Financial and Administrative Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the leading United Nations agency in matters of population and sexual and reproductive health. Established to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person reaches their full potential, UNFPA focuses on promoting human rights, gender equality, sexual and reproductive health, and the prevention of gender-based violence. The organization works closely with the Colombian government, local authorities, civil society, academia, the private sector, and the United Nations System to implement its cooperation program. UNFPA's actions contribute to fulfilling Colombia's commitments under the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The role of the Financial and Administrative Specialist is to provide specialized support in financial, administrative, and operational management to the UNFPA Country Office in Colombia. This position is crucial for ensuring compliance with institutional norms, policies, and procedures, thereby contributing to the efficient, transparent, and results-oriented execution of programs and projects. The specialist will be involved in various aspects of financial management, including budget formulation, monitoring budget execution, and ensuring the efficient use of funds. Additionally, the role may require travel to various cities and municipalities within the country and potentially abroad, necessitating the physical and training capabilities for such travel.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the Financial and Administrative Specialist include:

• Financial and Budget Management: Supporting the formulation, review, and adjustment of the annual and multi-year budget of the Country Office, ensuring alignment with the Strategic Plan and CPD. Systematically monitoring the execution of regular and complementary resource budgets, ensuring efficient and timely use of funds. Assisting in the preparation of comparative financial analyses, expenditure projections, and execution scenarios, identifying financial risks and proposing corrective measures. Monitoring commitments, obligations, and available balances in corporate systems (Quantum), ensuring consistency between accounting and operational records. Ensuring compliance with IPSAS policies, financial rules, and applicable internal control frameworks. Supporting internal and external audits, including documentation preparation, follow-up on findings, and improvement plans.
• Internal Control and Compliance: Supporting the strengthening of internal financial and administrative control mechanisms, promoting good management practices and transparency. Ensuring that financial transactions comply with norms, authority delegations, and principles of segregation of functions. Ensuring proper documentation traceability and management of physical and digital files. Providing technical guidance to staff and implementing partners on financial and administrative norms.
• Monitoring Implementing Partners: Assisting in the establishment of Implementing Partners. Reviewing and validating financial reports submitted by implementing partners, with the support of interns and/or project assistants. Monitoring the financial execution of agreements, ensuring compliance with schedules and results. Identifying operational and financial risks in implementation and proposing preventive or corrective actions. Participating in joint programmatic and financial reviews with technical areas.
• Corporate Systems and Process Improvement: Supporting the proper use of corporate systems (Quantum, UNPP, others). Proposing improvements in operational flows and administrative processes to optimize time and reduce risks. Contributing to the automation and digitization of administrative and financial processes.
• Strategic Reporting and Management Support: Preparing consolidated financial reports for management, regional office, and headquarters as required. Supporting decision-making through timely and reliable financial analyses. Contributing to the preparation of financial inputs for corporate reports and accountability.
• Other Responsibilities: Executing other technical tasks and functions related to their area of expertise as assigned by supervision, according to operational needs and the organization's strategic priorities.

Required Qualifications:
The minimum requirements for the selected Local Service Contract (LSC) include:

• Education: A professional degree in Administration, Accounting, Economics, Finance, or related fields.
• Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant work experience in financial, administrative, or operational functions.
• Experience in supporting the management and direction of operational processes for at least three (3) years is required. Postgraduate studies in project management are desirable.
• Additional skills: Proficiency in MS Office and financial systems. Knowledge of United Nations norms and procedures is desirable. Strong analytical skills, organizational abilities, and the capacity to work under pressure are essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a professional degree in Administration, Accounting, Economics, Finance, or related fields. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial management and administrative processes within the UNFPA framework.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant work experience in financial, administrative, or operational roles. This experience should include at least three (3) years in supporting the management and direction of operational processes, demonstrating a solid understanding of financial systems and administrative practices.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is excellent proficiency in Spanish. Additionally, an intermediate level of English is required, which will facilitate communication and collaboration in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered under a Local Service Contract (LSC) modality, which is designed to strengthen the operational capacity of the office and ensure the necessary administrative, programmatic, and technical support for project execution. The role may involve travel to various locations within Colombia and potentially abroad, requiring candidates to have the physical capabilities and training necessary for such travel. The position is full-time, and candidates are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the values and mission of UNFPA, including integrity, accountability, and respect for diversity.