Finance Senior Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, established to support the successful implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects globally. UNOPS aims to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of these projects by providing essential services. With over 20 years of experience in Afghanistan, UNOPS Afghanistan focuses on delivering projects and services that improve the lives of the Afghan people. The organization operates in various sectors, including humanitarian aid, infrastructure, and human resources, with a mission to exceed stakeholder expectations in service delivery.

Job Overview:
The Finance Senior Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the project Finance Specialist by scrutinizing and evaluating financial documentation related to claims for payments. This position involves collaboration with the Finance Specialist and Contract Management Specialist to verify amounts due to contractors, consultants, and suppliers. The officer will be responsible for ensuring that financial aspects of claims are accurately assessed and documented, contributing to the overall financial management of the Verification of Claims and Expenditures Project (VCEP). The role requires a keen understanding of financial processes and the ability to work effectively in a team environment to achieve project objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Verify a large number of claims for payment against contracts, focusing on financial aspects.
• Support the verification of documents for the liquidation of funds disbursed to advance accounts for eligible expenditures.
• Review supporting documents for expenses incurred before 15 August 2021 related to compensation payments and administrative expenses.
• Collect and review Withdrawal Applications (WAs) and relevant records to ensure compliance with contract terms.
• Reconcile WAs and payment documents to identify retention monies for reimbursement.
• Review advance payments and reconcile with verified outstanding payments.
• Contribute to the review of subcontracting arrangements and identify amounts payable to subcontractors.
• Confirm bank account details and ensure compliance with UN security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council Sanctions List.
• Support the review of supporting documents in PMOs to confirm eligibility of expenses. 1
• Prepare reconciliation statements and identify unliquidated amounts. 1
• Verify documentation related to compensation payments for affected people. 1
• Interact with local teams to explain necessary documentation for claims. 1
• Participate in negotiations with suppliers/contractors as needed. 1
• Support the Finance Specialist in drafting reports and documentation. 1
• Contribute to training initiatives on finance-related topics.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced University Degree (Master's Degree) in Finance, Business Administration, or a relevant discipline.
• First level University degree (Bachelor's Degree) with 2 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Professional qualifications such as CPA or CA are a strong asset.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in financial management, analysis, and reporting.
• At least 1 year of professional-level experience in accounting, particularly in claims and contract variations.
• Experience with FIDIC Conditions of Contract is an asset.
• Familiarity with electronic systems and budget preparation is required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University Degree (Master's Degree) in Finance, Business Administration, Management, or a related field. Alternatively, a First level University degree (Bachelor's Degree) combined with 2 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted. Professional qualifications such as CPA or CA are highly regarded and considered a strong asset for this position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in financial management, financial analysis, and reporting, as well as budget preparation. Within this experience, at least 1 year must be at a professional level in accounting, with a strong preference for experience related to claims, contract variations, and liquidation of expenses. Experience in projects funded by International Financial Institutions (IFIs) is also beneficial, as is familiarity with developing countries or post-conflict environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English (reading, writing, and speaking) is mandatory. Additionally, fluency in Dari and Pashto (reading, writing, and speaking) is required, reflecting the linguistic needs of the local context and stakeholders involved in the projects.

Additional Notes:
The contract type is an ICA (Individual Contractor Agreement) at the Local ICA-9 level. The contract duration is ongoing and subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, valuing diverse perspectives and experiences. Candidates are encouraged to inform the HR team if they require assistance during the assessment process. UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than advertised and conducts background checks on all potential personnel.