Expert on Expenditure Review and Reconciliation

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to lead international efforts to defeat hunger. With a mission to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all, FAO ensures that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization has over 194 member states and operates in more than 130 countries worldwide, emphasizing the belief that everyone can contribute to ending hunger. The GEF-6 Green-Ag Project, financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is one of FAO's initiatives in India, focusing on integrating biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices into agricultural systems across various landscapes in the country.

Job Overview:
The Expert on Expenditure Review and Reconciliation will play a crucial role in enhancing the financial integrity and transparency of the GEF-6 Green-Ag Project in India. This position is essential for addressing the gaps identified in a recent internal audit regarding budget utilization tracking and financial reporting. The expert will conduct a detailed review of operational partners' expenditures, verify supporting documentation, and reconcile financial records with the Project Management Information System (MIS). The overall objective is to ensure accurate and compliant financial reporting, thereby supporting the FAO and its operational partners in improving financial management and audit readiness. The expert will work closely with various stakeholders to identify discrepancies, support corrections, and contribute to the overall success of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Expert on Expenditure Review and Reconciliation include:

• Conducting a thorough review of operational partners' financial records, including ledgers, vouchers, invoices, contracts, and payment evidence for the relevant implementation period.
• Verifying that expenditures are eligible, correctly classified, and supported by adequate documentation in accordance with FAO and OPIM financial rules.
• Identifying any missing, incomplete, or inconsistent supporting documents.
• Reconciling individual transactions recorded by operational partners with entries uploaded in the Project MIS, identifying discrepancies related to amounts, dates, budget lines, and supporting documentation.
• Preparing reconciliation statements that highlight resolved and outstanding issues.
• Supporting the correction and completion of financial data in the MIS based on verified records, ensuring that reconciled expenditures are accurately reflected.
• Liaising with State Project Management Units, Green Landscape Implementation Units, and relevant State Government finance teams to obtain missing information and clarifications.
• Providing practical guidance to operational partner staff on documentation standards and financial reporting requirements.
• Preparing consolidated expenditure review and reconciliation reports for each operational partner, summarizing key findings and recommendations for improving expenditure tracking and documentation processes. 1
• Undertaking additional duties as assigned by the FAO Representative and Assistant FAO Representatives.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include a strong background in financial management, accounting, or a related field. The candidate should possess a thorough understanding of financial reporting standards and practices, particularly in the context of international organizations. Experience with project management and financial systems, particularly in the context of the UN or similar organizations, is highly desirable. The candidate should also demonstrate strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for effectively liaising with operational partners and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates for this position should have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field. A master's degree or professional certification in accounting or finance (such as CPA or ACCA) is preferred and would be considered an asset. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in financial principles and practices, enabling the candidate to effectively perform the duties of the position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in financial management, accounting, or auditing, preferably within the context of international development projects. Experience working with UN agencies or similar organizations is highly advantageous. The candidate should have a proven track record of conducting financial reviews, reconciliations, and audits, demonstrating a strong understanding of financial compliance and reporting requirements.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of the FAO and the primary language for documentation and reporting. Knowledge of Hindi or other local languages would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and operational partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national UN Volunteer assignment based in New Delhi, India. The contract extensions are subject to the availability of funding, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance, with no expectation of renewal. The monthly Voluntary Living Allowance (VLA) is INR 70,158.41, and additional benefits include a one-time entry lump sum payment, travel costs at the beginning and end of the assignment, and an exit allowance. Comprehensive insurance coverage for health, life, and malicious acts is provided, along with annual leave and access to learning and career development resources. The living conditions in New Delhi are comparable to other capital cities in middle-income countries, with adequate infrastructure and services available.