Finance Associate, G7

The Position:

Under overall guidance and supervision of the Representative and direct supervision of a Finance Analyst, the Finance Associate ensures the effective functioning of financial operations and systems in support of the programme and office management

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

The Finance Associate is responsible for effective delivery of financial services, transparent utilization of financial resources and supports the management of the CO Finance Unit. He/she analyzes and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues. The Finance Associate promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNFPA rules and regulations. The Finance Associate supervises works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and project teams in the Country Office (CO) and with UNFPA HQs staff and Government officials ensuring successful Country Office (CO) performance in Finance.

The Finance Associate actively participates in local inter-agency coordination to ensure UNFPA’s needs in common systems and service issues are met. External partners include other UN agencies, vendors, and other non-UN partners that are essential to the work of the Finance section.

You would be responsible for:

A. Effective Financial Resources Management and Oversight

Financial resources management through planning, guiding, controlling of the resources in accordance with UNFPA rules and regulations.
Preparation and monitoring of budgets of management projects.
Establishment of the development projects’ budgets preparation/modification monitoring system, control of budgetary status versus authorized spending limits (ASL) and budgets delivery levels.
Elaboration of proper mechanisms to eliminate deficiencies in budget management.
Processing of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for the services provided by UNDP.
Carry out financial analysis and ensure oversight of all resources managed by the CO and provision of high-quality professional advice to the CO management.
Supervise timely production of accurate donor reports.
Undertake continuous analysis and monitoring of the CO’s financial situation, and preparation of regular updates on the status of financial resources.
Ensure full compliance, of financial activities, financial recording/reporting systems with UNFPA’s rules, regulations, policies and strategies; proper design and functioning of the financial resources management.
Serve as focal point or support for audits, both HACT and DAO, including coordination of HACT audit visits, training and support to staff and Implementing Partners, coordination of responses to audit observations, follow on implementation of audit recommendations, maintenance of HACT Database/CARDS, etc

B. Adapt and implement Operational and Financial Management Strategies

Adapt processes and procedures to maximize effectiveness and efficiency in financial operations and management
Ensure full compliance of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and audit follow up with UN/UN rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implementation of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of the financial resources management system.
Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of forecasts for development and management projects.
Elaboration and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies.
Routinely monitors financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions, and investigates anomalies or unusual transactions. Informs supervisors and other UNFPA staff at Headquarters of the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained.
Supervise delivery of effective and efficient financial services to UNFPA’s staff and clients (payments, F10 settlements, reversals, petty cash, vendor initiation, etc.)
Establish internal expenditures’ control system which ensures that all transactions are duly authorized; AP vouchers are matched and posted; payrolls are posted; travel claims and other entitlements are duly processed; receipting of goods and services and establishment of accruals are properly done in compliance with IPSAS and UNFPA rules, policies and procedures.
Facilitate effective budget management of office resources; elaborate proper mechanisms to eliminate deficiencies in budget management.

C. Country Office Cash Management

Timely review of cash position for local mobile banking account to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements for workshop allowances. Timely identification and recording of receipts for income application.
Monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions and investigation of anomalies or unusual transactions. Provision of information to supervisors and other UNFPA staff at HQ on the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained.
Primary contact with mobile bank management on routine operational matters including negotiation of rate on transactions.
Transaction and stop payment approval on mobile banking systems.
Approval and submission of monthly mobile account reports to management.
Timely and accurate approval of mobile account reconciliation, including documented review of exceptions.
Timely preparation of monthly workshop allowances cash flow forecast for use by Operations Manager and Programme Specialists. Liaison with programme units to obtain estimate of their cash requirements.
Role as cashier for cash disbursements made on site.

D. General Support

Stand-in for other team members on selected functions as may be required.
Carry out any other duties as may be required by UNFPA leadership.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

Completed Secondary Level Education required.
First level university degree is desirable in accounting, business administration, finance, public administration, information technology, economics or related fields.
Professional certification or membership of a professional association in accounting

Knowledge and Experience:

Seven years of relevant experience in administration, finance or office management.
Relevant experience in providing financial management services and operational system;
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 and ERP financials, preferably PeopleSoft;
Experience of IPSAS or IFRS is an added advantage
A thorough understanding of the UN system in general, and especially UNFPA mandate, its policies and operations and current development topics and political issues in Uganda will be an added advantage
Demonstrated ability to work in a team

Languages:

Fluency in English; knowledge of other official UN languages, preferably French is desirable.

Required Competencies:

Values:

Exemplifying integrity,
Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
Embracing cultural diversity,
Embracing change

Core Competencies:

Achieving results,
Being accountable,
Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
Thinking analytically and strategically,
Working in teams/managing ourselves, our relationships, and others
Communicating for impact

Functional Skill Set:

Advocacy/Advancing a policy-oriented agenda
Implementing management systems.
Business acumen and ability to multi-task and balance competing priorities.
Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/ building strategic alliances and partnerships
Finance and Accounts Management
Delivering results-based programmes
Technical Understanding of the areas of work
People Management and Leadership
Managing financial processes
Proficiency in current office and multimedia software applications

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.