Finance Analyst (Common Humanitarian Fund) - UNOCHA

Application Deadline: 27-Sep-12
 

Type of Contract: FTA Local
 

Post Level: NO-A
 

Languages Required: English 
 

Duration of Initial Contract: One year
 

Expected Duration of Assignment: One year (Renewable)

Background
 

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Head of Funding Unit, the Finance Analyst is responsible for effective and transparent utilization of financial resources and integrity of financial services. 

The Finance Analyst promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with OCHA Somalia rules and regulations. 

He/she analyzes and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues. 

The Finance Analyst promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with OCHA Somalia rules and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities
 

Summary of key functions:

• Implementation of operational and financial management strategies
• Projects’ budget management
• OCHA Somalia (CHF) cash management
• Control of OCHA Somalia (CHF) accounts
• Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

Ensures implementation of operational and financial management strategies, and adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance with UN/OCHA Somalia rules, regulations, and policies of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and follow up on audit recommendations; implementation of effective internal controls, proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system.
• OCHA Somalia (CHF) Finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance under the supervision of the Finance Specialist
• Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of forecasts for development and management projects, monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions.
• Analysis and elaboration of proposals on cost saving and reduction strategies.

Ensures the management of projects’ budgets and organization and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Elaboration of proposals for planning of financial resources of the OCHA Somalia (CHF), preparation of reports containing analysis of the financial situation.
• Preparation and monitoring of budgets; regular analysis and reporting on the budget approvals and the delivery situation.
• Establishment of projects’ budgets preparation/modification monitoring system, control of budgetary status versus authorized spending limits (ASL) and budgets delivery levels.
• Implementation of the control mechanism for projects through monitoring budgets preparation and modifications, budgetary status versus ASL, follow up with HQs on ASL for projects, maintenance of the General Ledger.

Ensures proper control of OCHA Somalia (CHF) accounts focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Analysis and elaboration of proposals for the internal expenditures’ control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas; payrolls are duly prepared; MPOs, travel claims and other entitlements are duly processed, and receipting of goods and services and establishment of accruals are properly done in compliance with IPSAS and OCHA Somalia policies and procedures.

Control of accounts closure

• Timely corrective actions on un-posted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers. Timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues.
• Control of the Accounts Receivables for OCHA Somalia (CHF) projects and maintenance of the General Ledger.

Ensures proper OCHA Somalia (CHF) cash management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements. 
• Timely identification and recording of receipts for income application.
• Daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in Atlas to monitor imprest level; identification and recording of contributions.
• Initiation of bank transfers and deals, selecting bank transfers and deals for approval and settlement.
• Timely preparation of monthly cash flow forecast for use by the supervisor.
• Acts as cashier for onsite transactions.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the OCHA Somalia (CHF) and guidance to all stakeholders on financial matters focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Organization/conduct of training for the operations/ programme/projects staff on financial management.
• Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in Finance.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the overall OCHA Somalia efficiency in financial resources management and success in introduction and implementation of operational strategies. 

Accurate, thoroughly researched and documented financial information, timely and appropriate delivery of services ensure client satisfaction and enhance OCHA Somalia (CHF) credibility in use of financial resources.

Competencies
 

Functional Competencies:
 

Building Partnerships

• Maintains an established network of contacts for general information sharing and to remain up-to-date on partnership related issues
• 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

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

• Understands and applies fundamental concepts and principles of a professional discipline or technical specialty relating to the position
• Ability to formulate and manage budgets; manage contributions and investments; manage transactions; and conduct financial analysis, reporting and cost-recovery.
• Possesses knowledge of organizational policies and procedures 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

• Researches and documents ‘best practices’ in organizational change and development within and outside the UN system

Design and Implementation of Management Systems

• Make recommendations relative to work-processing approaches and procedures which would lead to more efficient systems design

Client Orientation

• 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
• Anticipates client needs and addresses them promptly

Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management

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

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment
• Self-development, initiative-taking
• Acting as a team player and facilitating team work
• Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively
• Creating synergies through self-control
• Managing conflict
• Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member.
• Informed and transparent decision making

Required Skills and Experience
 

Education:          

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics or related field.
• A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:      

• Minimum of two years post masters relevant experience or 4 years professional experience with a first level university degree in a similar position, at the national or international level in providing financial management services.
• 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.

Language Requirements: Fluency in oral and written English.

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.

How to apply
Click here to apply online