Finance & Administration Management

For Every Child…a Sustainable Future 

UNICEF is pleased to launch a Generic Vacancy Announcement for the Finance & Administration Manager Talent Group P-4 (Roster). The role is under the general guidance of the Deputy Representative ‐ Operations, and will be responsible for ensuring effective, equitable, efficient and sustainable operational systems in the broad operational and administrative areas of Finance, Accounts, Risk Management, Internal controls, Budgeting, Administration and Quality Assurance. The incumbent will also guide and support a group of professional staff to manage and deliver administration and finance services in a country or regional office. 

For every child, commitment 

• UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children’s rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.
• “UNICEF humanitarian programmes address the urgent needs of children affected by crises in the short- and medium-term, while its development programmes contribute to reducing their needs, vulnerabilities and risks in a sustainable and longer-term manner. Both therefore contribute to delivering the Sustainable Development Goals for the world’s most disadvantaged children.’’

For every child, dedication 

• UNICEF is seeking talented applicants for a placement in the Finance & Administration Talent Group P-4 (Roster). The function of Finance & Administration Manager is of critical importance in UNICEF’s structure as it ensures the overall management of the office financial and operational resources. It covers functions in the areas of Finance, Accounting, Risk Management, Compliance, Operations, Administration Management, Budgeting, Business Analysis, Quality Assurance & Internal Controls.
• Following a thorough screening and vetting process, successful candidates will be placed in the Talent Group (Roster) at P-4 level for an indefinite period until they are selected and appointed to a post. Talent Groups (Rosters) at UNICEF are exclusive lists of pre-vetted, highly qualified professionals that can be considered for a direct selection as the positions become available.

How can you make a difference? 

Policy Formulation, Review, Interpretation & Implementation 

• Accountable for the correct and consistent application of organizational policies and procedures in the management of finance and administration functions through the provision of technical leadership and support in the area of operations generally, accounting and finance particularly to the country and regional office/s.
• Contributes to global and regional strategic planning and policy changes/formulation on operational matters as necessary relating to finance; Provides technical input to contribute to the establishment of financial guidelines in close coordination with the Deputy Representative-Operations and/or Chief of Operations.

Financial Planning and Management 

• Lead the financial oversight management, monitoring and reporting of all the country programme budget – and where applicable private sector fundraising budgets; make analysis and recommendations for line manager, Representative and Deputy Representatives to take risk informed decisions.
• Provide inputs and oversight into the operation’s financial needs and work in close coordination with the line manager or the Deputy Representative – Operations to ensure that objectives are realized for smooth operations of the Office and sub-offices where applicable.

Administrative and Operational Support 

• Ensures timely and effective delivery and improvement in administrative support and office services for enhanced quality, efficiency and cost effectiveness, including space management, transport services, vehicle use and maintenance, equipment, conference and travel arrangements, document reproduction, communications, mail and delivery services, local procurement and bill payments of utilities.
• Supports the Inter-Agency Operations Management Team’s approaches for enhancing UN common services to attain efficiencies and effectiveness. Negotiates and oversees matters relating to office premises, utilities and services with vendors and agencies.
• Manages properties, administrative supplies, office equipment and vehicles, updating inventory of items, serving as ex-officio member to the Property Survey Board (PSB) and ensuring follow-up action of PSB decisions. Oversees the management and control of assets, their utilization and disposal in accordance with IPSAS rules. Ensure the safekeeping, annual physical inventory, including cost analysis and recommendations for replacement/disposal of all administrative equipment and supplies.

Control of Company Accounts and Cash Management   

• Tasked with supervising the proper, precise, and prompt handling and documentation of financial transactions and payments (including rent, travel expenses, third party contractual payments, program direct cash distributions and/or direct payments, among others) within SAP/VISION system, ensuring compliance with established protocols and guidelines. Additionally, will be responsible for diligent oversight of pre-payments, receivables, as well as the use of correct General Ledger accounts in the office.

Compliance & Risk Management   

• Support relevant offices with up-to-date information to make operational and programmatic risk informed decisions and improve office performance, with the support of the enterprise Governance, Risk and Compliance (eGRC) platform.
• Lead the office process in the annual risk assessment exercise and monitor the reliability of reports and their compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Ensure an effective risk management approach is embedded in any project/proposal, in office governance committees, in review of submissions and/or any major decisions made by the management.
• Ensure that management provides staff with access to relevant training and that staff and other personnel understand and abide by key UNICEF policies, including Audit, PSEA, Fraud, and Ethics.

Resources Management and Budgeting

• In close coordination with the line manager and/or Chief of Operations, manages and controls the relevant budgets to ensure that the objectives set in the fiscal year are achieved for smooth office operations, including sub-country (zonal offices) and out postings where applicable. Additionally, budget recommendations and estimates for office premises, supplies, and equipment are effectively prepared, presented, negotiated and implemented when approved.
• Review and assess budget plans of the main and/or sub offices, ensuring proposals are cost-effective and can be supported by the organization’s resources plans and priorities in line with organization’s policies and rules.
• Ensure timely spending, forecast of future expenses, and analysis of any budget discrepancies in main and/or sub-offices to optimize utilization, monitoring of funding allocation, manage allocated funds in compliance with relevant grants terms and timeframe, including funds received from other offices/agencies. 
• Lead office budget reviews by providing policy compliant guidelines, answering budget-related questions, drawing up budget explanations and summary tables for specific office(s).

Capacity Development 

• Coordinate the human resource development and resourcing strategies to bring about changes in knowledge, skills, abilities and mind sets for Operations staff.
• Promote culture of highest ethical standards and behavior in management of UNICEF’s resources.
• Contribute to initiatives for management improvement by capturing, institutionalizing and sharing best practices and lessons learned. Implement and/or recommend management improvements to enhance productivity and performance including implementation of cost saving strategies.
• Participate and/or organize training and learning events to build capacity of staff and stakeholders/Implementing partners.

Partnership, coordination and collaboration 

• Provide technical expertise and recommendations on HACT implementation, including, advice approach to undertaking spot checks, follow-up actions required on result of financial assurance activities; the use and collaboration with the Supreme Audit Institution; and use of micro-assessment results including the appropriate level of capacity building in financial management.
• Partner with Programme by providing advice and recommendations on programme budgeting through contribution to programme document and support the financial impact analysis and determination of refund and amounts owing to the CSO.
• Support UNICEF Office resource mobilization partners from donor negotiation and formulation of partnership agreements and contracts through written financial reporting, resolve discrepancies and ensure donor accountability and transparency.
• Foster a positive and enabling operations environment that supports private sector fundraising and solution-focused engagement (where applicable).
• Engage as effective stakeholders in the UN Reform, supporting Business Operating Services (BOS) and proactively paving the way for a potential “one back office” in country offices.

To qualify as a champion for every child, you will meet following eligibility criteria: 

• An advanced university Degree (Master’s) in one of the following areas is required: Business management; Financial management; Accounting; Public Finance; and related operations function (Supply Chain, Human Resources, Information Technology, International Business, Project management, etc.) or a full professional accounting designation (CA, ACA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA, CPFA, Expert Comptable) from an internationally recognized institute/body of accountancy with valid membership in good standing is required.
• A minimum of eight (8) years of professional experience, at the national and/or international level, is required, specifically in implementing organizational initiatives in one or more operations management area including budget; financial management and reporting; facilities management; administration; supply and logistics management; information and communication technology; human resources is required.

Knowledge of Results Based Management is a requirement. 

• Prior experience in the development sector or UN system/ international NGOs would be considered an asset.
• For country offices with a significant private sector fundraising operation, prior experience working with or in the private sector, and supporting private sector fundraising, is highly desirable.
• Experience in working with corporate ERPs (Enterprise Resource Planning) and IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards) is highly desirable.
• Experience in supporting successful client-oriented work units is considered an asset.
• Additional experience in one or more of the Audit and investigations, Safety and security, grants management or Enterprise Risk Management areas, would be highly desired.
• Fluency in English is required (verbal and written). Working knowledge of another UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is considered an asset.

Source: https://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/575073