Background
This position is in the Humanitarian Financing Unit, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Syria. OCHA Syria coordinates emergency response to save lives and protect people in Syria.
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Head of Syria Humanitarian Finance in Unit, the national Finance officer provides the overall administration and execution of varied and inter-related operational and financial activities. Ensuring high quality, accuracy and accountability of the work performed. The Finance officer promotes a client, quality, and results-oriented approach. The Humanitarian Finance Officer works in close collaboration with the Operations, Programme staff in the Humanitarian Financing Unit and staff in other OCHA Unit, and other UN agencies to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.
Position Purpose
To provide the necessary support related to the Fund and projects related financial activities and performance of the fund to inform future funding decisions and engagement with SHF partners.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the Head of Syria Humanitarian is expected to perform the following tasks:
Administration and implementation of program and operational financial services:
Assist in preparing, analyzing, and evaluating information from the financial records and provide data for review and reporting purposes, Support and guide to implementing partners (IPs) on the finance component concerning the correct application of grant management systems during the partner assessments or profile updates, assist in performing due diligence processes, rules, or procedures of CBPF Global guidelines Plan, assist and oversee the collection of interim and final financial reports from the SHF partners and review for disbursements, and collect audit reports for quality check and report major findings concerning audit reports to head of finance. Maintain an up-to-date audit tracker, with key findings, auditors’ recommendations, and desired actions taken by IPs. Ensure sharing monthly briefings and key highlights related to the audit issues . Conduct financial spot-checks of IPs projects to assess the soundness of the internal control systems of the organization in addition to the accuracy of the financial records and programmatic achievements of the project and ensure partners take recommended actions in a timely manner. Prepare when needed new batch audit task orders, audit firms, and HQ for releasing new batches for auditing purposes.Support the SHF Unit in the review and administration of projects:
Participate in standard and reserved allocations during the allocation process and assist clusters, program unit, and strategic review committee in scoring project proposals, especially the partners budgets, and coordinate with partners during the budget negotiations and finalization of grants and grant agreements. Input/review data in GMS for new projects and monitor status. Keep stakeholders and clients informed for a timely action and decisions. Provide information/guidance to the implementing partners on the routine implementation of projects. Keep track of the appropriate and timely use of financial resources and keep the finance team leader updated. Assist in the implementation of internal control mechanisms for projects through monitoring of partner’s budget. Prepare/Review No Cost Extensions for Partner Projects and other Revision Requests in consultation with the relevant Team Members and/or other relevant Stakeholders. Assist the SHF Unit by keeping systematic and readily available electronic and physical files for all projects funded by the SHF, as well as other key documentation and correspondence related to the operation of the Fund. Assist/facilitate audit firms in coordinating and reviewing the project-based audit reports performed by the audit firms. Additionally, perform project related assurance activities within GMS. Perform other duties as required by the head of finance and SHF team.Competencies
Functional Competencies:
Professionalism
Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Motivated by 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. Is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.Client Orientation
Research 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.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.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Master's degree or equivalent in social science, administration management, finance management or related fields are required. First level university degree in in social science, administration management, finance management or related fields combined with 2 years of experience may be considered in lieu of advanced university degree.Experience:
Applicants with a Master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. Applicants with a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in grant with working of finance management or related fields. Experience in reviewing project budgets/audit reports/capacity assessment, conducting financial spot checks is desirable. Experience working with ERP (on grant management) based portal platform is desirable. Strong computer’s ability to use MS Office 365 software packages, and ability to handle web-based management systems is an asset. Good knowledge of project finance, grant management, and project cycle management is an asset. Proven ability of planning, design and implementation of internal financial control system is an asset.Language requirements:
Proficiency in both oral and written English and Arabic.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNOCHA does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Probation
For all new UNOCHA fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNOCHA under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNOCHA reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNOCHA at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Scam alert
UNOCHA does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.