Finance Associate, GS6

The Position:

The Finance Associate post is located in the UNFPA Mozambique Country Office (CO) in Nampula. S/he works under the direct supervision of the UNFPA Programme Coordinator (Head of Office) in Nampula Office, under the overall guidance of the Assistant Representative.

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 new strategic plan (2018-2021), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. 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 in Nampula delivers effective administrative, finance, logistics and procurement advices and services to internal and external clients and contributes to the efficient and sound financial operation of the UNFPA Programme in Nampula, mastering all relevant rules, guidelines, processes and procedures and taking a client-oriented and result-focused approach when providing guidance to project team members and IPs.

The Finance Associate would be responsible for:

Management of Programme Financial Resources

Support the monitoring of the Programme financial performance by providing necessary financial information and analysis, including implementation rate against indicators/results. Detects potential over/ under expenditure problems and proposes remedial action.
Develop tools and mechanisms for effective and efficient monitoring of project budgets, coordinates compilation of financial data and provides accurate and up-dated financial information on a continuous basis.

*Subject to funds availability and satisfactory performance

Ensures that financial transactions, including advances of funds to implementing partners, are processed in an accurate and timely way by reviewing supporting documents and ensuring that advances and expenditures are in accordance with UNFPA Rules and Regulations.
Interprets financial policies and procedures and provides guidance and training to staff and project managers. Strives to identify ways in which project financial needs can be met within existing policies.
Assists in the management of the budget formulation, controlling allotments, monitoring expenditures, and preparing revisions according to the needs of the UNFPA country office and especially the SRH team.
Assists in the effective monitoring and follow up of funds transferred to relevant Implementing Partners (IPs) through National Implementation (NEX). Performs periodic spot checks (on-site reviews) to assess the accuracy of the financial records for cash transfers to the IP and the status of programme implementation, and to determine whether there have been any significant changes to internal controls. Reviews the IP’s internal controls with respect to financial management, procurement and/or other controls required to implement the activities defined in the work plan; and reviewing expenditures to confirm that documentation supports the expenditures and that they are in accordance with the work plan and other UNFPA’s regulations. Ensures that goods and services procured have been received and used to implement the activities in line with the work plan or programme document.
Reviews and assesses whether the amount reported on the statements of expenditures issued by the IPs (Funding authorization and certificate of expenditures - FACE form) correspond to the amounts recorded in the Implementing Partners’ accounting system, the approved budget, and reconciles to the bank statements.
Follows up with relevant implementing partners (IPs) to ensure IPs’ timely implementation of audit recommendations as well as internal control and management recommendations.
Assists in strengthening the performance of administrative and financial staff of implementing partners through periodic on-site one to one training as well as group training.

4. Work Relations

The Finance Associate’s internal contacts include the International Operations Manager, other operations / procurement staff and the CO’s programme / technical team. Develops sound and accountable working relationships with staff of implementing partners. Develops efficient working relationship with internal partners and external stakeholders, including technical experts, UN agencies, donors, NGOs and Governments.

5. Job Requirements

Education:

Completed Secondary Level Education required.
First level university degree desirable in Accounting, Finance, Business Management or related qualifications.

Knowledge and Experience:

Six years of relevant experience in finance, administration or office management.
Proficiency in current office software applications and corporate IT financial systems.
Ability to write clearly and concisely.

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 and our relationships
Communicating for impact

Functional Skill Set:

Managing the organization’s financial resources
Providing procurement services
Ensuring facilities and assets management

Languages:

Fluency in English and Portuguese is required.

Nationality:

Mozambican

Compensation and Benefits

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