Finance Senior Assistant

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 in project management, procurement, and infrastructure. Since its inception, UNOPS has expanded its operations significantly, particularly in Sri Lanka since 1998, where it has played a crucial role in post-tsunami recovery and ongoing socio-economic development. The organization collaborates closely with government entities and communities to ensure that projects are sustainable and accountable, focusing on areas such as education, health, and infrastructure development.

Job Overview:
The Finance Senior Assistant will play a vital role in the Health Information Quality Improvement (HIQI) Project, which is funded by the Global Fund and implemented under the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka. This project aims to digitize health information systems across multiple hospitals, enhancing the efficiency of healthcare delivery. The Finance Senior Assistant will work under the supervision of the Senior Finance Officer, providing essential financial and administrative support to ensure that financial transactions are processed accurately and in compliance with relevant regulations. This position requires a proactive approach to financial management, ensuring that all financial activities are tracked and reported systematically, thereby contributing to the overall success of the HIQI project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Senior Assistant will be responsible for a range of financial and administrative tasks, including but not limited to: supporting the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) at the Ministry of Health in maintaining proper control of financial documents; preparing vouchers and payment execution; maintaining an internal expenditures control system; ensuring timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers; presenting financial resource status information; maintaining accounts receivables and recording deposits; reviewing payment requests against project plans; preparing bank reconciliations; supporting audits by providing necessary documentation; ensuring compliance with financial processes; and contributing to training initiatives on finance-related topics. The role requires a commitment to maintaining high standards of financial integrity and accountability.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field, along with at least one year of relevant experience. Alternatively, candidates with a secondary school diploma and five years of relevant experience will also be considered. Experience in accounting and finance at a national level is essential, and familiarity with UN or government accounting procedures is advantageous. Proficiency in web-based applications and Google Suite products is also desired, highlighting the need for candidates to be technologically adept in managing financial data.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a first-level university degree (bachelor's or equivalent) in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related disciplines. Candidates with a secondary school diploma (high school) will be considered if they have substantial relevant experience in finance and accounting. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial management within the context of international development projects.

Experience:
Relevant experience in accounting and finance is required, particularly at the national level. Candidates with experience in UN or government entities will have an advantage, as this background provides familiarity with the specific financial regulations and procedures that govern such organizations. Additionally, candidates should have a basic understanding of government accounting procedures and experience with web-based applications, which are increasingly important in modern financial management.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Sinhala is mandatory for this position, as these languages are essential for effective communication within the project and with stakeholders. Knowledge of the Tamil language is considered an asset, as it may facilitate interactions with a broader range of communities and stakeholders in Sri Lanka.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA), specifically at the Local ICA 5 level. The contract duration is open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, satisfactory performance, and availability of funds. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups. The organization also commits to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates during the assessment process. It is important to note that UNOPS conducts background checks on all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent upon the results of these checks.