Finance Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) is an integral part of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), which was established to help partners deliver impactful results worldwide. The GPO operates with hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and comprises expert teams that lead multi-regional initiatives aimed at advancing sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding, particularly in challenging environments. The organization supports UNOPS' strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals across more than 130 countries, collaborating closely with major global partners, including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies. UNOPS provides a wide range of services, including project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support, to ensure effective delivery of projects and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Finance Specialist position is designed to drive financial integrity, transparency, and compliance within UNOPS, overseeing operations and enhancing financial management across various projects and teams. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Finance Advisor, acting as a crucial link between HQ-level policy and field execution. This role is pivotal in ensuring financial excellence and integrity in client-facing performance, contributing to the finance vision of being a true business partner to UNOPS projects. The Finance Specialist will be responsible for planning, managing, and leading financial operations, ensuring compliance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations (FRRs), IPSAS standards, and donor/partner requirements. The position requires a proactive approach to budgeting, cash management, cost recovery, financial reporting, and internal controls, while also focusing on strengthening the financial management capacity of project and field teams. The successful execution of these responsibilities will significantly impact the overall effectiveness of UNOPS financial services, ensuring accurate analysis and presentation of financial information to uphold proper financial processes within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provision of strategic financial support to NYO: Develop annual finance/budget work plans, set priorities, and align work with corporate goals. Monitor the operating environment for agility and risk management. Ensure compliance with financial reporting requirements to mitigate reputational risks. Lead internal and external audits and drive finance function initiatives.
• Management of Client Project Financial Closure & Verification of Final Financial Report: Lead financial closure activities, ensuring timely initiation and compliance with financial limits. Verify Final Financial Reports for accuracy and compliance with UNOPS rules and partner requirements.
• Project Fund Management and Budget Approvals: Review and release internal project budgets, ensuring completeness and accuracy of documentation. Track project budgets and conduct variance analyses to identify risks. Process refunds and transfers of surplus project cash balances.
• Lead Partner Financial Reporting, refinement, and capacity building: Provide tools and reports on project financial closure performance. Advise management on financial accountability mechanisms.
• Client reporting and other project finance-related aspects: Prepare and analyze financial reports for management and donors, ensuring compliance with timelines and requirements.
• Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing/Team Management: Serve as Officer-in-Charge when the Finance Advisor is unavailable, participate in strategic meetings, and contribute to financial SOP development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related fields with at least 7 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in the same disciplines with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. Professional certifications such as CPA, ACCA, CA, or CIMA are desired, along with knowledge of IPSAS or other international accounting standards. Proficiency in collaboration and productivity tools (e.g., MS Office, G-Suite) is essential, and familiarity with digital technologies for process optimization is highly desirable. Experience in people management is also a plus, and applicants with non-UN experience are encouraged to apply.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience. Alternatively, a Master’s degree in the same fields with at least 5 years of relevant experience is acceptable. Professional certifications such as CPA, ACCA, CA, or CIMA are preferred, and knowledge of IPSAS or other international accounting standards is also desired.

Experience:
The Finance Specialist role requires relevant experience in project financial management, budgeting, cash management, and financial reporting. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in using collaboration and productivity tools, and familiarity with UNOPS or other UN policies and processes is an asset. Experience in people management is highly desirable, and applicants with non-UN experience are encouraged to apply.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, while proficiency in French and Spanish is desirable. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in English, with additional language skills being an advantage in this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as mid-level, with an ICS Level of 1

• It is a full-time, open-ended contract subject to renewal based on performance, availability of funds, and organizational needs. The recruitment process will not require candidates to make any payments, and applications must be submitted before the deadline of 27-Sep-202
• UNOPS is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups and ensuring an inclusive working environment.