Finance Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to promote reproductive health and rights, and gender equality. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda, particularly in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. UNFPA emphasizes the importance of principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, and who are dedicated to delivering high-impact results in their work. The Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU) was made operational in January 2022 and is self-funded, focusing on the effective delivery of life-saving reproductive health products and program supplies.

Job Overview:
The Finance Specialist position is situated within the Finance Team of the Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU) at UNFPA. This role is critical for overseeing the financial management and controllership of SCMU’s financial activities. The Finance Specialist will report directly to the Head of Pillar 4 - Support Services and will collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including other HQ Business Units, Regional Offices, Country Offices, and external partners. The position is designed to ensure strategic resource management, compliance with financial policies, and operational efficiency. The Finance Specialist will be responsible for providing expert financial guidance, leading budget planning and execution, managing audit preparedness, and ensuring compliance with UNFPA regulations. This role also involves capacity strengthening initiatives, thought leadership in supply chain management, and fostering partnerships for resource mobilization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the Head of Pillar 4 - Support Services in overseeing SCMU’s financial operations, ensuring strategic resource management, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Provide expert financial guidance to senior management on resource planning, budgeting, and optimization.
• Ensure full compliance with UNFPA financial policies, IPSAS standards, and internal control frameworks.
• Lead budget planning, execution, and performance monitoring, including variance analysis and forecasting.
• Oversee ERP financial functions, including transaction approvals, reconciliations, and ledger integrity.
• Manage audit preparedness and follow-up, risk management, and exception reporting mechanisms.
• Supervise accounts payable and receivable processes, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant financial transactions.
• Lead annual financial closure, year-end reconciliations, and coordination with auditors.
• Support innovative financing approaches to diversify funding and enhance financial sustainability. 1
• Develop and implement UNFPA's capacity-strengthening initiatives and advocate for the training of supply chain professionals. 1
• Coach and mentor UNFPA personnel to strengthen their capacity in supply chain management. 1
• Champion UNFPA's supply chain thought leadership and engage with industry experts. 1
• Foster knowledge retention and sharing within the organization. 1
• Contribute to the development of UNFPA’s value proposition and relationships with donors and partners. 1
• Establish effective collaboration with relevant stakeholders within UNFPA and represent SCMU in financial management meetings. 1
• Create a conducive working environment aligned with UNFPA's 2030 People Strategy and lead the team. 1
• Carry out any other duties as required by the Chief, SCMU.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, International Commerce, or a related field is required. Professional Accounting certification such as CPA, CMA, ACCA, or CIMA with demonstrated expertise in IPSAS is also required. Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, accounting, or related areas. Experience in managing a team, particularly within a remote or matrix organizational structure, is essential. Strong written and spoken presentation skills are required, along with the ability to synthesize complex supply chain documents for diverse audiences. Candidates should have strong interpersonal skills and the capability to develop and maintain broad partnerships. Experience using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is required, and basic proficiency in project management skills is an asset. Knowledge of UNFPA's Strategic Plan and related initiatives is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or International Commerce. Additionally, a professional accounting certification such as CPA, CMA, ACCA, or CIMA is required, along with demonstrated expertise in IPSAS.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in financial management, accounting, or related fields. Candidates should have experience managing teams, particularly in remote or matrix organizational structures, and must demonstrate strong presentation skills for both technical and non-technical audiences. Experience with ERP systems is essential, and familiarity with UNFPA's strategic initiatives is advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics.