Grants Financial Monitoring and Compliance Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) is an operational arm of the United Nations, established to help implement projects and provide services in support of humanitarian and development efforts. Founded in 1995, UNOPS has a presence in over 80 countries and employs thousands of personnel worldwide. The organization focuses on delivering efficient, agile services that support both humanitarian response and development initiatives, ensuring high performance and operational excellence across various sectors, including infrastructure, health, procurement, and project management. UNOPS operates in multiple regions, including Asia Pacific, where it oversees operations in 17 countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and others, working closely with stakeholders to maximize impact and strengthen partnerships.

Job Overview:
The Grants Financial Monitoring and Compliance Officer is tasked with maintaining a robust financial management process that supports the successful delivery of large-scale grant-funded activities implemented by Facilitating Partners (FPs). This role involves direct reporting to the Grant Management Specialist and secondary reporting to the Finance Advisor, providing essential financial management, monitoring, and reporting support. The officer will implement initiatives aimed at strengthening FP financial management and ensuring compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and donor requirements. The position plays a critical role in safeguarding the financial integrity of grants and optimizing the effective utilization of funds disbursed to Grantees. The officer will also supervise five field office-based Grants Financial Monitoring and Compliance Associates, ensuring that financial management practices are adhered to and improved upon continuously.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Financial Monitoring and Reporting: Develop schedules for financial monitoring and spot checks, coordinate field monitoring missions, and oversee the work of Grants Financial Monitoring and Compliance Associates. Act as the focal point for financial monitoring of FPs, leading spot checks and financial verifications, and following up on action points from previous reports. Review FP financial reports, verify supporting documents, and maintain accurate financial information in ERP and other reporting platforms.
• Capacity Building: Organize and oversee training activities focused on financial management and reporting, develop training materials based on audits and financial reviews, and deliver training sessions to FP Finance staff.
• Compliance: Assist in providing capacity-building support to FPs to ensure compliance with financial management policies and procedures, coordinate with the Finance Team to ensure proper recording of grant-related revenue and expenses, and interpret financial procedures for FPs.
• Knowledge Management: Document and share lessons learned and best practices, contribute to knowledge sharing within the Finance team and Grants Management Community of Practice.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with FP Finance leads to ensure coordinated financial oversight and improve financial monitoring tools and procedures.
• Project Closure: Review FP financial documentation for grant closure, assist in analyzing final financial reports, and support the grant audit process.
• Ad-hoc Assignments: Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor to support project delivery and team objectives.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a First University Degree in Finance, Accountancy, Finance Management, or equivalent disciplines. A certification in chartered accountancy is accepted in lieu of a first-level university degree. Additionally, a professional certification such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or similar is desired. Candidates should possess strong analytical skills, capacity building experience, and a solid understanding of analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis, internal controls, project finance, reporting, and risk management.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a First University Degree in Finance, Accountancy, Finance Management, or equivalent disciplines. A certification in chartered accountancy is accepted in lieu of a first-level university degree. Professional certifications such as CPA or similar are preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise in financial management and compliance.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in financial management support, project accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting is required. Experience working with grants projects, including monitoring financial performance and providing capacity-building support to grantees, is essential. Knowledge of UNOPS financial rules and regulations is an asset, along with a good understanding of local fiscal policies and procedures. Desired experience includes working with the UN, World Bank, or other donor agencies, government ministries, and NGOs.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified at the Associate seniority level (ICS 08) and is offered under an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) - LICA - Specialist - Regular contract type. The contract is ongoing and subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. The application deadline is set for midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups. Background checks are conducted for all final candidates to ensure adherence to organizational standards.