Assistant Finance Officer at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Job ID: 21233
Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Salary Grade: NA
Hardship Level: E
Family Location Type: Non-Family

 Organizational Context

• Assistant Finance Officer positions provide technical support with the processing of financial transactions, and monitor compliance with UNHCR and UN Financial Regulations and Rules.
• In operations that do not have a Project Control Officer and are not covered by a Regional Project Control Officer, the Assistant Finance Officer must also perform oversight responsibilities with regard to the execution of projects.
• The incumbent directly supervises general service staff.

Functional Statement
Accountability:

• UNHCR's financial rules and regulations, policies and procedures are adhered to by the office.
• UNHCR's local cash is safeguarded.
• Monthly accounts are correct and approved.
• Management is promptly informed of major variances in the execution of projects (budgets, finance, implementation or timeframe).

Responsibility:

• Contribute to the assessment of budgetary needs for administrative budgets (ABOD); monitor and control ABOD expenditure in the office.
• Analyze, evaluate and control disbursements/receipts, as well as expenditure variances against approved budgets;
• Review vouchers, including ABOD and project disbursements.
• Propose monthly cash requirements for the office, and ensure adequate and timely replenishments of funds.
• Contribute to the preparation and processing of monthly accounts.
• Provide financial status reports to supervisors.
• Analyze and evaluate all financial reports produced on a regular basis.
• Maintain effective business relationships with local banks.
• Support ensuring compliance with UNHCR and UN Financial Regulations and Rules, policies and procedures.
• Ensure that payments are effectuated by the monthly deadline.
• Ensure that monthly accounts are correct and approved, and ensure timely monthly bank reconciliations, including open items, review and clearance of unwanted requisitions and PO balances.
• Conduct regular checks of petty cash and cash accounts.

Authority:

• Verify that all financial transactions are correct and in accordance with UNHCR rules and procedures.
• Prepare office-level financial expenditure reports submitted to the regional office or Headquarters.
• Approve vouchers, including ABOD and project disbursements.

Essential Minimum Qualifications and Professional Experience Required

• Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA / BS) in Accounting, Finance, or Public or Business Administration, Economics or related field, OR undergraduate degree in another field combined with a professional qualification in accounting or finance (CPA/CIA or equivalent) plus minimum one year of previous job experience in the field of accounting or finance. Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) may also be accepted.
• Excellent computer skills, in particular in MS Office applications.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
• For National Officer positions, very good knowledge of local language and local institutions is essential.

Desirable Qualifications & Competencies:

• Professional qualification in accounting or finance (CPA/CIA or equivalent).
• Working experience of at least one year in an intergovernmental organization (United Nations or similar).
• Good knowledge of United Nations financial rules and procedures.
• Good understanding of accrual accounting (such as IPSAS or IFRS).
• Working experience with PeopleSoft/Oracle Financial modules.
• Knowledge of additional UN languages.
• This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR Assistant Finance Officer positions.
• The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position.
• Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Position Competencies
Managerial Competencies:

• Empowering and Building Trust
• Managing Performance
• Judgment and Decision Making
• Strategic Planning and Vision
• Leadership
• Managing Resources

Cross-Functional Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking
• Innovation and Creativity
• Technological Awareness
• Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
• Planning and Organizing
• Policy Development and Research
• Political Awareness
• Stakeholder Management
• Change Capability and Adaptability

Language Requirements:

• Please also note that English is essential for this Job Opening.
• Working knowledge of local language is desirable.

Eligible Applicants:

• This Job Opening is available to eligible UNHCR staff members and external applicants.

Procedures and Eligibility:

• Interested applicants should consult the Administrative Instruction on Recruitment and Assignment of Locally Recruited Staff (RALS)
• Applicants must be nationals of, and be locally recruited within the country of their employment