Financial Management Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities worldwide, providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Financial Management Consultant position is crucial for supporting UNICEF's Risk Management Unit (RMU) in Afghanistan, particularly in the context of the Health Emergency Response (HER) project and Emergency Education Response for Afghanistan (EERA). The consultant will address the need for in-house financial management expertise to enhance assurance and data analysis capabilities. This role involves conducting financial monitoring, capacity building for implementing partners, and ensuring compliance with UNICEF's regulatory framework. The consultant will play a vital role in managing substantial financial resources, ensuring that funds are utilized effectively for health and education projects across Afghanistan's 34 provinces. The consultant will also be responsible for conducting assurance activities, supporting analytical tasks, and participating in program and audit review meetings, thereby contributing to the overall effectiveness of UNICEF's humanitarian response efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct HACT assurance activities, including financial monitoring and spot checks for NGO partners under IFI-funded projects.
• Build capacity of Implementing Partners on UNICEF financial procedures and donor-specific requirements.
• Support HACT/IPM teams with analytical and operational tasks related to HACT/IPM implementation.
• Conduct assurance visits and financial monitoring missions at least once every six months per Implementing Partner/Service Provider, submitting detailed assurance visit reports.
• Organize and deliver targeted financial capacity-building sessions for Implementing Partners/Service Providers based on assessed needs.
• Develop and maintain assurance and financial monitoring trackers, reviewing foreign exchange management policies and analyzing financial information to inform decision-making.
• Prepare quality assurance of Audit/Assurance Activity Plans and provide analytical input to monthly RMU reports.
• Review and document audit findings, responses, and follow-up actions, providing technical inputs for partner and donor coordination meetings.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced University degree (Master's or equivalent) in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Auditing, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Professional accounting/audit certifications (e.g., CPA, CA, ACCA, CIMA, CIA) are considered an asset.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in conducting financial monitoring, auditing, and financial assurance activities is required.
• Proven experience in preparing high-quality analytical assurance reports, dashboards, and management briefs.
• Demonstrated experience in conceptualizing and delivering capacity-building initiatives for NGO implementing partners or community-based organizations.
• Proven knowledge and practical application of the UN HACT Framework is an asset.
• Experience in conducting spot checks and audits for UN-funded projects is advantageous.
• Previous experience in humanitarian, emergency, or development programming is beneficial.
• Experience working with community-based organizations and NGOs in high-volume or multi-partner programs is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Auditing, or Public Administration. A Bachelor's degree combined with relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Professional accounting or audit certifications are also considered an asset.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in financial monitoring, auditing, and assurance activities. Candidates should have a proven track record of preparing analytical reports and conducting capacity-building initiatives for implementing partners. Experience in the UN HACT Framework and conducting audits for UN-funded projects is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with proficiency in local languages being an asset. Strong communication skills are essential for engaging with partners and stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration is from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, with a total of 252 working days. Applications must include a cover letter, resume, samples of previous work, and a financial offer in USD. UNICEF will provide a daily subsistence allowance for calendar days spent in Afghanistan, covering out-of-pocket costs such as accommodation. Travel expenses will be reimbursed. Candidates engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered staff members and will not be entitled to benefits such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage. Selected candidates must ensure valid visa and health insurance for the contract duration and may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.