Consultancy - Inventory management consultant, Statutory Reporting Unit / Finance Branch

Job Title: Inventory management consultant

Contract type:  Consultancy

Initial duration: 4 months (extendable up to 11 months based on workload requirements)

Duty Station: Home-based or New York, USA (as to be mutually agreed between UNFPA and the consultant)

Purpose of consultancy:

The consultancy is located within the Statutory Reporting Unit (SRU) of the Finance Branch / Division for Management Services at UNFPA. The SRU is responsible for the operationalization of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS)-compliant environment within UNFPA, and support implementation of and strengthening compliance with selected policies and procedures, including on management of programme supplies. The unit coordinates the annual accounts closure, prepares IPSAS-compliant financial statements and other statutory reports, liaises with auditors on finance related matters, and is responsible for specialized accounting in selected areas, including inventory, employee benefits and intangible assets. The SRU also supports different initiatives to improve the effectiveness of internal controls at UNFPA, including implementation of the performance management reporting and the Last Mile Assurance (LMA) processes and the information and communications technology transformation project.

The purpose of consultancy is to strengthen compliance with the Policy and Procedures on Management of Programme Supplies in the area of inventory accounting and control, and ensure the accuracy and completeness of UNFPA inventory records.  

During the term of this consultancy, incumbent will be expected to perform the following activities: 

• Review interim and year end inventory certifications for accuracy, completeness and compliance with the annual inventory certification guidelines; liaise with the field offices in case of any gaps or errors and support their satisfactory resolution;
• Monitor compliance of a portfolio of field offices with the Policy and Procedures on Management of Programme Supplies, through the review of field office transactions and their supporting documents, such as delivery slips, programme supplies distribution reports, receiving and inspection reports, and other documents;
• Provide user support to field offices in the use of the field office inventory tracking system, Shipment Tracker; this includes responding to user questions, performing Shipment Tracker Administrator functions, and providing written advice and online coaching; 
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information in the Shipment Tracker by supporting field office inventory reconciliation activities, performing various data completeness and validation checks, and acting on data red flags until satisfactorily resolved;
• Review and process requests for assigning Shipment Tracker Focal Point rights and ensure appropriate segregation of duties in accessing inventory tracking system; 
• Identify locally procured programme supplies, validate the accuracy and completeness of their records and then upload verified information to the Shipment Tracker;
• Review requests for inventory write-offs and summarize review results in dedicated reports;
• Maintain a log of field office inventory management performance issues, ensuring that this logbook is kept up-to-date, and its notes are complete, accurate and properly supported;  
• Draft presentation materials for field offices and management to build capacity in supply chain management and raise awareness about recurring issues;
• Support preparation of the inventory management performance reports;
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor. 

Within the broad scope of work as outlined above, the consultant is expected to deliver relevant activities on timely basis, reliably and accurately throughout the consultancy period. Specific deadlines, reports/deliverables will be on need basis and communicated accordingly.   

The consultant will report to the head of the Statutory Reporting Unit, under the overall supervision of the Chief, Finance Branch.

Expected Travel: None 

Required Expertise and Qualifications

Education:

A completed Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Public Policy or other related discipline is required.

Knowledge and Experience:

• 2 years work experience (cumulative) performing such functions as data analysis, logistics / administrative services, support services to clients, and/or producing written documents and presentation materials. 
• Strong attention to detail. 
• Ability to think critically and logically. 
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and work under pressure.
• Ability to perform repetitive transactions with high level of quality and efficiency. 
• Strong writing and communication skills.

Languages:

Fluency in English; strong working-level proficiency in French (level of proficiency in French will be tested during the interview)

How to Apply

Please send your application and a short letter of motivation with "Inventory Management Consultant" in the subject to fb.consultant.roster@unfpa.org. The posting will remain open until filled.