Head Field Finance Office, P4, West Bank

Org. Setting and Reporting
UNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff working across five areasof operation, is looking for highly committed personnel wishing to make a change.

If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference for one of the most vulnerablecommunities in the world, UNRWA would like to hear from you.

The Head of Field Finance Office reports to and receives supervision and instructions from the Field Director orDeputy Director of UNRWA Operations (Support). Technical guidance and advice are received from theDirector of Finance.

Responsibilities
UNRWA’s financial accounts, policies and procedures are IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards) compliant. Accordingly, the incumbent will carry out the following duties:

• Manages a Field based Finance team to ensure, inter alia, that the Finance function provides accurate, relevant and timely financial information and advice to a multiplicity of internal and external stakeholders;
• In full compliance with IPSAS, coordinates the preparation of the Field medium term forecasts and operating budget; reviews budget submissions, monitors expenditures against budget allotments and reports on variances; ensures that Field budget activities are carried out in an accurate, defendable and timely manner;
• Ensures due diligence in all aspects of the disbursements, receipts and management of the Field’s financial resources including responsibility of internal control procedures, cash flow management and treasury functionsin the Field;
• Supervises the preparation of the monthly financial report to internal management, the Quarterly Budget Review for all Programmes and Departments to enable management to conduct resource allocation, the fully accrued monthly accounts, the financial records and statements and reports including monthly figures covering also the staff cost in coordination with the Departments; ensures that yearly and biennium Field
  accounts closing activities are carried out in a precise and timely manner; coordinates Field replies to internal and external audit queries;
• Ensures that the provisions of the IPSAS compliant Financial Regulations, the Finance Manual and Finance andBudget Technical Instructions issued by Headquarters are complied with throughout the Field and aresupplemented locally to the extent necessary;
• Is responsible for development and maintenance of Field’s financial systems and procedures in order tomaintain a balance between operational expedience and financial control, and takes a lead in identifyinglocal systems and processes that could be streamlined for greater efficiency;
• Serves on Field Committees involving financial matters including Local Committee on Procurement andTender Opening Committee;
• Trains and instructs the staff on financial matters in the Field.

Competencies
UN Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity, and Core Competencies ofCommunication, Working with People and Drive for Results apply by default

• Proven conceptual, analytical, and evaluative skills;
• Ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identify issues, formulate and analyse options andmake sound recommendations;
• A complete, in-depth grasp of financial principles and practices with sound knowledge of budgetdevelopment and financial administration of resources;
• Strong managerial/supervisory skills;
• Negotiation skills, good judgment and decision making skills;
• Demonstrated innovative technical leadership through performing and/or overseeing the analysis of complexfinancial policies and programme issues;
• Ability to establish priorities, plan, coordinate and monitor the work of others;
• Proficiency in standard Agency computer applications;
• Knowledge of computerized accounting and budgeting systems;
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in amulti-cultural, multi-ethnic environment, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
  For guidance on how to prepare for competency-based interviews: https://careers.un. org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=AYI

Education

• Advanced university degree from an accredited educational institution in finance, accountancy, businessadministration or related field;
• A university degree and a professional accountancy qualification; a Membership in a professional body ofaccountants (e.g., Institute of Chartered Accountants, Institute of Certified Public Accountants Institute ofChartered Public Accountants) may apply.

Work Experience

• Eight years of progressively responsible and relevant experience in the application of the knowledgeacquired post university degree;
• At least five years at the supervisory level, in a large commercial, industrial or government Agency, involvingwork in finance, accounting, budget, audit and related functions with solid grasp of accrual Accounting;
• A minimum of 2 continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA, and outside thecountry(s) of which the candidate is a national or holds citizenship, a passport, or a national identity number;
• Working experience with a UN organization (Desirable);
• Knowledge of ERP system (Desirable);

Languages
Excellent command of written and spoken English.

Working knowledge of written and spoken Arabic (desirable).

Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed bycompetency-based interview.

Special Notice
Type of Contract and duration: 2 years, with the possibility of further extension.
The Head of Field Finance Office will be required to reside in the field of assignment and to travel occasionallyin the Agency’s area of operations in the Middle East.
Applicants have to complete the Personal History Profile (PHP) in inspira in order to be considered. The PHPshould be completed with full relevant work experience as per the requirements in the Job Opening, in order tobe considered.
UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.
A roster may be created from the selection exercise, and successful candidates may become eligible forappointment to the same post or a similar post.

Equivalency:
A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may beaccepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, businessfoundations and individual contributions. The mission of UNRWA is to help Palestine refugees achieve their fullpotential in human development under the difficult circumstances in which they live.
For more details on UNRWA, please visit: https://www.unrwa.org/