Finance Assistant – local post

Duration – 11 months

The Position:

Finance Assistant post is in the Operations Team of the Administration and Management Support Unit, of the Humanitarian Response Division (HRD), based in Geneva.

Finance Assistant is part of the operations team and s/he delivers quality financial services in adherence to relevant policies and standards established by UNFPA and apply finance-related guidelines, processes and procedures to the Humanitarian Response Division activities.

You will report to Operations Specialist and work in close cooperation with Administrative/Finance Associates and other operations team members.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

In support of UNFPA’s strategic directions, the Finance Assistant contributes to building Division capacity and ensuring effective and efficient application of core and non-core resources through providing quality support to recording and reporting of accurate and reliable financial data and information in a timely manner with required quality checks, in line with UNFPA guidelines and procedures.

You would be responsible for:

Financial services:

• Supporting the monitoring of programme financial performance, by providing necessary financial information and analysis, including implementation rate against indicators/results; detecting potential over/under expenditure problems and proposing remedial action.
• Support with monitoring of the Division budgets; compilation of financial data; and regularly providing accurate, up to date financial information.
• Assisting in the management of the Division budget, by budget formulation, controlling allotments, monitoring expenditures, and preparing draft revisions as required.
• Ensure effective financial reporting system, including contributing to preparation and submission of monthly, quarterly accountability checklists and year-end certifications and reporting in an accurate and timely manner
• Assist Operations Specialist in implementation of audit recommendations and improvement of overall office compliance and accountability, including assessment and implementation of operation risks and fraud mitigation in line with enterprise risk management framework.
• Maintain close collaboration with Admin/Finance Associate and Programme Associate with project monitoring and financial reports issues.

Implementing Partners services:

• Ensure that financial transactions for the Humanitarian Response Division programmes implemented by the implementing partners, are processed in an accurate and timely way and in accordance with relevant policies and procedures.
• Ensure that financial resources are spent in compliance with donor requirements and timeframe of the programmes, and maintain up-to-date database of such requirements for each donor of the Division. Draft accurate donor financial report in collaboration with programme team, as required by donors, assist in reparation and undergoing of donor verification missions.
• Support Operations Specialist with setting and implementing IP (Implementing Partner) assurance plan (HACT spot checks, micro assessments, audit).
• Assist in review and assessment of reported amounts on FACE forms (Funding authorization and certificate of expenditures), cash advances, follow up on aged OFA (Operating Fund Accounts), conduct necessary reconciliations.
• Assist in reviewing the Implementing Partners internal controls with respect to financial management, procurement and/or other controls required to implement the activities defined in the work plan.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

Completed Secondary Level Education required. First level university degree in Finance, Business, Public Administration or similar discipline desirable.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Five years of relevant experience in administration, finance or office management.
• Proven experience and track record in successfully managing and implementing financial policies, processes and systems in development organizations or private sector.
• Proficiency in current office software applications, web-based management and ERP financial systems.
• Ability to produce analytical reports and write clearly and concisely.
• Working experience with UN organization is desirable.

Languages:

Languages:

Fluency in English and French is required; knowledge of other official UN languages, is desirable.

Required Competencies

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity,
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
• Embracing cultural diversity,
• Embracing change

Functional Competencies:

• Job knowledge and technical expertise
• Attention to detail
• Meticulous in adhering to Donor and Procedural requirements
• Good time management skills

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