Background

The newly launched IHPF operates, by design, in full compliance with all OCHA Global Guidelines for Country Based Pooled Funds (CBPFs). Supported by an Advisory Board comprised of key stakeholders, as well as the OCHA Iraq Humanitarian Financing Unit (HFU) that performs secretarial and technical functions, the IHPF is led by a HFU Manger under the supervision of the OCHA Head of Office. The IHPF is actively supported by OCHAs Funding Coordination Section (FCS) based in New York, as well as multiple other UN agency departments in technical matters.

 The position of Finance Officer entails the provision of overall support ensuring effective financial management and control. The Finance Officer maintains financial systems and controls to ensure the efficiency, integrity and transparency of the HFU in accordance with the respective guidelines, national legal requirements and internationally accepted finance standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Iraq Humanitarian Financing Unit (HFU) and the Iraq Humanitarian Pooled Fund Manager (IHPF); the Finance Officer will be responsible for:

  • Ensure proper application of UN administrative/finance rules and procedures, and keep abreast of changes in rules and procedures, notify other team members of such changes;
  • Follow up with IPs for timely submission of Inception Reports, Progress Reports, or Project Completion reports in line with the stipulated guidelines and MoU. Additionally, provide necessary input in reviewing the narrative reports for its subsequent clearance and approval.
  • Ensure that the feasibility and relevance of project applications (within the context of the relevant sector concerns) are assessed; ensure completed proposals meet the necessary standards for perusal by the IHPF Advisory Board.
  • Ensure project proposals adhere to acknowledged humanitarian standards and principles.
  • Forward suitable proposals to the HFU Manager for approval;
  • Support the HFU Manger in critical functions including the review of proposals, budgets and other duties as advised.
  • Prepare and ensure accuracy of grant agreements (Memoranda of Understanding) between the recipient organization and the Humanitarian Coordinator;
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date data in the grant management system (GMS). Ensure that financial transactions are properly updated and recorded.
  • Maintain an updated table of all projects funded and of the disbursement / balances available for transfer;
  • Review narrative and financial reports from the Fund recipients and give critical feedback;
  • Review requests for reprogramming or extension of projects and make recommendations to the IHPF Manager;
  • Create and oversee the respective databases to track applications, project progress, reporting, monitoring, evaluation and financial information;
  • Supervise the further development of the databank, compiling the outputs of various interventions under IHPF.
  • Provide support in preparation of IHPF audit processes as well as progress and annual reports.
  • Assist in HFU budget preparation and management activities.
  • Conduct periodic financial analysis to identify and resolve issues, gaps or variances.
  • Ensure all expenses are within assigned project budget.
  • Identify and resolve accounting discrepancies and other financial related issues.

Review financial paperwork and procedures and make appropriate changes.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:             

 Building Strategic Partnerships

 Level 1.2:  Maintaining a network of contacts

Maintains an established network of contacts for general information sharing and to remain up-to-date on partnership related issues
Establishes and nurtures positive communication with partners and suppliers

 Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing

 Level 1.2: Basic research and analysis

Generates new ideas and approaches, researches best practices and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things
Documents and analyses innovative strategies and new approaches
Identifies and communicates opportunities to promote learning and knowledge sharing

 Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

Level 1.2: Fundamental knowledge of own discipline

Understands and applies fundamental concepts and principles of a professional discipline or technical specialty relating to the position
Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks
Analyzes the requirements and synthesizes proposals
Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning
Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments

 Promoting Organizational Change and Development

 Level 1.2: Basic research and analysis

Researches and documents ‘best practices’ in organizational change and development within and outside the UN system
Demonstrates ability to diagnose problems and identifies and communicates processes to support change initiatives
Gathers and analyses feedback from staff

 Design and Implementation of Management Systems

 Level 1.2: Research and analysis and making recommendations on management systems

Maintains information/databases on system design features
Develops simple system components

 Client Orientation

 Level 1.2: Establishing effective client relationships

Researches potential solutions to internal and external client needs and reports back in a timely, succinct and appropriate fashion
Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines
Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients
Actively supports the interests of the client by making choices and setting priorities to meet their needs
Anticipates client needs and addresses them promptly

 Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management

 

Level 1.2: Basic monitoring

Gathers, analyzes and disseminates information on best practice in accountability and results-based management systems

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree with 1 year experience, or Bachelor degree  with 2 years experiences in financial management, accounting and other related fields.

Experience:

2 years of relevant and progressive experience in financial management, accounting, reporting and/or financial controlling. Certification as a Qualified Accountant would be an asset.

Experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness and management of emergency relief would be a strong asset.

Relevant professional experience within the UN common system would be an asset.

Knowledge of OCHA’s institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to humanitarian affairs and humanitarian reform is desirable.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required

Fluency in local languages (Arabic and/or Kurdish) is required

Important Note:

Interested candidate has to access procurement notice ref: IRQ10-IC114/15 – Finance Officer, Erbil-Iraq at the: following link:

http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=25909

Please do not send your application through this website and send the complete application to (ic1.undp.iq@undp.org) only

Application with complete supporting documents received in ic1.undp.iq@undp.org before or at the closing date will be processed).