Finance Senior Assistant – UNOPS

Job Description

Organization	United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Job Title	Finance Senior Assistant
Vacancy code	VA/2022/B5019/25151
Department/office	NYSC, PSC, Sudan Project Unit
Duty station	Khartoum , Sudan
Contract type	LICA-5
Duration	12 month
Application period	29-Dec-2022 to 15-Jan-2023

 Background Information – PSC

Peace and Security ClusterThe UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners. The Head of Cluster is responsible to administer, provide support and oversight of the day-to-day management of the Project Field offices, both according to the client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations. It is headed by the Head of Cluster who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the Peace and Security Cluster on behalf of its clients.

 Background Information – Job-specific

The UNMAS Sudan office is based in Khartoum and works closely with the Government of Sudan and international partners with an aim of reducing the impact of explosive hazards on civilian population. UNMAS Sudan’s main activities include land release, risk education (RE) and victim assistance (VA) in areas affected with explosive ordnance. Currently, South Kordofan, Blue Nile and West Kordofan are affected with mines and ERW while 5 Darfur states are believed to contain ERW only.  UNMAS also provides technical advice and training for Sudan National Mine Action Centre (NMAC) and national mine action NGOs for improving national mine action capacity.

 Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Support Services Officer (SSO), the Finance Senior Assistant will provide financial, administrative assistance, ensuring high quality, accuracy, and effective execution of financial services and processes and transparent utilization of financial resources. She/he will promote a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS financial rules and regulations.

The functional responsibilities include:

• Review of payment requests for completeness prior to processing to ensure that documentation is complete and all information concerning the payment has been supplied;
• Ensure proper accounting codes used; certification of services rendered/goods delivered is written on the payment document and duly signed by authorized officials; 
• Ensure payment to subcontractors are in compliance with terms and conditions of the agreement.
• Review and confirm appropriateness of operational transactions processed through: the interpretation and determination of applicable policies, regulations, and rules, 
• Gather supporting documents for payments and financial reports for projects; preparation of vouchers for projects; PO vouchers; Pay Cycle and payment execution.
• Issue  receipt of goods and services and establishment of accruals.
• Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Enterprize system; travel claims, TA and TEC, and other entitlements are duly processed
• Prepare monthly expenditure schedules and quarterly year-end statements.
• Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, and unapproved vouchers.
• Review and confirm the validity of charges by verifying authorized amounts and ensuring availability of budget and funds
• Maintain the Accounts Receivables for projects and recording of deposits in the Enterprise system.
• Prepare accounts payable and PO vouchers for management projects.
• Prepare payroll register and processing of monthly payroll.
• Support in running the remittance cycle and Creation of Remittance advice to be sent to the bank.
• Assist with coordinating travel (processing of travel authorizations, booking airline tickets, and making hotel reservations) Register each activity on the Travel Register in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
• Maintenance and control of petty cash funds and preparation of reports for replenishment.
• Review cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds for disbursements. Timely identification and recording of receipts for income application.
• Prepare bank reconciliations.
• Maintain the office filing system
• Any other duties as requested by the Supervisor or Head of Section.

*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY”

*CANDIDATES WITH NO UNITED NATIONS OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

 Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• A first level University degree (bachelor’s or equivalent)in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or equivalent disciplines with one year of relevant experience 
• OR
• Secondary School (high school or equivalent) with five (5) years of relevant experience is required. 

Experience: 

• Relevant experience is defined as  experience in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related fields at the national or international level Experience working with UN/UNOPS financial rules and regulations is desired,
• Working experience with of ERP is desired.
• Experience /knowledge of web-based applications and Google Suite products, especially google forms, sheets, docs and slides is desired 
• Experience in UN system organizations is desired. 
• Computer literacy is required

Languages

• Fluency in English (speaking, writing and reading) is required.
• Fluency in Arabic (speaking, writing and reading) is required.
• Knowledge of another UN official language is desired.

 Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

 Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

 Contract type, level and duration

– Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA)- Contract level: ICS-5
– Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

 Background Information – Job-specific

Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peace building, 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.