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.

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 and collaborate closely with various units within the Finance Branch, such as Statutory Reporting and Revenue and Donor Reporting. The incumbent will also work with the Information Technology Solutions Office to ensure that financial processes are effectively managed and reported. The position requires a strategic approach to financial management, with a focus on improving operational efficiencies and ensuring compliance with international standards. The Finance Specialist will report directly to the Chief of the Finance Branch and will play a key role in shaping the financial direction of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Management and HR Management: Propose activities and priorities for the Data Management Unit, ensuring alignment with branch priorities and the UNFPA Strategic Plan. Report on progress and engage the unit in relevant activities. Manage the DMU team, focusing on performance management and professional growth.
• Partnerships, Knowledge Management, Communication, and Training: Represent the Finance Branch in meetings related to Quantum ERP Agencies. Maintain relationships with key partners and lead training initiatives on ERP modules and financial systems.
• Business Process and Systems Efficiency: Lead inputs for IT system design and configurations, ensuring compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). Draft new operating procedures and oversee the maintenance of financial master data in the ERP system.
• Statutory Reporting and Period End Activities: Ensure timely financial closure of ERP modules and maintain system integrity through reconciliations. Prepare financial statement schedules and lead external data reporting.
• Financial Reporting System Environment: Identify gaps in financial management and lead the development of real-time reporting tools. Ensure the ERP system can produce required data for various reporting needs.

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. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to manage ERP system applications, preferably Oracle. Candidates should demonstrate experience in supervising professional staff and managing relationships in an IT change management environment.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Information Systems, Finance, Accounting, or a closely related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial management and the technical aspects of ERP systems.

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 managing relationships in an IT change management environment is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other official UN languages, particularly French and/or Spanish, is desirable and would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a competitive remuneration package, including a net salary and health insurance, along with other benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. The organization is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, and compensation. Selection and appointment may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.