Jobs - 58207- National Finance Officer / ONUHABITAT

National Finance Officer / ONUHABITAT

Location :

Port-au-Prince, HAITI

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

21-Aug-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

NO-B

Duration of Initial Contract :

12 months

Languages Required :

English French

Expected Duration of Assignment :

12 months

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Based in Nairobi, Kenya, UN-HABITAT is the lead agency within the United Nations system for cities and human settlements. UN-HABITAT’s operational activities focus on reducing urban poverty by improving the living environment, making local government more efficient and inclusive, and advocating for the rights of populations to participate in urban development. UN-HABITAT’s activities contribute to the overall objective of the United Nations system to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development within the context and the challenges of a rapidly urbanizing world. UN-HABITAT is currently implementing over 201 programmes in 72 countries.

On the day to day operations and administration, the Finance Officer reports to the Country Programme Manager and the Programme Management Officer of the Regional Office.

The focus of this job is on financial tasks associated primarily with programme implementation and management, provision of programme management services, correct interpretation of policies, procedures and practices, financial, administrative rules and regulations, quality assurance in monitoring project budgets and certifying funds availability, and priority-setting on financial and budgetary matters in accordance with UN-HABITAT’s mandate objectives, focus areas and expected results.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the of the Country Programme Manager and the guidance of the Programme Management Officer for the Regional Office, the Finance Officer will assist with the timely and efficient delivery of programme management support to the administrative and financial management of the UN-HABITAT Programme/project in Haiti where the Programme/Project is implemented.

The project/programmes ongoing or at the hard pipeline negotiation stage involve National Solidarity Programmes, Municipal Support, Housing, Urban Management, Community Empowerment, Governance, Development, Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Development for Peace Building and other areas of UN HABITAT Mandate. The budget is expected to increase substantially.

The Finance Officer will:

Ensure implementation of operational strategies, adapt processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results :

Full compliance of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and audit follow-up with UN/UN-HABITAT rules, regulations, policies and strategies, implementation of UN-Habitat internal control procedures;
Act as certifying officer for all travels and procurement transactions within the Delegation of Authority of Haiti Office;
Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of forecast for development and management projects.
Prepare budget revisions and maintain liaison with the regional office and with headquarters for annual accounts closing;
Routinely monitors financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions, and investigates anomalies of unusual transactions, informs of the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained;
Overall supervision of the Finance activities (Dispatching & Control of Payment Request).

Monitor project budgets:

Prepares allotments, including redeployment of funds when necessary, ensuring appropriate expenditures;
Monitors budget implementation and recommends reallocation of funds as necessary;
Monitors expenditures to ensure that they remain within authorized levels;
Analysis of requirements and synthesis of proposals on proper mechanisms to eliminate deficiencies in budget management;
Implementation of effective internal controls, proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system; Identification of operational and financial problems, proposal of solutions;
Monitoring of cost recovery bills preparation for the services provided to other UN Agencies and implementation of the income tracking system and follow-up;
Elaboration of all reports relating to the utilization of programme resources;
Advice to the programme and projects staff on different donor reporting requirements; responsible for financial reports to be submitted to donors.

Ensure proper control of CO accounts focusing on achievement of the following results:

Elaboration of the internal expenditures control system with ensures that payment are properly processed and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in UMOJA, payroll are duly prepared, travel claims and other entitlements are duly processed;
Vendor form properly filled and approved;
Timely corrective actions on unposted transactions, including payments and OBMO.

Ensures proper CO cash management focusing on achievement of the following results:

Acting as certifying officer for all disbursements of programme and operation budget of all projects under UN-Habitat Haiti portfolio;
Performing payments in UMOJA;
Timely preparation of monthly cash flow forecast;
Role as petty cash holder;
Timely recovery of miscellaneous income.

Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on financial matters focusing on achievement of the following results:

Advice to project staff on UN-HABITAT administrative, in particular, on budgetary issues;
Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in programme and finance management;
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Competencies

Professionalism:

Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to finance;
Knowledge of procedures and international standards for the purchase of goods and services;
Familiarity with accounting software and project management tools;
Shows pride in work and in achievements, demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
Is conscientious and efficient in professional rather than personal concerns;
Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Teamwork:

Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
Solicits input by genuinely valuing others ideas and expertise;
Ability to work with minimum supervision, under pressure and against deadlines, in a multi cultural environment;
Is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda.

Planning & organizing:

Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
Identifies priority activities and assignments;
Adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work;
Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning;
Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary uses time efficiently.

Accountability:

Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments;
Delivers output for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards, operates in compliance with organizational and rules;
Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments;
Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Business, Public Administration, Management, Finance or Accounting;
A first level university degree in combination with relevant qualifying experience of 4 years, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree;
A professional qualification like CPA or Chartered Accountant would be an advantage.

Experience:

A minimum of two years of progressive experience in project or programme management, administration, financial management or related area;
At least 1-year supervisory experience preferably in an international organization;
Experience in performing a broad range of specialized activities related to financial resources management, including formulating budgets, maintaining Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payables as well as reporting;
Experience of integrated and/or specific accounting applications. (e.g. general ledger, accounts payable, financial reporting, etc.);

Language:

Fluency in French and English (both oral and written) is required.

Other skills:

Knowledge of UN rules and regulations related to technical cooperation;
Good computer skills in Windows, Word, Excel and Access 2007.