Administrative Finance Operations Associate

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for achieving a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, and all young people fulfill their potential. The UNFPA Strategic Plan (2022-2025) reaffirms the relevance of UNFPA’s current strategic direction and focuses on three transformative outcomes: ending preventable maternal deaths; ending the unmet need for family planning; and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. These outcomes reflect our strategic commitments to accelerate progress towards the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading to 2030. 

In a world where fundamental human rights are under threat, we need principled and ethical staff who embody these international norms and standards and who uphold them with courage and conviction. UNFPA seeks candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver sustained, high-impact results. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in managing the resources entrusted to them, and committed to delivering excellent program results. 

Objective of the work: 

The Finance Associate works under the supervision of the Operations Manager and in collaboration with the operations, administrative, and financial teams, as well as the information technology, procurement, and finance services in the Country Office. They also work with the operational teams of other UN agencies. 

Main activities Expected results: 

The Financial Associate has the following responsibilities: 

• It is responsible for monitoring the receipt and execution of regular and institutional resources.
• Supports the financial planning, monitoring, and evaluation of programs for all core and non-core resources, providing the necessary financial information, reports, and analyses, including performance indicators. Identifies potential over- or under-spending issues and proposes corrective measures.
• Adapts processes and procedures, anticipates and manages operational needs for program and project inputs within the framework of the National Plan’s implementation, in terms of personnel, subcontracts, equipment, scholarships, travel, and other program and project-related events to facilitate program and project execution.
• Develops tools and mechanisms for the effective and efficient monitoring of program and project budgets, coordinates the collection of financial data, and provides accurate and up-to-date financial information to Headquarters and the Regional Office on an ongoing basis.
• Interprets financial policies and procedures and provides guidance and training to staff and project managers. Determines ways in which program financial needs can be met within the framework of existing policies.
• Assists in managing the Country Office budget by formulating the budget, controlling allocations, monitoring expenditures, and preparing revisions according to the office’s needs.
• Maintains an effective financial recording and reporting system, internal control and audit trail, and processes financial transactions accurately and in a timely manner.
• Reviews and monitors common service charges and cost recovery, taking into account maximum cost efficiency, and represents UNFPA’s interests in negotiations.
• Prepares and oversees the administrative budget and ensures that financial transactions comply with UNFPA financial regulations and procedures. Proposes procedures to improve internal controls and responds to audit issues.
• Reviews procurement requisitions and coordinates/oversees the development of a procurement plan and the implementation of procurement procedures for equipment, supplies, and office and project services in a transparent and cost-effective manner; recommends procurement decisions.
• Supports the implementation of corporate, financial, procurement, and human resources policies and systems; ensures project staff are trained in these matters.
• Oversees the implementation of human resources rights (salaries and benefits) by service providers.
• Ensures physical inventory and asset movement and performs physical reconciliation with reports in Quantum.
• Acts as focal point for specific areas and other functions designated by the Office Operations Manager.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education: 

• Completed secondary education is required. First-level university degree and/or studies in business administration are desirable.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Seven years of relevant experience in administration, finance, or office management.
• Proficiency in the use of current computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and corporate IT financial systems.
• Work experience within the United Nations system and demonstrated knowledge of United Nations policies and procedures is desirable. Languages:
• Excellent command of the Spanish language.
• Intermediate English.

Source: https://www.unfpa.org/jobs/administrativefinanceoperations-associate-bogot%C3%A1-gs7