UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.
Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.
With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.
A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners’ needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.
Background Information - Job-specificUnder the overall guidance and supervision of the Head of Support Services, the Finance Specialist analyzes and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues. S/he ensures effective and transparent utilization of financial resources and integrity of financial services. The Finance Specialist promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations.
The Finance Specialist works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations, and project teams in the Regional Office or Operations/Project Centre/Multi-Country Office, UNOPS HQ staff, and Government officials, ensuring successful delivery of financial services.
The Finance Specialist oversees and directs all finance issues and tasks of the Multi-Country Office, and supervises all finance personnel engaged by the Multi-Country Office.
Functional ResponsibilitiesFull compliance with the provisions of the UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations, the Finance Manual and Finance and Budget Technical Instructions in all financial transactions, recording, reporting, etc.
Elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance in the Multi-Country Office, under the supervision of the Head of Support Services
Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation in the Multi-Country Office, and provision of regular management reports for control purposes
Analysis and elaboration of proposals on cost-saving and reduction strategies (including introduction and development of e-banking).
2.Ensures timely budget preparation and effective monitoring and control, focusing on achievement of the following results:
Support Head of Support Services (HoSS) with elaboration of proposals for planning of financial resources of the Multi-Country Office, preparation of reports containing analysis of the financial situation.
Coordination of the preparation of the field operating budget; review of budget submissions, regular analysis and reporting on the budget approvals and the delivery situation; monitoring of expenditures against budget allotments and reporting on variances
In coordination with the HoSS and Head of Programme, ensure compliance with UNOPS financial rules and regulations, financial policies and procedures and that project budgets and revisions are prepared in accordance with established procedures and budgetary guidelines of the funding agency; project budget re-phasing processed accurately and punctually
Identification of administrative budgetary requirements; guidance on guidelines for budget preparation, the format to be used in reflecting budget proposals and the procedures for submission to facilitate consolidation at the global level.
Review of budget proposals for reasonableness, consistency with the organizational goals and priorities.
Monitoring and advice to the HoSS and Multi-Country Office Director on the financial status of projects and programmes (including pending and approved budgets; contributions confirmed but not yet available for expenditure; contributions available for expenditure and contributions already expended).
Monitoring of expenditure levels against allotments. Review and processing of request for budget revision as required.
Status of budgetary allocations monitored on an ongoing basis; networking with clients to strengthen budget management and take corrective actions when required.
Maintenance of the UNOPS Project Budget formulation system ensuring timely input and processing of data. With the cooperation of the Information Technology group, ensuring relevance of system at all times by updating and proposing change to facilitate financial management of project and enhance financial reporting.
Discussion of concerns with the HoSS when required so that timely corrective actions can be taken.
3.Ensures proper Operations cash management and treasury functions, focusing on achievement of the following results:
Timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements. Timely identification and recording of receipts for income application.
Daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in OneUNOPS ERP systme to monitor IMPREST account (if available); identification and recording of contributions.
Efficient local banking and/or treasury arrangements and compliance with local financial and banking regulations.
Initiation of bank transfers and deals, selecting bank transfers and deals for approval and settlement.
Timely preparation of monthly cash flow forecast for use by the supervisor.
Acts as cashier for on-site transactions.
Building project capacity to effect payments using OneUNOPS or IMPREST accounts.
Monitoring of the delivery and income of the portfolio; planning and adjustment of expenditures for the administrative budget.
Analysis of trends and forecasting of income from projects and other sources.
4. Ensure proper control of Operations accounts and payments, focusing on achievement of the following results:
Analysis and elaboration of proposals for the internal expenditures’ control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in OneUNOPS; payrolls are duly prepared; monthly payment orders (MPOs), travel claims and other entitlements are duly processed.
Control of accounts closure.
Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers. Timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues.
Control of the Accounts Receivables for UNOPS projects and follow up with partners on contributions, maintenance of the General Ledger.
Ensuring proper maintenance of the field financial accounts; preparation of financial records, statements and reports as required or approval of the work of subordinates; coordination of field replies to internal and external audit queries;
Proper receipt, management, safeguarding and disbursement of payments handled by the field; review, modification, initiation and implementation of internal control procedures in coordination with Headquarters;
Proper control of the supporting documents for payments; preparation of all types of vouchers; Pay Cycle and payments execution.
Effect payment instructions by signing and approving transfer orders, bank instructions, cheques, replenishments and payments in general
Supervise finance personnel engaged by Multi-Country Office across countries, ensuring that the relevant systems, procedures, policies and working methods are established and followed. Provide capacity development to all finance personnel of the Multi-Country Office , as required.
Organize and conduct of training for the operations staff on Finance.
Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in Finance.
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Education:
Experience:
Background Information – UNOPS Ethiopia Multi-country Office
Established in 2009, UNOPS Ethiopia Multi-country Office has been providing services to various partners, including the government of Ethiopia, UN agencies such as WHO, UNHCR and WFP, and other international organizations. Since 2014, the UNOPS Ethiopia multi-country office manages and coordinates the UNOPS activities in Ethiopia, as well as Sudan and Djibouti.
UNOPS Ethiopia Multi-country Office offers a broad range of services and activities such as tailor-made administration, operations, human resources and logistics support for implementation of development and humanitarian projects; infrastructure and procurement management services; and advisory services to partners to facilitate effective procurement, supply and financial management.
The UNOPS Ethiopia Multi-country Office team is composed of approximately 100 national and international women and men.