Job: Finance Assistant

Location: Kabul 
Deadline: Wednesday, 16 October 2013 

Description

UNOPS mission is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need. Working in some of the world's most challenging environments, our vision is to always satisfy partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost effectiveness.

UNOPS provides services in sustainable infrastructure, sustainable procurement and sustainable project management, with projects ranging from building schools, roads, bridges and hospitals to procuring goods and services and training local personnel.

By assisting UN organizations, international financial institutions, governments and other development partners, UNOPS makes significant, tangible contributions to results on the ground.

We employ more than 6,000 personnel annually and on behalf of our partners create thousands more work opportunities in local communities. Through our headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark and a network of regional and country offices, we oversee activities in more than 80 countries.

UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.

Background Information - Afghanistan

With more than 10 years of experience in the country, the UNOPS Afghanistan office supports national reconstruction and development efforts by providing projects with goods and services - from stand-alone, one-off solutions to long-term management and capacity development support. Based in Kabul, UNOPS in Afghanistan has sub-offices in every region of the country. The team implements projects in support of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy, in a wide range of sectors including infrastructure, education, environment and agriculture, and governance and rule of law.

Project Background

In 2009 and 2010, UNDP's Enhancing Legal and Electoral Capacity for Tomorrow (ELECT) project supported Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (IEC) to organize and deliver the Afghan-led presidential and parliamentary elections across 35 constituencies throughout the country. The project also supported the Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC), an independent complaints adjudication mechanism.

In June 2013, UNDP Afghanistan representatives formally approached UNOPS Afghanistan to support the 2014-15 electoral process through provision of operational support to the Electoral Dispute Resolution (EDR) mechanism of Afghanistan, which needs to be defined, legalized, and established by the President and the Legislature. It is expected that the previous formation of the Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) will be retained.

The project shall enable the Electoral Dispute Resolution (EDR) mechanism of Afghanistan, and former Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC), through provision of operational support to receive and arbitrate electoral complaints associated with candidate nomination, political campaigning, polling, and processing of election results within the prescribed timeline.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

Under the overall guidance and direction of the Operations Manager (OM), and in close coordination the project team and Finance Unit, the Finance Assistant will support the effective and efficient financial operations of the Support to Electoral Complaints Commission of Afghanistan (SECCA) project office. Specific responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Assist in ensuring that all SECCA financial transactions comply with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations (FRR), policies and procedures, and that cases of deviation are reported to ensure the necessary corrective action;
• Actively verify the accuracy, completeness and consistency of transactional information in order to avoid delays which could adversely impact project delivery;
• Raise purchase orders (POs) for goods and services, ensuring accuracy of all required information, and correct level of approvals;
• Assist in preparation of payment certificates, tax calculations, operational advances and other requests as required;
• Maintain financial transaction tracking records and databases to ensure completion of transactions, and allow for follow-up or quick reference of information;
• Maintain a comprehensive filing and archive system of project financial documents;
• Assist the project team in the preparation of reports as required;
• Other similar duties as assigned.

Monitoring and Project Controls

Monitoring and Progress Controls/FinalProduct

The incumbent shall:

• Contribute to the effective, accountable and transparent management of project finances.
• Contribute to the complete, accurate and timely processing of financial transactions.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Secondary Diploma required.
• Bachelor degree in Finance, business administration, economics, accounting or relevant field is considered an asset.
• Relevant professional Finance/Accounting certificates considered an asset.

Work Experience

• At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in an Accounting and Finance capacity.

Languages

• Excellent working knowledge of English, both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of Dari is highly desirable.

Technical Competencies

• Fully proficient in MS Office software (Outlook, Word, Excel), and able to easily navigate the Internet;
• Experience in PeopleSoft or other financial management systems an asset.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrates the United Nation's values of Integrity, Professionalism, and Respect for Diversity when carrying out duties and in interaction with colleagues, clients and stakeholders;
• Client Orientation: seeks to understand the clients' perspective and needs, and establishes and maintains productive partnerships by gaining trust and respect;
• Communication: speaks and writes clearly, listens to others, requests clarifications when needed and engages in two-way communication, and demonstrates openness in sharing information;
• Teamwork: works with colleagues to achieve UNOPS goals, participates in knowledge sharing and works to build team capacity, demonstrates a willingness to learn from others and solicits input, and supports and acts in accordance with team decisions;
• Demonstrates planning and organisational skills, and an ability to manage tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent activities;
• Takes direct responsibility for own work, with attention to detail ensuring accuracy and consistency;
• Demonstrates initiative, maturity of judgment, and analytical skills;
• Capable of working with others in a participatory and capacity building manner;
• Demonstrates understanding and commitment to gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into task and duties;
• Ability to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and those of UNOPS.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Contract level: LICA 3 Contract duration: Six months, with possibility of extension For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: http://www.unops.org/ENGLISH/WHOWENEED/CONTRACT-TYPES/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements-ICAs.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note this is a local position and open to Afghan nationals only.
• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
• 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.
• For staff positions UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• 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.

More Info and Application