Finance Senior Officer

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Position Title: Finance Senior Officer
Location: Geneve
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, established to support the successful implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects globally. UNOPS aims to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of these projects by providing essential services. It operates as a central resource for the UN, offering project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to various governments, donors, and UN organizations. The Geneva Office, part of the Global Portfolio Office (GPO), manages one of UNOPS' largest portfolios and provides integrated solutions in operational support, including HR, Procurement, Finance, Travel, Administration, and ICT, while also managing grants and trust funds. The office is involved in global initiatives related to health, nutrition, humanitarian support, sustainable urban development, and disaster displacement.

Job Overview:
The Finance Senior Officer plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient financial management within the finance unit. Reporting directly to the Finance Specialist and under the guidance of the Head of Finance, the officer is responsible for providing accurate financial information and delivering effective financial services. This includes analyzing and interpreting UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations, as well as providing solutions to a variety of financial issues. The officer collaborates closely with program, operations, and project teams to ensure the successful delivery of financial services, promoting a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS policies. The role encompasses a wide range of financial responsibilities, including budget preparation, financial reporting, and compliance with internal control procedures, all aimed at ensuring the integrity and transparency of financial resources.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implementation of operational strategies and support to portfolio management: The officer will assist in planning financial resources, analyzing financial progress, and ensuring compliance with UNOPS regulations. This includes maintaining oversight of projects and programs, supporting cost-saving proposals, and coordinating cash-flow forecasts.
• Budget preparation, financial reporting, monitoring, and control: Responsibilities include preparing budgets, conducting regular analyses, monitoring expenditures, and preparing financial statements and management reports. The officer will also support portfolio teams in budget preparation and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.
• Accounting, payments, and treasury activities: The officer will review operational transactions, ensure completeness of payment requests, monitor financial exception reports, and assist in banking-related activities.
• Capacity building and knowledge sharing: The officer will organize training sessions for project teams on UNOPS financial regulations and systems, enhancing the knowledge base and improving financial transaction quality.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in Finance, Business Administration, Management, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with an additional four years of relevant experience may be accepted. Professional certifications in accounting or auditing are desirable. Candidates should have a minimum of four years of experience in project accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting, preferably in a computerized environment. Familiarity with UN/UNOPS financial rules and regulations is considered an asset, along with knowledge of IPSAS or IFRS. Proficiency in using ERPs and financial applications is also required, along with solid computer skills in word processing and spreadsheets.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree in Finance, Business Administration, Management, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional relevant experience may be accepted. Professional certifications such as CA, CPA, ACCA, ACA, CIMA, or equivalent are considered an asset.

Experience:
A minimum of four years of experience at the national or international level in project accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting is required. Practical experience with UN/UNOPS financial rules and regulations is advantageous. Candidates should have a thorough knowledge of IPSAS or IFRS and experience managing budgets for multi-donor and multi-partner projects.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken English is mandatory. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered under an International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) at the ICS 9 / IICA 1 level, with an open-ended contract duration. The selected candidate will be responsible for arranging secure internet connections and necessary equipment for work, as per UNOPS standards. The contract fee is subject to Swiss laws, including taxation and social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security obligations. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from qualified women and underrepresented groups. Background checks are conducted for all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent on the results.