Hardship LevelE (most hardship)
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradePR2
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeProfessional
* Staff members will not normally serve in International Professional positions in the country of their nationality. In addition, in case of a first appointment upon recruitment, the assignment must be outside the staff memberโs country of nationality.
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2023-04-26
Job Posting End DateMay 15, 2023
Standard Job DescriptionAssociate Finance Officer Organizational Setting and Work Relationships In the Regional Bureaux, the incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Regional Controller or Senior Finance Officer and in functional coordination with DFAMยฟs Accounts and Financial Service (AFS). In the Country or Multi-Country Offices, the incumbent may be supervised by a Senior Finance Officer, Assistant Representative (Admin), Head of Sub-Office, or other senior positions as delegated by the Representative. The incumbent is responsible for co-ordinating, guiding, monitoring, advising on, and supporting the financial operations in the area of responsibility (AoR). With the objective to safeguard and optimize the utilization of UNHCRยฟs monetary and physical resources, the incumbent contributes to the establishment of efficient and reliable mechanisms and processes to ensure compliance with UN financial regulations and UNHCRยฟs rules, policies and procedures including, and not limited to, accounts payable and treasury processes, accounting, and implementation of internal control mechanisms, including support to oversight and audit functions. The incumbent may support the supervisor with the identification and management of risks under their responsibility in close coordination with the Risk Management and Compliance Advisor. In the Regional Bureaux, the incumbent supports the work of the Regional Controller with authority to discuss problems and seek common ground on which to recommend solutions based on predetermined guidelines provided by higher authority. The incumbent may directly supervise national professional and general service staff. All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCRยฟs core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. Duties - Contribute to the assessment of budgetary needs for administrative budgets (ABOD); monitor and control ABOD expenditure. - Analyse, evaluate and control disbursements/receipts, as well as expenditure variances against approved budgets; - Review and approve vouchers, including ABOD and project disbursements. - Propose monthly cash requirements for the Office, and ensure adequate and timely replenishments of funds. - Contribute to the preparation and processing of monthly accounts. - Provide financial status reports to supervisors. - Analyse and evaluate all financial reports produced on a regular basis. - Maintain effective business relationships with local banks. - Assist in ensuring compliance with UNHCR and UN Financial Regulations and Rules, policies and procedures. - Ensure that payments are effectuated by the monthly deadline. - Ensure that monthly accounts are correct and approved, and ensure timely monthly bank reconciliations, including open items, review and clearance of unwanted requisitions and PO balances. - Conduct regular checks of petty cash and cash accounts. - Perform project control functions, in the absence of a dedicated project control position. - Participate in the physical verification of UNHCRยฟs local property, plant and equipment (PPE) and inventories. - Verify that all financial transactions are correct and in accordance with UNHCR rules and procedures. - In the absence of a senior finance position, ensure compliance with applicable financial rules, policies and procedures. - In the absence of a senior finance position, certify country-level financial expenditure reports submitted to the regional office or Headquarters. Regional financial services applicable to positions in the Regional Bureau only - In coordination with relevant services in HQ, and to improve cost-effectiveness and process efficiency for operations, assist with the implementation and management of regional finance-related services such as: vendor and other related master data management and maintenance, invoice posting, travel claim processing, payments, bank reconciliations, accounting housekeeping and period cut-off activities, donor financial reporting, etc. - Make proposals for the continuous improvement of financial monitoring and control mechanisms, including the streamlining of financial systems and procedures. - In coordination with DFAMยฟs Change Management and Field Support Section and the Global Learning and Development Centre, identify and provide training on accounting matters, and recommend or develop training modules as necessary, aiming at the development of financial management skills. - In close liaison with DFAMยฟs System Administration Section and other divisions as necessary, assist the provision and planning of activities for rollout of new processes or systems; assist the Regional Controller in monitoring the implementing internal control mechanisms and compliance with UNHCR's financial policies and procedures in the region. - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree Field(s) of Education Accounting, Finance, Public or Business Administration, Economics or other relevant field. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential) Certificates and/or Licenses Professional accounting, auditing or financial management designation (CPA/ACCA/CIA/CMA or equivalent). (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential: Work experience in the field of accounting/finance, project management, business analysis, quality assurance and/or risk management. Good knowledge of, and experience in working with, international accounting and auditing standards, with a minimum of 1 year of practical experience in the audit process and/or in financial statements preparation. Working experience with accrual accounting (such as IPSAS or IFRS). Experience with financial modules of a major Enterprise Resource Planning system (such as PeopleSoft, SAP or Oracle). Good understanding of project and resource management. Desirable: Good knowledge of UNHCR systems (such as Focus and MSRP). Excellent knowledge of United Nations financial rules and procedures. Functional Skills FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other) FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc) PM-Project Monitoring DM-Data Collection and Analysis EL-Monitoring and Evaluation FI-Financial Accounting - Modified cash-based accounting as per international standards (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential) Language Requirements For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English. All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power. As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise. This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in Accounting, Finance, Public or Business Administration, Economics, or related field plus minimum 6 years of previous work experience relevant to the function, of which at least 2 years in an intergovernmental organization (United Nations or similar). Graduate degree (equivalent of a Masterโs) plus 3 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 2 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
Work experience in the field of accounting/finance, project management, business analysis, quality assurance and/or risk management. Good knowledge of, and experience in working with, international accounting and auditing standards, with a minimum of 1 year of practical experience in the audit process and/or in financial statements preparation. Working experience with accrual accounting (such as IPSAS or IFRS). Experience with financial modules of a major Enterprise Resource Planning system (such as PeopleSoft, SAP or Oracle). Good understanding of project and resource management
Excellent computer skills, in MS Office applications.
Excellent communication skills.
Excellent knowledge of English and French
Good knowledge of United Nations administrative, financial, and human resources rules and procedure.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
Desired languages
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Nature of Position:
In the Country Office Niamey, the incumbent will perform under the direct supervision of the Senior Administrative Officer and in functional coordination with DFAMโs Accounts and Financial Service (AFS).
The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating, guiding, monitoring, advising on, and supporting the financial operations in the area of responsibility. With the objective to safeguard and optimize the utilization of UNHCRโs monetary and physical resources, he/she will contribute to the establishment of efficient and reliable mechanisms and processes to ensure compliance with UN financial regulations and UNHCRโs rules, policies and procedures including, and not limited to, accounts payable and treasury processes, accounting, and implementation of internal control mechanisms, including support to oversight and audit functions.
The incumbent may be required to support the Senior Administrative Officer with the identification and management of risks under their responsibility in close coordination with the Risk Management and Compliance Advisor.
He/she will directly supervise general service staff in the Finance Unit and Assistant Finance Officer.
Living and Working Conditions:
Niamey is a family duty station with a 12-week Rest and Recuperation cycle. Accommodations are available although finding reasonable quality accommodation starting to become a challenge and price arising. There are several supermarkets where local and foreign goods are available and expatriates frequent a few restaurants offering Turkish, Lebanese, Chinese, French, Italian and other foods. Very limited educational services are available; French and American International Schools exist. The Medical Section in Geneva after assessing the medical facilities has recommended two (2) clinics safely accessible by UNHCR staff and family members. However, it`s very poor. Most of travels within the country are undertaken regularly through UNHAS flights. some accessible localities are reached by car. The accommodations with minimum standards are available in the field offices. There are several banks and ATM available in the capital but most of the time out of service.
There are 3 seasons in Niger: rainy (June-September), cool (October-February), and very hot (March-May)
The communication by the mobile telephony is acceptable and allows to join the staffs. Housing conditions are becoming more difficult due to untimely power cuts, and the very high price of rent including advances of 3 to 4 months to be paid before integrating a house.
The 2018 Finance law impacts the cost of most purchases.
Security Considerations:
Security level is 3 in Niamey. Due to actual terrorist threat of kidnapping and armed attacks against convoy in south of Niamey Region, any mission should move under armed escorts between 7:00 to 18:00. Despite tension around its borders, with military operations taking place regularly, Niamey remains reasonably stable, due to criminality staff members are discouraged from walking in the streets, taking taxis, staying out late at night and visiting public places alone. Almost no red zone exists but in fact staffs should reside in a certain perimeter around the assembly or concentration point. Pertaining to civil unrest and disturbances, the situation can be volatile and unpredictable in Niamey.
In addition, the public unrest, materialized by meeting/ marches, regular sit-ins and roadblocks has become recurring. Personal security arrangements is highly recommended over the security measures set up. In Niamey, there is neither curfew nor state of emergency measures, but there are authorized travel times, weekly radio control and security advisories broadcasts.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
EducationBA: Accounting (Required), BA: Business Administration (Required), BA: Economics (Required), BA: Finance (Required), BA: Public Professions (Required)
CertificationsAccounting - Other, Auditing - Other, Financial Management - Other
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium Add. 1 to March 2023 Compendium - Part B
Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position requires Functional Clearance