Assistant Finance Officer
Standard Job Description
Assistant Finance Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Assistant Finance Officer provides technical support with the processing of financial transactions, and monitors compliance with UNHCR and UN Financial Regulations and Rules.
In operations that do not have a Project Control Officer at Country or Multi-Country level the Assistant Finance Officer must also perform oversight responsibilities with regard to the execution of projects.
The incumbent directly supervises general service staff.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
– 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 financial reports within the area of responsibility on a regular basis.
– Maintain relationships with local bank at the transactional level.
– 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.
– 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 Bureau or Headquarters.
– Approve vouchers, including ABOD and project disbursements.
– Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
– Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P1/NOA – 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Accounting; Finance; Public Administratin
Business Administration; Economics; or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Internal Auditor (CIA) Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Excellent computer skills, in particular in MS Office applications. Excellent communication skills.
Desirable
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.
Functional Skills
*IT-Computer Literacy
*FI-Financial Accounting – Modified cash-based accounting as per international standards
FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc)
FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other)
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. 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.
Desired Candidate Profile
The incumbent is required to have excellent analytical skills, allowing him/her to make judgement calls and be able to escalate sensitive issues as appropriate. The impact of the work has a high reputational risk to the organization. The incumbent must have proven experience in:
· Several years of progressively responsible experience in managing large-volume transactional finance operations, such as accounts payable or accounts receivable, preferably in an international environment.
· Experience with centralized financial services (shared service environment).
· Demonstrated experience with accrual-based accounting standards (IPSAS or IFRS) and their application to financial transactions in an international context.
· Advanced experience working with financial modules of a major Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system such as Oracle (possibly TOT) or SAP, and the ability to adapt quickly to new digital tools.
· Well-developed organizational, analytical, and communication skills with clear instructions, with the ability to lead and work effectively in a team-oriented, multicultural environment.
The ideal candidate will also demonstrate:
· Ability to oversee the resolution of complex transactional exceptions, systemic discrepancies, and audit findings.
· Strong decision-making skills and sound judgement in managing financial operations and staff performance.
· Proven capacity to lead and motivate a diverse team, managing workloads, absences, and backup arrangements.
· Ability to work independently under significant pressure within delegated authority;
· Well-developed organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment;
· A strong client-service mentality when supporting field offices, internal and external stakeholders.
· Strong analytical skills, including monitoring KPIs and SLA metrics, reviewing open transactions, and identifying operational risks or control weaknesses.
· A proactive approach to process improvement and system optimization, with the ability to implement changes effectively.
· Organizational awareness so that they connect field and GSS HQ as needed on specific issue;
· Fully converse with using existing BI reports and with performing analytical work based on large volumes of data drawn from such reports.
Additional information:
Application open for all nationals with right to work in Kenya. UNHCR does not facilitate the obtaining of the work visa for recruitment.
Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a test. No late applications will be accepted. UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).
