Finance Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, which is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, and it plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as maternal health, family planning, and gender-based violence. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 outlines its commitment to achieving transformative results and responding to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable populations. The organization values principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, and it seeks candidates who can deliver high-impact results and manage resources effectively.

Job Overview:
The Finance Specialist position is integral to the Finance Branch of the Division for Management Services at UNFPA. This role involves overseeing global finance operations, including financial and data management, accounting, and treasury services. The Finance Specialist will supervise the Data Management Unit, ensuring that financial processes are managed effectively and that the ERP and related systems are configured to support these processes. The incumbent will collaborate closely with various units within the Finance Branch and the Information Technology Solutions Office, reporting directly to the Chief of the Finance Branch. The position requires a strategic approach to financial management, emphasizing the importance of system integrity, efficiency, and compliance with international standards. The Finance Specialist will also play a key role in training and knowledge transfer related to financial systems, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the Finance Branch.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Strategic management and HR management: Proposing activities and priorities for the Data Management Unit, reporting on progress, and overseeing the performance and professional growth of team members.
• Partnerships and communication: Representing the Finance Branch in meetings, maintaining relationships with key partners, and leading training on financial systems.
• Business process efficiency: Leading inputs for IT system design, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, and operationalizing business processes in the ERP system.
• Statutory reporting: Ensuring timely financial closures, maintaining system integrity, and preparing financial statements in compliance with UNFPA policies.
• Financial reporting environment: Identifying gaps in financial management, leading IT development for reporting, and ensuring data accuracy for various reporting requirements.
• Additional duties as assigned by supervisors or UNFPA leadership.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Information Systems, Finance, Accounting, or a closely related field. They should have at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in financial information systems design, implementation, and management, as well as experience in financial business process design and financial statement preparation. Experience in supervising professional staff and managing relationships in an IT change management environment is essential. Candidates should also have experience with ERP systems, preferably Oracle, and demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills. The ability to listen to client feedback and translate business requirements into logical systems specifications is crucial.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Information Systems, Finance, Accounting, or a closely related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage financial systems and processes within the organization.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in financial information systems design, implementation, and management. Candidates should have experience in financial business process design and financial statement preparation at both national and international levels. Additionally, experience in supervising professional staff and engaging with business focal points in an IT change management environment is necessary. Familiarity with maintaining and managing ERP system applications, particularly Oracle, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other official UN languages, particularly French and/or Spanish, is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's qualifications.

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. UNFPA is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics. The selection and appointment process may involve background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.