Background Information - Job-specific
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 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.
The Finance Specialist reports to the Head of Financial Statements and UNBOA Relations who provides broad supervision and guidance. The Finance Specialist is responsible for efficient financial reporting and the provision of accurate, thoroughly researched and documented financial information for preparation of the financial statement. He/she analyzes and interprets the financial rules and regulations and the applicable accounting standards (IPSAS) and provides oversight to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues and General Ledger transactions. The Finance Specialist promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations.
Functional Responsibilities
- General Corporate Accounting
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Internal Control & Financial Oversight
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Internal and External Audit Coordination & Control Remediation
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Capacity Building, System Improvement & Robust Internal Control Optimization
1. General Corporate Accounting
- Regularly review and monitor financial transactions in the General Ledger for accuracy, completeness, and appropriate accounting treatment, ensuring strict adherence to UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations and other applicable Organizational Directives and Operational Instructions. This includes proactive identification of control gaps and the implementation of robust control checks to mitigate financial risks.
2. Internal Control & Financial Oversight
Prepare analysis and tables to support the preparation of corporate financial statements, ensuring the underlying data is fully auditable and demonstrably supported by strong internal controls. Prepare ad-hoc, audit-related reports and analysis to be submitted to the UN Board of Auditors, UNOPS Executive Board, and UNOPS management, specifically detailing internal control effectiveness, identified weaknesses, and remediation efforts. Prepare analysis reports of corporate financial statements and evaluation of trends, changes to components of corporate financial statements, with a critical eye towards identifying potential control gaps, areas of heightened risk, and the impact of control failures. Provide comprehensive support to the Head of Financial Statements and UNBOA Relations during internal and external audit processes, specifically on presenting evidence of internal control design and operating effectiveness. Actively monitor, track, and drive follow-up actions on both internal and external audit recommendations, collaborating with relevant practices in HQ and field offices to ensure timely, complete, and effective remediation of all identified control deficiencies. Under the guidance of the Head of Financial Statements and UNBOA Relations, consolidate internal audit recommendations across organizations and develop holistic plans to address common and regular areas of improvement, with a strong focus on implementing sustainable and preventative control enhancements. Develop a detailed lessons learned log specifically for control weaknesses and their remediation, and create robust preventative measures in processes and systems 4. Capacity Building, System Improvement & Robust Internal Control Optimization
Developing and delivering targeted training for finance staff, focusing on internal control best practices and lessons learned from control failures.
Ensuring clear and comprehensive documentation of all critical control points, segregation of duties, and approval workflows within financial processes.
Consolidate training needs of finance practitioners in field offices. Analyze the lessons learned log related to internal control failures and best practices and develop a targeted training plan for implementation to address learning needs in the area of financial accounting and internal control.
Support process documentation and continuous improvements in the corporate document management system (PQMS), ensuring that all critical control points, segregation of duties, and approval workflows are clearly defined, documented, and regularly reviewed within all financial processes.
Develop innovative solutions to optimize financial processes and reduce manual work, specifically seeking opportunities to strengthen automated controls, enhance data validation, and minimize reliance on manual controls.
Providing expert guidance and advice to finance practitioners in the area of an operational guidance on the application of accounting process and UNOPS FRR, with a strong emphasis on promoting a culture of strong internal control and risk awareness.
The key results have an impact on the overall Financial Group 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 UNOPS credibility in use of financial resources
Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization 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. 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. 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:
A Master's Degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics or a related field is required.
A first-level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in the above-mentioned areas or related fields, in combination with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master's degree.
Professional certification in accounting (CA, CPA, ACCA, ACA, CIMA, etc.), audit (CIA) or equivalent is an asset.
Experience:
Full working knowledge of English is required.
Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.
Contract type, level and durationContract type: ICA (Individual Contractor Agreement)
Contract level: I-ICA 2
Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The results of this process may also be used to fill potential short-term, retainer, or home-based positions in the future, should such organizational needs arise. 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
As per the terms of the Host Agreement between UNOPS and the Government of Denmark, UNOPS officials are privileged to an exemption from taxation on the salaries and emoluments paid to them by UNOPS, including accrued interest rates on UN pension schemes. The Host Agreement does not apply for individuals living outside of Denmark. These individuals may be obliged to pay tax on their income, and have the responsibility of checking with local tax authorities.
Additional Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.