Job: Finance Assistant

Location: Rio de Janeiro 
Deadline: Thursday, 17 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 - IWC

International Waters Cluster

The UNOPS International Waters Cluster specializes in executing projects to prevent and reverse the degradation of transboundary water systems, including multi-country rivers and large marine ecosystems such as oceans, lake basins and shared groundwater resources. The cluster is executing over 30 projects for its partners, helping countries to work together and share knowledge to reduce ecological stress, such as that caused by overfishing and industrial pollution. Background Information - Job-specific

Cap-Net is a UNDP project to enhance capacity for sustainable management and development of water. With funding from the Swedish and Dutch Governments, the project plays a key facilitation role in a global network of capacity building institutions and individuals. Cap-Net works with over 20 networks in many different countries and regions of the world. It works with international partners addressing water issues. Cap-Net is committed to local ownership, partnerships and capacity building activities that respond to real demand from the ground.

The Finance Assistant is a key person in a very small project team. The Finance Assistant has to develop and operate the financial system which runs according to systems created by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). There will be a learning period but the Finance Assistant will be a fast starter, efficient and effective. Maintaining control over the accounts and prompt and accurate reporting are key performance criteria.

The Finance Assistant will know and understand the various partners in all of the networks around the world and maintaining good and cordial communications as a key element to ensure their confidence and active participation in the Cap-Net Global Network. Managing the information base in a global network is an essential and important task making a significant contribution to the success of the programme. The Finance Assistant is central to the information management process, establishing systems, keeping them up to date and ensuring the access and use of the information within the programme.

The Programme Associate will report to the Cap-Net Project Director.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

• Implementation of operational finance strategies
• Accounting and administrative support
• Financial advisory service to project management
• Adequate reporting on project budget implementation
• Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1. Ensures implementation of operational strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance of financial processes and financial records with UN/UNDP/UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies.

• Input to the Cap-Net processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance in consultation with office management.
• Develop and implement a consolidated multi-donor financial management system

2. Provides accounting and administrative support to the project secretariat focusing on achievement of he following results:

• Proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports for the project; approval of vendors; preparation of all types of vouchers for management on-behalf of UNOPS and non-Atlas Agencies; PO vouchers for management; Pay Cycle and payment execution.

• Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas; travel claims, MPOs and other entitlements are duly processed

• Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers.

• Presentation of information on the status of financial resources as required.

• Management of cash receipts and petty cash.

• Maintenance of the proper filing system for finance records and documents.
• Preparation of vouchers and PO vouchers for management projects, and approval of vendors can in small offices be performed by Finance Assistant. Voucher creation functions in the offices with Service Centres or Project offices can be performed by Service Administrators of the Service Centres or Finance Assistants of Project offices. 3. Provides financial advisory services to project management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Advise project management on day-to-day basis of budget implementation

• Display hands-on knowledge of the UN/UNOPS operational finance management systems and rules

• Implement a structured early-warning system on budget implementation and financial implications

• Produce monthly financial reports

4. Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the office focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Participation in the trainings for the operations/ projects staff on Finance.

• Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice. The key results have an impact on the execution of the Cap-Net financial services management in terms of quality and accuracy of work. Accurate data entry and presentation of financial information and a client-oriented approach enhances UNOPS' capability to effectively and efficiently manage financial resources.

Competencies

CorporateCompetencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNOPS'mission, vision and values
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race,nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Shares knowledge and experience
• Encourages office staff to shareknowledge and contribute to UNDP Practice Areas
• Actively works towards continuingpersonal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts onlearning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development andOperational Effectiveness

• Ability to perform a variety ofspecialized activities related to financial resources management, includingformulating budgets, maintaining Accounts Receivables and Accounts Payables,making transactions, reporting.
• Sound knowledge of financialrules and regulations
• Strong IT skills
• Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new systems.

Leadership andSelf-Management

• Focuses on result for the client
• Consistentlyapproaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude Remains calm, in control and good humored evenunder pressure
• Demonstrates openness to change
• Responds positively to feedback and differingpoints of view

Education/Experience/Language requirements

• University degree or equivalent in accounting, financial administration, or similar relevant discipline required
• 5 years of progressively responsible finance experience is required at the national or international level. Experience in project financial management.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.
• Knowledge of the Inter-Agency ATLAS finance management system is an advantage.
• Fluency in English and the national language of the duty station required
• Knowledge og other UN languages is considered an advantage

Additional Considerations

• 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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local ICA Contract level: LICA-4/ICS-6/SB-3 Contract duration: part time position for one year. 2,5 working days per week. 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

More Info and Application