National Post: Finance Analyst, Johannesburg, ESARO, NOB (Readvertisement)

THIS POSITION IS BEING RE-ADVERTISED.  CANDIDATES WHO PREVIOUSLY APPLIED WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

The Position:

The Finance Analyst will support the administration of financial resources of the Joint Programme to ensure the efficient and effective use of the financial resources drawing upon the Secretary-General’s Principle of Mutual Recognition, as well as proper OFA management, and in accordance with the financial and operational requirements of the participating donors. 

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager, the Finance Analyst will collaborate with the Administrative Associate, and work closely with the programme coordinator, and the Regional Interagency Working Group. 

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

The Finance Analyst will support the efficient and effective management of the financial resources of the 2gether 4 SRHR Programme, a Joint United Nations Regional Programme that aims to improve the sexual and reproductive health and well-being of all people in East and Southern Africa, applying the Secretary-General’s Principle of Mutual Recognition. 

S/he will deliver quality financial services internally to UNFPA, to the four participating UN agencies and stakeholders with whom the 2gether 4 SRHR Programme engages. Provide advice and guidance and ensure that the programme follows all relevant financial rules, guidelines, processes, and procedures as per the policies and procedures of UNFPA, the Standard Administrative Agreement governing the Joint Programme and the UN Secretary-General’s Principle of Mutual Recognition.

You would be responsible for:

• Ensuring the strategic and efficient management of financial project resources across the four participating UN agencies, while exercising proper financial controls and adherence to corporate financial policies, rules and regulations
• As a member of the Convening Team for 2gether 4 SRHR you will provide substantive support in assuring the correctness/ high quality and monitoring of all financial information and advice on all financial matters relating to the Joint Programme in close collaboration with the Administrative Agent of the Joint Programme, the International Operations Manager of UNFPA and the Operations Managers of the four participating UN agencies. 
• Monitoring and compiling reports of programme financial performance across all four participating UN agencies coordinating and providing the necessary financial information and analysis, including monitoring implementation rates against the outcomes of the Joint Programme and as defined by the Standard Administrative Agreement.
• Monitoring expenditure against the proposed activities and by countries receiving catalytic funding through the 2gether 4 SRHR programme to detect potential over/under expenditure and make recommendations to reallocate funds when necessary. Monitoring expenditures to ensure that they remain within the authorized levels. 
• Developing tools and mechanisms for effective and efficient monitoring of programme and project budgets, coordinating the compilation of financial data and providing accurate and up-to-date financial information to the Regional Interagency Steering Committee, the Regional Interagency Working Group and the Administrative Agent of the Joint Programme as required. 
• Managing the work plan and budget of the Joint Programme by assisting the programme coordinator, and programme team and engaging with the financial focal points of the four participating agencies to develop the annual work plan and budget of the Joint Programme, control allotments, monitoring expenditures, and prepare work plan and budget revisions according to the needs of the Programme. 
• Manage project budgets in Quantum Plus, review and provide feedback on the budget performance reports, and analyze variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
• Interpreting financial policies and procedures and providing guidance and training to the Programme staff, project managers and the four participating agencies to identify ways in which programme can strengthen delivery as one through applying the appropriate policies and procedures as provided for through the UN reform agenda, including the Secretary General’s Principle of Mutual recognition and other policies and procedures as may be appropriate. 
• Providing substantive support to HACT-compliant IP management in terms of finance/budget management.
• Examining supporting documentation related to PO and non-PO payments including, payments to implementing partners ensuring they adhere to the correct procedures; 
• Drafting reports for management on financial/budgetary issues. 
• Analyzing accounts and regularly reviews/evaluating financial reports. Conducting reconciliation processes for the required accounts (VAT, advances, petty cash, staff receivables and etc.). Identifying problematic transactions and irregularities in related accounts, resolving them in a timely and effective manner; 
• Convening meetings of the operations managers regularly together with the programme team to guide the programme on strengthening the operational aspects of the Joint Programme, interpreting policies and procedures as provided for under the Secretary-General’s Principle of Mutual recognition to enable the programme to deliver as one. 
• Processing financial transactions in an accurate and timely way, maintaining an effective financial recording and reporting system including internal control and audit follow-up mechanisms.
• Supporting accurate flow of information between the UNFPA ESARO as the convening agent of the Joint Programme and the Administrative Agent to ensure that funds are effectively managed and disbursed to the four participating agencies and that the agencies are kept abreast of the transfer of funds to their respective agencies. 
• Serve as a focal point for audits, including coordination of audit visits, training and support to staff and Implementing Partners, coordination of responses to audit observations, and follow-up on the implementation of audit recommendations.
• Supporting operational activities of the joint programme in terms of human resources, contracting, procurement and asset management. 
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by management.

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

Advanced University degree in Finance/Accounting, Business, Public Administration or relevant field.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Minimum 2 years or more of progressive professional experience in accounting, finance, budget or administration. 
• Knowledge of financial and budgetary principles and practices, budget development and financial administration of resources. 
• Familiarity with UN procedures and working methods and the management of complex programmes is highly desirable. 
• Knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) is desirable. 
• Certification as a Certified Public Accountant, (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent is desirable.
• Proficiency in current office software applications and corporate ERP/Peoplesoft systems.

Languages: 

Fluency in English is required; knowledge of other official UN languages desirable.

Required Competencies: 

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity, 
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, 
• Embracing cultural diversity, 
• Embracing change

Core Competencies: 

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,

Functional Competencies:

• Managing the organization’s financial resources
• Providing procurement services
• Managing data, documents, correspondence and reports
• Manage information and workflows

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.
 

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.
 

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.