SSA – DFC Management and Compliance Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO has a mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's primary goal is to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, and it works with countries to improve health systems, respond to health emergencies, and promote healthier lifestyles.

Job Overview:
The SSA – DFC Management and Compliance Officer position is embedded within the Ministry of Health (MoH) finance units, working closely with the MoH accounts team and health programme managers, under the technical oversight of WHO. The role is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by the MoH in managing, utilizing, and reporting on Direct Financial Cooperation (DFC) funds. The SSA will be responsible for strengthening financial oversight, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing accountability in DFC implementation. This position requires a proactive approach to ensure compliance with financial regulations and effective management of health program funds, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SSA will carry out a variety of tasks including:

• DFC Management and Tracking: Maintain DFC tracking tools from Purchase Order (PO) to FACE reporting, monitor DFC implementation and reporting timelines, and follow up on fund utilization and reporting at both national and provincial levels.
• Financial Compliance and Quality Assurance: Review supporting documentation for completeness and accuracy, conduct weekly scanning and systematic e-filing for expenditure supporting documents, ensure compliance of Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) and payments with WHO rules, conduct three-way matching (PO, Invoice, Goods Receipt Note), and validate FACE submissions before reporting.
• Financial Monitoring and Spot Checks: Conduct periodic on-site and desk-based spot checks, identify compliance gaps, and recommend corrective actions.
• Payment Processing Support: Monitor Direct Implementation (DI) payments and supplier payments, and verify documentation for payment processing.
• Reporting and Coordination: Ensure DFC closure reports are completed on time, ensure refunds of remaining non-utilized funds are done on time, follow up on these matters with the MoH and Ministry of Finance, and provide regular reporting on DFC performance and bottlenecks while supporting coordination between MoH, WHO, and provinces.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. A postgraduate qualification (master’s degree) in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field is desirable. Candidates should have at least five years of relevant professional experience in Finance, Administration, or Programme support, with demonstrated experience working in finance or accounting functions within a government agency or a non-governmental organization. Experience in public sector financial management, particularly within Ministries of Health or similar institutions, is also desirable, along with experience in donor-funded project management, financial compliance, audit processes, and DFC or grant management systems.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field as a minimum requirement. A master's degree in a relevant field is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's profile for this position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in Finance, Administration, or Programme support. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in finance or accounting roles, particularly within government agencies or NGOs. Experience in public sector financial management, especially in health ministries, and familiarity with donor-funded projects and financial compliance processes are highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Bislama is essential for this role. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The salary for this role will range from VT 2,510,000 to VT 3,102,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. The initial contract duration is 12 months, with the possibility of extension. This position is subject to local recruitment and is intended for Vanuatu nationals residing in the local commuting area of the duty station. Candidates facing technical issues with the application portal can submit their applications via email, including a cover letter and detailed CV. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test or interview may be part of the screening process. Candidates must provide scanned copies of their educational qualifications as part of the interview process. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all candidates must adhere to the highest ethical standards.