Finance Specialist

Background Information – Job-specific

Depending on the need, the Finance Specialist would work either in the Finance Group or IPAS Finance.

The Finance Group (FG) is a critical and strategic business function in UNOPS and serves as an authoritative and integrated partner in the organization on strategic financial planning and budgeting, business strategy and practices, financial analysis and risk assessment, financial project management services and long term organisational treasury and investments. As the steward of resources of a self-financing UN entity, FG is accountable for timely cost recovery and reporting to partners, maintaining the integrity and transparency of financial management of resources in accordance with the highest standards of ethics and organisational/international accountability framework and the accurate and transparent financial reporting to governing bodies, clients, partners and stakeholders.

In FG the Finance Specialist reports to the Head of Project Finance who provides broad supervision and guidance. As a senior team member the position may also include supervisory responsibility on other team members. The role contributes to the Finance Group’s vision of being a true business partner to UNOPS projects, by providing advice on all financial matters for client project delivery to senior management and members of the project teams. This includes establishing aspects of the financial framework within which client projects can operate, from a budget, to a cash management, to an accounting and reporting perspective. The role is part of a centre of excellence, providing seamless, appropriate, relevant and pro-active project specific tools and guidance. The role includes collaboration on project setup, implementation and closure with the Integrated Practice Advisory Service (IPAS) and supports outreach and training on all things related to project finance.

Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, the UNOPS Integrated Practice Advice and Support (IPAS) serves all the regions and headquarters, primarily with advice and solutions to everyday implementation challenges. IPAS consists of a diverse team of subject matter experts in the six practice areas of HR, Administration, Legal, Finance, Procurement, Project Management and Infrastructure. IPAS has three main roles:

• Support for operations in the field offices: IPAS provides timely advice and supports actively finding solutions to everyday implementation challenges, based on policy and best practices. It also provides operational support in specific areas.
• Business efficiency: IPAS recommends changes to policies, processes and operating standards based on the feedback and experience of the field offices. IPAS also ensures transparent and efficient project implementation, in line with policy and business needs.
• Body of knowledge: IPAS contributes to research and coordination within the policy groups and project practitioners. It provides structured knowledge and subject matter expertise which is used across practice areas to provide coherent and tailored advice to the requesting offices.

IPAS Finance supports UNOPS Country Offices in all aspects of UNOPS finances. Our three major areas of support are:

• ​Project Finance advisory support
• Corporate Financial reporting support
• ​Banking & treasury support

In IPAS, under the supervision of the Financial Management Advisor, the incumbent will work closely with Operations Centers and field offices, primarily to provide everyday support and solutions to corporate implementation initiatives. The incumbent will keep a balance between operational implementation efficiencies and policy/rules requirements, and also contribute towards long-term solutions by channeling practical recommendations through the Finance Senior Manager for improvements in policies and processes for efficient project implementation

*** Please note that we are building a roster of qualified finance professionals who are interested in both short term and long term opportunities.

Functional Responsibilities

This is an opportunity to shape UNOPS approach to project finance management. We are currently looking for a Project Finance Specialist to work with the project finance team with solid experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Partner interaction on financial matters
• Financial review of project agreements;
• Project budgeting and accounting;
• Cost attribution and cost recovery;
• Project cash management;
• Client financial reporting;
• Project financial closure.

The new colleague is expected to help us rethink and improve our project finance practices and focus our financial project management to support project managers and our donors. The ideal candidate will be a Finance Specialist, with a proven track record in one or more of the areas mentioned above, a sound understanding of international finance management best practices, together with an open mind for innovation, while being focused on delivering practical solutions.

A good candidate will have an international outlook, experience working in a global or international organisation, ideally with good experience in project financial matters.

This role has a global scope and will be key in enhancing UNOPS finance practices. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable providing advice to management and personnel on financial issues, as well as coordinating the development and roll out of global project finance initiatives. It will also require drafting project finance related policy documents, process documentation and guidlines, ensuring their appropriate roll-out to all of UNOPS offices, provide support to audits and liaise with other teams of the Finance Group, IPAS and other stakeholders as required. The role would also require outreach to high level internal and external stakeholders in addressing financial issues related to project implementation. That can include key decision makers within UNOPS as well as counterparts in other UN organisations and from UNOPS partners. Further tasks may include to independently manage issues arising from the implementation of UNOPS policies jointly with other FG and IPAS colleagues to ensure a consistent application of UNOPS financial framework.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

● Advanced University degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related discipline is required. ● A combination of a first level University degree in finance or related field plus additional work experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master degree

Experience

● Minimum 5 years of relevant progressively responsible job related experience in finance or accounting is required ● Knowledge of, and experience with Google Suite applications (Docs, Slides and Sheets), as well as experience in handling web-based management systems is strongly desirable.

● Demonstrated ability to conduct financial and budget analysis and to apply basic accounting principles and practices is required.

● International exposure is strongly desirable.

● Experience in high level stakeholder interaction is desirable.

• Field experience is highly desirable
• Broader experience within more than one management practice is desirable
• Some experience in the UN organizations is an asset.

Language Requirements

● Full working knowledge of English.

● Full working knowledge of French or Spanish would be a strong asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA Contract level: IICA-2 Contract duration: Various, temporary (short term or long term) or open-ended, depending on the Hiring Unit’s needs.”

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labour force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage the recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.