Finance Senior Associate At UNOPS

The Finance Group (FG) is a critical and strategic business function in UNOPS and serves as an authoritative and integrated partner in the organization on strategic financial planning and budgeting, business strategy and practices, financial analysis and risk assessment, financial project management services and long term organisational treasury and investments. As the steward of resources of a self-financing UN entity, FG is accountable for timely cost recovery and reporting to partners, maintaining the integrity and transparency of financial management of resources in accordance with the highest standards of ethics and organisational/international accountability framework and the accurate and transparent financial reporting to governing bodies, clients, partners and stakeholders

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Finance Specialist, the Finance Senior Associate in the Finance Group at Headquarters, Copenhagen ensures effective management of financial services and oversight of processes and transparent utilization and accountability of financial resources. The Finance Senior Associate fosters a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations, with responsibility for budget control functions, treasury functions and accounts maintenance.

The Finance Senior Associate may supervise clerical and support staff of the Finance Group. The Finance Senior Associate works in close collaboration with IPAS Finance and other relevant colleagues including CFO and DCFO in HQ as well as colleagues in the field offices up to the level of Regional Directors,Head of support services, finance managers, support services, programme and project functions colleagues, resolving finance-related issues and information exchange; he/she promotes an analytical, quality,results-oriented and client approach.

Please note that we are building a pool of qualified Finance professionals who are interested in both temporary roles (1 year) and ongoing opportunities.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

Management of Project Financial Closure & Verification of Final Financial Reports
Project Fund Management
Oversight of Partner Financial Reporting, Refinement and Capacity Building
Client Reporting and other Project Finance related aspects
Knowledge building and knowledge sharing
Entrusted with timely and accurate management of Project Financial Closure. Which includes the preparation of partner related Final Financial Reports focusing on achievement of the following results for the donor portfolio specified / key accounts:

Ensure that project financial closure activities are initiated in a timely manner to guarantee efficient project budget management.
Responsible for verifying the Final Financial Reports (FFR) for the accurate and timely closure of client projects, in charge of requesting corrections and/or clarification where needed, and ensuring that the final financial reports are tailored to partner specific needs and share the certified reports with the related field office after approval of the report.
Ensure that the FFR issued are in full compliance with UNOPS’ rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and partner-reporting requirements as agreed in the legal agreement and/or in a global agreement between UNOPS and the partner.
The FRR’s will be submitted by the incumbent to the Head of Project Finance or the Deputy CFO for final signature.

2. Ensures efficient Project Fund Management, focusing on achievement of the following results for the donor portfolio specified / key accounts:

Verify the completeness and accuracy of the supporting documentation for advance financing requests and ensure that associated financial risks are mitigated as much as possible. Liaise with RMOAs and/or Regional Directors where appropriate to receive confirmation of their approval of the requests.
Submits received requests in a transparent manner with a recommendation for action to senior management where applicable. Applies approved cases to UNOPS GL.
Ensuring that advance financing cases are recovered as they become due according to the terms of their approval. Escalates cases that cannot be recovered as per original plan with recommendation of action to senior management.
Monitoring and clearance of the advance financing GL accounts 14015 and 51045
Support processing of write-offs for over expenditure once approved by senior management.
Process refunds/transfer of surplus project cash balances once the partner has accepted the Final Financial Reports as and when needed. The refunds are based on the approved FFRs and the incumbent is expected to verify the correct banking information for the cash transfer to the partner.
Process refunds/transfer of surplus project cash balances based on exceptional approvals for ongoing projects.
Process exceptional financial closure.
Reconciliation and replenishment of PCA accounts are done on a regular basis to avoid any shortfall of funds and reconciliation issues between UNOPS and UNDP records.

3. Ensures proper Partner financial oversight, refinement and capacity building, focusing on achievement of the following results for the donor portfolio specified / key accounts:

Establishes oversight on the project financial closure process performance.
Establishes oversight on the project financial reporting performance.
Establishes oversight on the refund/transfer process and the exceptional closure balances pending at corporate level.
Proposed Solutions to resolve issues linked to the financial reporting and closure of partner projects, e.g. delay in partner responses, late submission of reports, etc.
Ensures compliance with UNOPS Financial Regulations and Rules on project closure through follow up with project managers and engagement closure focal points of projects where the FFR has been issued (status financially frozen) for relevant donors to ensure timely closure within three (3) months. Provides guidance to project managers on UNOPS policies and procedures to overcome obstacles faced during project financial closure and suggest solutions, where required, to ensure timely financial project closure.
Verification of project documents/legal agreements against oneUNOPS ERP System and oneUNOPS Projects records, e.g. for interest eligibility or reporting schedule setup.

4. Provides support and guidance on client reporting and other project finance related aspects, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Provides ad hoc, interim and annual reports as required
Provides advise on the preparation of partner specific financial project reports
Provides support to project related monthly, quarterly and annual book closure processes as required, e.g. interest account reconciliation and readjustment of cost recovery posting
Processes monthly closure activities as required independently for UNOPS accounts: monthly interest posting to all client projects and ensuring that interests are posted in accordance to UNOPS interest policy and guidance, overspent oversight process, partner personnel cost recovery manual support, etc. All these tasks are expected to be performed independently and in compliance with the correspondence with the relevant guidance and policies.
Supports any other project finance related tasks that might be assigned

5. Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

Assists in training of colleagues upon requests from portfolio managers, the supervisor and other finance officers on project finance management.
Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in project finance.
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Supports in other administrative functions in FG as necessary.

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

Secondary Education with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance.
A University Degree in Business or Public Administration would be desirable, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

5 to 7 years of progressively responsible finance experience is required at the national or international level.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (Google Suite) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling web-based management systems.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in written and oral English required.
Knowledge of Spanish and/or French as a second working language is desirable.

Additional Considerations

Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA Contract level: LICA 7 Contract duration: various, temporary or open-ended, depending on the Hiring Unit’s needs

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labour force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage the recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.