Background Information - IPAS
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 to operations in the field offices: IPAS provides timely advice and supports actively finding of 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 four major areas of support are:
Engagement & budgeting advisory support
Project reporting & closure advisory support
Corporate Financial reporting support
Banking & treasury support
Background Information - Job Specific
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. A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners’ needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.
In line with the framework agreement signed with the Government of Mexico, UNOPS supports the different collaboration initiatives by the government that are aimed at the fight against corruption and transparency in the public management; as well as in the exercises aimed at the strengthening government actions in the areas of acquisitions, infrastructure and management of high impact projects in Mexico. This position will support those efforts with specific focus on the PharmaMX project.
The objective of PharmaMX is to support the Government of Mexico in its effort to guarantee the right to health to the largest number of inhabitants through the planning and management of the consolidated purchase of medicines (period 2021-2024), as well as assistance in the profiling of the system and model of consolidated purchase of medicines for the health sector of the Government of Mexico.
This position will be for the duration of PharmaMX project.
Functional Responsibilities
As part of the Treasury & Banking Middle Office team within IPAS Finance, and under the supervision of the Finance Specialist, the incumbent will work closely with the Mexico Country Offices, primarily providing operational support and compliance on banking, and project cash management for the PhamaMX project. The incumbent will keep a balance between operational implementation efficiencies and policy/rules requirements. He/she will also contribute towards innovative solutions by channeling practical recommendations for improvements in policies and processes for efficient banking.
Summary of functions:
The incumbent will provide operational support in treasury management on the following areas:
Banking
Project cash management
Support to the PharmaMX project
Knowledge and team management
Execute payment instructions by preparing transfer orders, bank instructions and cheques for investments, treasury activities, replenishments and payments in general;
Assist to the year-end closure process and in the preparation of the year end financial statements for assigned areas;
Assist in monitoring and oversee bank charges postings of HQ and all field offices; establish internal control procedures to ensure their nature and proper recording.
Assist in the review and clearance of requests for the establishment of project cash management instruments (e.g., operational advances, petty cash, credit and prepaid cards, prepayments, mobile payments and cash delivery);
Assist in the monitoring operational advances, petty cash accounts and prepayments;
Support in the review of requests for establishment of petty cash accounts and operational advances;
Review reconciliations and settlements of petty cash accounts and operational advances;
Respond to queries from field offices related project cash management;
Keeps track of the operational advances, petty cash, and the related procedures and settlements along with the aging analysis.
Assist in the review and vetting of vendor information prior submission to the Back Office in Bangkok;
Support the project to review and monitor the timely creation of receipts and settlement of payments due;
Review and clear prepayment requests with the relevant supporting documents;
Review and process manual and urgent payments;
Act as a back-up for the finance team in Mexico.
Requirements
Education:
Completion of secondary / high school is required;
Higher degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s) in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, International Business, Management or other finance-related field is considered an asset and can be a substitute for some years of relevant working experience;
Relevant certification in financial management or accounting a distinct advantage.
Experience:
Minimum of 6 years of relevant working experience (with a secondary / high school diploma) within the areas of finance, accounting, business administration or related field is required;
Knowledge of UNOPS financial rules and regulations is an asset;
Working knowledge of ERP is a plus;
Banking or project cash management experience is desirable;
Experience using single and multi bank platforms is a benefit;
Some experience in dealing with UN organizations is desirable.
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: Local Individual Contract Agreement
Contract level: L-ICA 6
Contract duration: open-ended, subject to satisfactory performance and the duration of the PharmaMX project.
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 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 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.
Work life harmonization
UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.
