></p>

No

2023-05-01

2024-04-30

May 2, 2023

Standard Job Description

Associate 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 may support the supervisor with the identification and management of 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 national 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 - Contribute to the assessment of budgetary needs for administrative budgets (ABOD); monitor and control ABOD expenditure. - Analyse, evaluate and control disbursements/receipts, as well as expenditure variances against approved budgets; - Review and approve vouchers, including ABOD and project disbursements. - Propose monthly cash requirements for the Office, and ensure adequate and timely replenishments of funds. - Contribute to the preparation and processing of monthly accounts. - Provide financial status reports to supervisors. - Analyse and evaluate all financial reports produced on a regular basis. - Maintain effective business relationships with local banks. - Assist in ensuring compliance with UNHCR and UN Financial Regulations and Rules, policies and procedures. - Ensure that payments are effectuated by the monthly deadline. - Ensure that monthly accounts are correct and approved, and ensure timely monthly bank reconciliations, including open items, review and clearance of unwanted requisitions and PO balances. - Conduct regular checks of petty cash and cash accounts. - Perform project control functions, in the absence of a dedicated project control position. - Participate in the physical verification of UNHCR¿s local property, plant and equipment (PPE) and inventories. - Verify that all financial transactions are correct and in accordance with UNHCR rules and procedures. - In the absence of a senior finance position, ensure compliance with applicable financial rules, policies and procedures. - In the absence of a senior finance position, certify country-level financial expenditure reports submitted to the regional office or Headquarters. 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, assist with the implementation and management of 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, assist the provision and planning of 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. - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year 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. Good knowledge of, and experience in working with, international accounting and auditing standards, with a minimum of 1 year of practical experience in the audit process and/or in financial statements preparation. Working experience with accrual accounting (such as IPSAS or IFRS). Experience with financial modules of a major Enterprise Resource Planning system (such as PeopleSoft, SAP or Oracle). Good understanding of project and resource management. Desirable: Good knowledge of UNHCR systems (such as Focus and MSRP). Excellent knowledge of United Nations financial rules and procedures. Functional Skills FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other) FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc) PM-Project Monitoring DM-Data Collection and Analysis EL-Monitoring and Evaluation 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.

Are you a finance professional with a passion for innovation and transformation?

We have an incredible opportunity for Finance Officers at the newly-established UNHCR Finance Centre of Excellence (FCoE) within the Division of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM).
The team of Finance Officers in the FCoE will help UNHCR to drive the future of finance for the Organization. The team will play a pivotal role in the continuous enhancement of UNHCR’s financial and administrative services through exploring and piloting the use of technology and innovative approaches in close coordination with the respective DFAM Services and Business Process Owners. The core output of this team is to understand field practices, research new solutions and deliver high quality support to UNHCR country offices.

Under the overall guidance of the Controller and Director, DFAM and the management of the Chief, Strategic Management & Field Support Section (SMFSS), and in close cooperation with UNHCR Regional Bureaux (RB) and DFAM Services/Sections/Units, the FCoE will support field operations globally in implementing financial and administrative initiatives and play an important role in DFAM’s transformation, continuous improvement in financial management and oversight functions.
Within the FCoE, the successful candidate will be in a tight-knit, high-performing team that will partner with RB and Operations to support the development and roll-out of corporate initiatives, change management support, understand challenges/needs of the field, conduct analysis, pursue solutions, and provide advice or guidance in collaboration with the respective business process owners.

Key responsibilities:

In collaboration with Regional Bureaux and DFAM Services/Sections/Units, and in alignment with organizational and divisional objectives and priorities, the FCoE and successful candidate will:
1. Interface between RB & DFAM HQ to support the adoption and implementation of strategic and operational finance tools and processes at UNHCR.
2. Complement Regional Bureaux in addressing common challenges faced by field finance, and in identifying opportunities for improvement.
3. Initiate dialog and maintain an open feedback channel for field operations, ensure best possible understanding of challenges and identify opportunities for improvements.
4. Pursue process simplification and re-engineering in finance and administrative services by exploring innovative, effective, automated, scalable solutions to meet operational needs and support DFAM Services in the development and operationalization of new global systems and solutions.
5. Strengthen capacity building through needs assessment, advice, and support the development and delivery of Finance/Admin training in partnership with the Global Learning and Development Centre (GLDC).
6. Support operations through analysis, guidance, recommendations, DFAM Emergency Rosters, etc., and functional assessments performed by SMFSS.
7. Capture and disseminate transferable knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices, upon coordination and clearance by the respective business process owners and DFAM-Policy & Audit Coordination Section (PACS).
8. As the FCoE matures, support operations through short missions in emergencies, bridge staffing needs, or finance/admin-related projects.
9. In the interim, FCoE will complement Oracle Cloud ERP go-live support.
Duties:
• Facilitate implementation of corporate financial and administrative initiatives, solutions, tools, and Standard Operating Procedures, in consultation with office/regional management
• Liaise with UNHCR Regional Bureaux and Operations to identify Finance/Admin challenges and opportunities for improvement
• Analyse proposals and data for risk-based decision-making and reporting
• Propose, design, or contribute to the development of effective, innovative, and scalable strategies and solutions to meet operational and management needs
• Document key information on systems, processes, findings, concepts, solutions, and guidance as assigned.
• Contribute skills, knowledge, and information proactively to support the field and to advance innovation and continuous improvement in Finance at UNHCR
• Provide recommendations in areas such as business process re-engineering, implementation strategies/approaches, operational practices, etc.
• Support process owners in preparation and delivery of training to Finance and related staff.
• Stay current on best practices in the market and peer organizations, as applicable to UNHCR
• Understand and apply best practices to increase simplification and efficiency in field Finance
• Support finance functions in field operations/other UNHCR offices via missions, as agreed-upon
• Other duties as requested, in line with the objectives of the Unit, Section, and Division
Required skills and qualifications:
• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or related field; Bachelor’s degree may be accepted with relevant experience and certifications
• Demonstrated understanding of key financial concepts and processes, and application of UN financial rules and regulations, policies, and procedures
• Experience in complex data analysis, interpretation, and visualization
• Adaptive and innovative problem-solving skills and achievement of planned outcomes
• Experience in designing, and re-building processes, workflows, dashboards, etc.
• Ability to navigate multiple concurrent tasks and projects through to successful completion
• Ability to establish effective client relationships with proven technical, collaboration, and influencing skills
• Ability to quickly master new and/or complex tools/systems/procedures/structures/contexts
• Experience with integrated ERP systems; Experience with Oracle Cloud preferred
• Experience working in/with shared service centres
• Experience supporting system implementation and providing go-live support
• Ability to work well in a team as well as independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to develop and deliver finance/admin training and other capacity development measures
• Strong communication skills in English; Knowledge of other UN languages preferred
• Willingness and ability to travel on field and other missions
• Combined HQ and field experience

This position requires Functional Clearance

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Skills

DM-Data Collection and Analysis, EL-Monitoring and Evaluation, FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other), FI-Financial Accounting - Modified cash-based accounting as per international standards, FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc), PM-Project Monitoring

Education

BA: Accounting (Required), BA: Business Administration (Required), BA: Economics (Required), BA: Finance (Required), BA: Public Professions (Required)

Certifications

Accounting - Other, Auditing - Other, Financial Management - Other

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