Finance Associate - ICS 06 at United Nations Population Fund - UNFPA

Job ID: 23151
Location: Abuja, Nigeria Country Office   
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Contract type:  Fixed Term Appointment
Duration: One year (Renewable based on availability of funds and satisfactory performance).

The Position

• Under the overall guidance of the UNFPA Representative and Deputy Representative and the direct supervision of the Finance & Admin Associate, the Finance Associate ensures the effective functioning of financial operations and systems in support of the programme and office management.
• S/he works closely with programmes and project staff providing financial monitoring and analysis of projects and advising managers on expenditure trends and implementation rates.
• S/he ensures effective and efficient functioning of financial operations and systems.
• S/he delivers quality services in Financial Management 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 in service of the Country Programme, providing support and guidance to colleagues and UNFPA supported states or partners in Nigeria. 
• S/he works closely with Programme and Project staff providing financial monitoring and analysis of projects and advising managers on expenditure trends and implementation rates.

How you can make a difference:

• UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s new strategic plan (2018-2021), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.
• In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
• UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results. 

Main Tasks & Responsibilities
You would be responsible for:

• Ensuring an effective financial recording and reporting system for the office
• Ensuring an effective financial recording and reporting system, internal control and audit follow-up and processes financial transactions in an accurate and timely way;
• Assisting in the formulation of projects budgets or proposals;
• Establishing and maintains contacts with government counterparts and implementing partners to ensure an effective and efficient collaboration;
• Facilitating the conduct of HACT audits and other assurance activities and ensures the development and implementation of follow-up actions;
• Working closely with Programme and Project staff in providing financial monitoring and analysis of projects and advising managers on expenditure trends and implementation rates.
• Supporting the monitoring of programme financial performance for all project funds by providing necessary financial information and analysis, including implementation rate against indicators/results. Detects potential over-under expenditure problems and suggests remedial action;
• Facilitating payment requests, financial record-keeping and preparation of financial reports required in line with HACT financial rules and procedures;
• Developing tools and mechanisms for effective monitoring of project budgets, coordinates compilation of financial data and provides accurate and up-dated financial information to UNFPA on a regular basis;
• Integrating financial policies and procedures, particularly relating to National Execution (NEX), into standard operational procedures, and providing guidance and training to staff and project managers accordingly;
• Provide logistical and technical support to UNFPA programme staff and implementing partners in Programme Administrative Management;
• Support in providing quality services in administration, procurement, communication and management of office equipment and infrastructure to internal and external clients mastering all relevant rules, guidelines, processes and procedures;
• Taking a client-oriented results-focused approach to interpreting the rules, procedures and guidelines in service of the Country Programme
• Providing logistical and technical support to UNFPA programme staff and implementing partners in Programme Financial Management;
• Assisting in the organization of training activities, ensuring logistical and, where applicable, financial arrangements;
• Review and monitor charges for common services and cost recovery, taking into account maximum cost efficiency and represents UNFPA’s interest in related negotiations and agreements.
• Carry out any other duties as may be required by UNFPA leadership.

Qualifications and Experience
Education: 

• Bachelor's degree or Higher National Diploma in Public Administration, Accounting, Business, Economics, or other related field.

Knowledge and Experience:

• At least 6 years of relevant work experience in the same functional area;
• Knowledge of UN Operational Rules and Regulations; direct working experience applying and handling UN Operational rules and regulations would be an advantage; 
• Proficiency in current MS Office software applications and other accounting package is essential. Familiarity with ATLAS will be an asset.
• Ability to work under pressure and excellent and human relation skills;

Languages:

• Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required.

Required Competencies
Values:

• Exemplifying integrity
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
• Embracing diversity in all its forms
• Embracing change

Core Competencies:

• Achieving Results 
• Being Accountable
• Developing and Applying Professional Expertise/Business Acumen
• Thinking analytically and Strategically
• Working in Teams/Managing Ourselves and our Relationships
• Communicating for Impact

Functional Competencies:

• Business Acumen
• Implementing management systems
• Innovation and marketing new approaches
• Client orientation and organizational awareness
• Job Knowledge/Technical expertise

UNFPA Work Environment:

• UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, Embracing diversity in all its forms, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life.
• We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities for all including persons with disabilities.

Compensation and Benefits

• This position offers an attractive remuneration package commensurate with the level of the post.   The package includes a competitive net salary plus cost of living adjustment, housing allowance, home leave, health insurance and other benefits.