Head, Field Finance Office

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East, established to provide assistance and protection to Palestine refugees. With over 30,000 staff members, UNRWA operates across five areas of operation, focusing on education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance. The agency is committed to helping Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development despite the challenging circumstances they face. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual contributions. The mission of UNRWA is to provide essential services and support to one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, ensuring their rights and dignity are upheld. For more information, visit https://www.unrwa.org/

Job Overview:
The Head of the Field Finance Office is responsible for managing a finance team that ensures the provision of accurate, relevant, and timely financial information and advice to various stakeholders. This role involves training and instructing staff on financial matters, interpreting financial information, and advising on management issues. The incumbent will oversee the management of the financial envelope, coordinate with Human Resources on staffing costs, and ensure compliance with IPSAS in preparing medium-term forecasts and operating budgets. The position requires a strong understanding of financial regulations and the ability to maintain a balance between operational expediency and financial control. The Head of Finance will also serve on various financial committees and ensure that all financial activities are conducted in a timely and accurate manner, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the agency's operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the Field-based Finance team to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting and advice.
• Train and instruct staff on financial matters.
• Interpret financial information and provide management advice to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Field Director and other managers.
• Advise on the management of the financial envelope and staffing costs in coordination with Human Resources.
• Ensure compliance with IPSAS in budget preparation and review budget submissions.
• Monitor expenditures against budget allotments and report on variances.
• Ensure due diligence in disbursements, receipts, and management of financial resources.
• Supervise the preparation of monthly financial reports and quarterly budget reviews.
• Coordinate replies to internal and external audit queries. 1
• Develop and maintain financial systems and procedures for operational efficiency. 1
• Serve on Field Committees related to financial matters.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in finance, accountancy, business administration, or a related field.
• Seven years of progressively responsible work experience in finance, accountancy, or business administration.
• At least three years of supervisory experience in a large organization involving finance, accounting, budget, or audit functions.
• Solid understanding of accrual accounting principles such as IPSAS or IFRS.
• Experience with major Enterprise Resource Planning Systems like SAP or Oracle is required.
• Candidates must have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and their country of citizenship.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an accredited institution in finance, accountancy, business administration, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. All university degrees must be stated in the application, where applicable.

Experience:
Candidates are required to have seven years of progressively responsible and relevant work experience in finance, accountancy, business administration, or a related field. This includes at least three years at a supervisory level in a large commercial, industrial, or government agency, with a focus on finance, accounting, budget, audit, and related functions. Experience with accrual accounting principles and financial modules of major ERP systems is essential. Additionally, candidates must have two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and their country of citizenship unless they are already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Arabic is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I. Knowledge of a second UN language is considered an asset, particularly Arabic, given the context of the role and the agency's operations.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration is for one year, with the possibility of further extension. The incumbent will be required to reside in the field of assignment and may need to travel occasionally within the Agency's area of operations in the Middle East. Applications must be submitted through UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, and only fully completed applications will be considered. UNRWA is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages applications from qualified candidates with disabilities. A roster may be created from the selection exercise, and successful candidates may become eligible for appointment to similar posts when the need arises. UNRWA does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.