Programme Management Senior Associate (Finance)

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services), which was established to provide project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to help organizations achieve their goals. UNOPS operates in over 80 countries, focusing on sustainable development initiatives and delivering projects that align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization emphasizes operational excellence, high performance, and strategic partnerships to maximize impact across various sectors, including health, infrastructure, and procurement. UNOPS is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and values diversity within its workforce, which consists of individuals from various nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Senior Associate (Finance) position is crucial for supporting financial operations and project management within the South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO) in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This role involves ensuring compliance with UNOPS financial regulations, strategic budgeting, and robust financial controls. The incumbent will contribute to sustainable development initiatives by managing financial oversight and project delivery, particularly in biodiversity protection and waste management projects. The position requires integrating administrative and financial processes to support effective project implementation across diverse sectors. The role offers significant exposure to UNOPS project management methodologies and cross-functional collaboration, providing excellent professional growth opportunities in a dynamic international environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Management Senior Associate (Finance) include:

• Supporting day-to-day finance operations and ensuring compliance with UNOPS and donor financial rules.
• Assisting in budget setup, control, and monitoring from project agreement to closure, including tracking expenditures and analyzing variances.
• Maintaining treasury, accounting, and reporting processes in line with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations, including cash management and financial reporting.
• Supporting project monitoring and reporting, ensuring compliance with UNOPS rules and maintaining comprehensive project documentation.
• Assisting in day-to-day project execution, ensuring adherence to UNOPS project management methodologies and quality standards.
• Providing operational and administrative support, including HR coordination and logistical arrangements for project activities.
• Assisting in financial and procurement management, including budget preparation and monitoring financial transactions.
• Engaging in knowledge building and sharing by facilitating training sessions and contributing to Communities of Practice.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the position include a Master's degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Project/Programme Management, or a related discipline with at least 1 year of relevant experience. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree with 3 years of relevant experience, a Technical/Professional Diploma with 5 years of relevant experience, or a High School Diploma with 7 years of relevant experience is acceptable. Desired qualifications include certifications in Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP) and Finance or Accounting.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field, such as Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or Project/Programme Management. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree with relevant experience or a Technical/Professional Diploma with extensive experience is acceptable. A High School Diploma is the minimum educational requirement, provided the candidate has significant relevant experience. Additional certifications in project management or finance are desirable.

Experience:
The position requires relevant experience in project management, finance, or administrative support roles, particularly focusing on financial monitoring, reporting, and compliance. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in using collaboration and productivity tools, such as MS Office and web-based management systems. Desired experience includes familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, working in multicultural environments, and supporting grant or small-grants facilities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, while fluency in Sinhala and Tamil is desirable. Proficiency in these languages will enhance communication and collaboration within the diverse teams and stakeholders involved in the projects.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as an Associate level role (ICS 07) and is a full-time contract with a duration of 3 years. The contract type is ICA - LICA - Support - Regular. UNOPS emphasizes equal employment opportunities and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, including women and underrepresented groups. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse, and background checks are conducted for all final candidates. Applications must be submitted before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments.