This Finance Associate position is located within the Statutory Reporting Unit (SRU) of the Finance Branch, Division for Management Services (DMS) and will report directly to the head of the SRU under the overall supervision of the Chief, Finance Branch.
DMS enables UNFPA to effectively and efficiently manage its financial resources and assets towards the achievement of the Fund’s strategic and programmatic objectives and to ensure the financial sustainability of the organization. To this end, it establishes policies and provides advice, operational guidance, and support in the areas of accounting and reporting, budgeting, financial management, management of implementing partners, risk management and internal controls, assets and facilities management, and general services. DMS interacts extensively with all UNFPA field offices (at country and regional level) and Headquarters (HQ) units.
The Finance Branch is responsible for global financial management, statutory and specialized reporting, and for policy development and the provision of advice, operational guidance, support and oversight in the areas of general accounting, accounts payable, contributions receivable, other accounts receivable, fund management, donor reporting, treasury management, management of cash transfer to IPs, and inventory management. The Branch also plays a key role in the custody and distribution of financial resources and the monitoring of expenditures and the strengthening of ongoing compliance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
The Finance Branch is also actively involved in the UNFPA ICT Transformation (ICTX) programme, which aims at implementing an integrated and transformational IT solution, including a new, more agile and flexible Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system providing UNFPA with more effective business processes and better ability to respond to evolving user needs.
The SRU is responsible for the operationalization of the IPSAS environment within UNFPA and for strengthening compliance with selected policies and procedures, including the policy on management of programme supplies. The unit coordinates the annual accounts closure, prepares IPSAS-compliant financial statements and other statutory reports, liaises with auditors on finance related matters, and is responsible for specialized accounting in selected areas, including inventory, employee benefits and intangible assets. The SRU also supports different initiatives to improve the effectiveness of internal controls at UNFPA, including implementation of the performance management reporting and the Last Mile Assurance (LMA) processes and the ICTX project.
Organizational Setting
Under the overall supervision of the head of the SRU, the Finance Associate supports the continuous improvement and operationalization of the IPSAS environment at UNFPA by monitoring the implementation of the Policy and Procedures on Management of Programme Supplies, supports the development of UNFPA’s inventory management systems as part of the ICTX project, contributes to accounts closure activities and preparation of the statutory financial reports, and supports initiatives to improve internal controls.
Main areas of Responsibilities
- Continuous improvement and operationalization of the IPSAS environment at UNFPA by monitoring implementation of the Policy and Procedures on Management of Programme Supplies.
- Support development of UNFPA inventory management systems through implementation of new ERP, and related systems and tools.
- Contribute to accounts closure activities and preparation of statutory financial reports.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Completed secondary level education required. First level degree and/or accounting qualification from a recognized body is desirable.
- Candidate must pass the UN GGST/ASAT exams to be appointed.
- 7 years of experience in accounting / finance / supply chain management related role;
- Strong attention to detail and data analysis skills; ability to use large and imperfect datasets for meaningful analysis identifying key trends, data integrity gaps, and performance strength and weaknesses;
- Good writing, communication and presentation skills;
- Proficiency in the use of spreadsheets, word processing and computerized accounting systems;
- Experience in drafting policy and guidance documents, standard operating procedures and training manuals is a strong advantage;
- Previous experience with the UN system organizations is desirable;
- Previous experience with major ERP system, preferably Peoplesoft/Oracle is desirable;
- Fluency in English language is required; Proficiency in French and/or Spanish is a significant advantage.
NOTE:
This is a local non-rotational* position. Candidates for this position must have a valid G-4 visa at the time of their application and whose G4 visa has been acquired on account of their employment in the UN systems is based in New York or Washington, D.C., or be USA Citizen or have a valid USA Permanent residency. In addition, candidate must pass the UN GGST/ASAT exam to be appointed.
Duration: One year fixed term - no expectancy of renewal in accordance with UN staff regulations 4.5.
Required Competencies
Values:
- Exemplifying integrity
- Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
- Embracing diversity in all its forms
- Embracing change
Core Competencies:
- Achieving Results
- Being Accountable
- Developing and Applying Professional Expertise/Business Acumen
- Thinking analytically and Strategically
- Working in Teams/Managing Ourselves and our Relationships
- Communicating for Impact
Functional Competencies
- Ensuring operational effectiveness and accountability for results
- Managing the organizations financial resources
- Providing a technical functional support system
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNFPA Work Environment
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, Embracing diversity in all its forms, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities for all including persons with disabilities.
Compensation and Benefits
This position offers an attractive remuneration package commensurate with the level of the post. The package includes a competitive net salary, health and dental insurance and other benefits.
Closing Statement
Notice: UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.
Disclaimer
WARNING TO APPLICANTS: UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web. Should you feel that you have received a fraudulent notice, letter or offer that makes use of the name or logo of UNFPA, you may submit a report through the UNFPA fraud hotline http://www.unfpa.org/help/hotline.cfm
We are no longer accepting applications for this position.
