Job Purpose
The Finance Assistant delivers quality financial support to internal and external clients mastering all relevant rules, guidelines, processes and procedures. S/he takes a client−oriented results−focused approach to interpreting the rules, procedures and guidelines, providing support and guidance to Argentina Country Office and UNFPA−supported projects.
Major duties and responsibilities:
- Supports the monitoring of the financial performance for all programme and non− programme core and non−core resources by providing necessary financial information and analysis, including implementation rate against indicators/results and co−financing agreement financial reports. Detects potential over/ under expenditure problems and proposes remedial action;
- Supports the Development of tools and mechanisms for effective and efficient monitoring of programme and project budgets, coordinates compilation of financial data and provides accurate and up−dated financial information to HQ/RO/SRO on a continuous basis;
- Follow financial policies and procedures and provides guidance and training to staff and project managers. Strives to identify ways in which programme financial needs can be met or improved within existing policies;
- Prepares summary reports on advance payments, contributions and Institutional Budget expenditures on a quarterly basis and analyzes the expenditure patterns. Detects potential over−under expenditure and suggests remedial action;
- Assists in the management of the Country Office budget by budget formulation, controlling allotments, monitoring expenditures, and preparing revisions per the needs of the Country Office.
- Participates in training or assessments of partners, monitoring of OFA (Operating Fund Account) full balance and proper accounting of funds;
- Provides financial and budgetary support services in support to achieving programme and project results. Pays attention to aspects related to UNFPA regulations, rules and directives pertaining to the direct execution of regular programme resources such as HACT modality, UN agreements and other relevant practices;
- Provides financial and budgetary support services in support to achieving programme and project results. Pays attention to aspects of project inputs under national execution in terms of cost recovery. Assists the Operations Analyst in working with the UNFPA legal consultant in maintaining the UNFPA NEX guidelines and internal toolkit supporting the country office with the establishment of co−financing agreements;
- Understands financial policies and procedures particularly relating to National Execution and provides guidance and training to staff and partners. Assists in the preparation, implementation and follow up of National Execution full audit for all the implementing partners;
- Reviews and monitors charges for common services, cost recovery and UPL (Universal Price List) considering maximum cost efficiency;
- Reviews and monitors personal calls and official calls by project made using UNFPA mobile and land telephone, including reimbursement of funds;
- Process and monitors salary advances and its proper accounting;
- Monitors accounts receivable which include funds from donors, governments, UNFPA staffs (reimbursements) or providers (travel agency and other subcontracts);
- Process travel advances and reimbursements in the setting of programme execution;
- Assists in the management of the payment process and banking procedures by creating regular vouchers, journal vouchers and GLJE after proper verification of documentation and approval by responsible persons;
- Keeps proper financial records of data in Atlas and in other parallel control systems. Maintains all financial documents in proper files;
- Liaises and follows up with UNDP on financial transactions. Performs Atlas related functions per the relevant profile;
- Assists the country office in all financial matters and requests in the context of internal and/or external audit exercises;
- Performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor
Work Relations
- Internal contacts include the Operations Analyst, the CO’s programme/ technical team and the Senior Management Team
The Position
Under the guidance and supervision of the Head of Office, the Finance Assistant is directly responsible for the administration and the efficient support to office and programme financial and budgetary resources, assist the Head of Office the planning and monitoring of all financial resources under the responsibility of the country Office. He/she supports the tracking of available resources, exercising appropriate financial control and ensuring corporate financial policies are met and adhered to and reporting structures established and maintained. He/she assists in following the application of alternative solutions to meet programme and office objectives;
Education:
Completed secondary level education required. First level university degree in Finance, Public Accounting and/or related areas highly desirable.
Knowledge and Experience:
Five years of relevant experience in administration, finance or office management, preferably en the United Nation System.
Proficiency in current office software applications − especially advanced user knowledge in spreadsheet and word processing software and corporate IT systems.
Values:
Integrity
Maintains consistent values and performance standards and expresses UN/UNFPA core values in all functions and roles. Exercises critical judgement and follows outmost discretion in respect of confidentiality when analyzing key sensitive financial and budgetary data to contribute to the improved fulfillment of the mandate of UNFPA.
Client orientation
Contributes to positive outcomes for the client anticipating and addressing his/her needs and concerns. Contributes positively to an enabling environment for a smooth relationship between a client and service provider.
Cultural diversity
Demonstrates inclusive behavior towards all colleagues and stakeholders, successfully developing cross−cultural (including organizational culture across the UN system) relationships. Adapts programme/project implementation to take account of political, religious and cultural context. Actively promotes gender equity and diversity in all programme activities as well as in his/her daily tasks.
Innovation/Embracing change
Demonstrates curiosity and applies imagination and creativity when resolving challenges and bottlenecks around business operations. Applies tolerance towards differential points of view and shows awareness of business operations as an evolving area of UN reform for more effective and efficient implementation.
Accountability
Accepts the responsibility for accurate and precise maintenance of financial data. Ensuring trial and double checking of data to minimize error.
Core Competencies:
Achieving results
Ensures that work methods and processes are effective and appropriate for the achievement of desired results and seeks ways to maximize the efficient use of resources. Actively promotes activities to ensure timely completion of the unit’s work using tact and sensitivity
Solutions oriented problem solving:
Demonstrates keen awareness and interest towards the implementation of corporate financial business operations systems and supports the application of appropriate solutions in financial support to UNFPA’s programme and business operations by being aware of best practices that have the potential to refine and enhance existing systems and may lead to the identification of remedial measures to address and solve problems.
Developing and applying professional expertise/ business acumen
Applies the results of analysis and deduction to produce accurate financial data by showing awareness of the environment, issues, opportunities and risk factors. Shows active interest towards embracing best business practices and provides quality control over projections.
Thinking analytically and strategically
Demonstrates professional curiosity and shows interest in the strategic perspective on issues related to business operations and programmes converting UNFPA strategic goals into plans and action. Specifically shows a keen interest in financial business operations issues with a view to help achieve results that build persuasive arguments based on logic, data and the objective merits of a situation.
Working in teams/ managing ourselves and our relationships
Promotes teamwork and harmony collaborating with team members integrating others’ ideas into his/her thinking. Remains calm and focused under stress and leverages the different experiences and expertise of members to achieve better, more innovative outcomes.
Demonstrates composure and resilience when coping with competing tasks.
Communicating for impact
Encourages and actively engages in open objective communication in the team demonstrating the ability to see issues and situations from team members’ perspective. Frankly expresses ideas concerns and encourages dialogue to develop an optimal solution without jeopardizing rapport with colleagues.
Functional Skill Set:
● Managing the organization’s financial resources
● Ensuring facilities and assets management
Languages:
Fluency oral and written in Spanish and English.
Organizational Location
Duty Station: Buenos Aires - Argentina
Duration: 1 year with possible extension
Post Type: Fixed Term- GS5
Closing date to apply: March 1, 2022
You can apply to this position by clicking here:
This post is non-rotational.
This position is for Nationals of Argentina or candidates with work permit.
Important applicant information
All posts in the GS categories are subject to local recruitment.
Applicant information about UNFPA rosters
Note: UNFPA 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 UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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