Finance Associate

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The objective of the Division of Business Operations (BOS) is to support the work of WHO in the European Region through delivery of services within the areas of human resources, finance, contracting and procurement, legal advice, information & communications technology, printing, security, facilities management, fixed assets, conference support, travel and transport, safeguarding personnel and staff wellness and well-being. As an enabling unction, the division enhances the productivity of the health technical programmes and country offices while at the same time overseeing accountability, transparency and compliance with WHO administrative rules and regulations. The BOS division strives to strengthen the capacity of WHO/Europe to react in an agile way to external and internal changes. The division projects are designed to increase productivity, ensure financial sustainability of the region’s structures, reinforce a client-oriented culture, strengthen country office capacities, and drive strategic initiatives to enhance staff motivation and well-being.

As part of the BOS division, the Financial control and assurance unit (FCA) supports the operations of the technical divisions and country offices in WHO/Europe in their work towards achieving the goals set by the WHO European Programme of Work. FCA delivers continuous guidance, review, capacity building and oversight of financial transactions, policies and procedures. FCA also ensures compliance with financial regulations and rules, policies and procedures and maintains internal controls in order to effectively discharge WHO’s accountability obligations to Member States and donors.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• To support divisions and country offices in ensuring adherence to WHO financial rules, regulations, policies and established procedures and in providing e-imprest support to EURO country offices. To assist the Finance Officer by performing various tasks within the FCA unit.
• Under the supervision of a Finance Officer and as the member of a team performing similar functions, the Associate:
• Performs pre and post facto checking/review of documents for compliance with WHO rules and regulations. Reports on findings of transactional compliance on operations in WHO/Europe Region.
• Builds capacity through establishing dialogue and discussing issues that raise concerns with the WHO/Europe country office focal points.
• Supports the Finance Officer to develop a prioritized action plan for the implementation of recommendations. Monitor, follow up on the implementation of recommendations. Supports in preparation of draft consolidated reports on findings and follow ups.
• Provides regular guidance and assistance with operations, management, and reconciliation of WHO/Europe offices imprest accounts. Provides guidance and support on financial operations, including analysis of receipts and payments, verification of bank and cash reconciliations, confirmation that the imprest balances equals the General Ledger balances.
• Supports in review of proposals submitted for supervisors’ approval to ensure compliance with WHO financial rules and regulations.
• Supports in preparation of reports on in-depth capacity assessments of implementing partners (e.g., Ministries of Health, NGOs, or other).
• Supports Finance Officer on post-facto financial spot checks on Direct Financial Cooperation (DFC), Direct Implementation (DI) or Grant Letter of Agreement (GLOA) activities.
• Participates in on-site verification missions to implementing partners and WHO/Europe Country Offices to assess whether funds transferred were used in accordance with contractual requirements and relevant WHO policies and procedures.
• Assists country offices in establishing agreements with third party audit firms and supports CO colleagues by review and feedback on third party audit firms’ deliverables.
• Helps in capacity development activities in WHO/Europe on programme implementation modalities through training sessions, workshops, and presentations.
• Actively participates in financial closure related activities under FCA’s responsibilities, during monthly, yearly and biennial closure.
• Supports implementation of new tools and development of existing tools – Business Management System (BMS), e Workflow, financial dashboard, share point or other – in assigned subject area.
• Provides hands-on support to country offices in the absence of responsible officers or assistants.
• Provides back up for other finance assistants during their absence and perform any other task as assigned by the supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Essential: Completion of secondary school or equivalent with training in the areas of finance and/or accounting.
• Desirable: University degree in accounting, business administration, commerce, finance or management,. Recognized certification in accounting and finance would be an asset.

Experience

• Essential: At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in the finance and accounting area of a large organization.
• Desirable: Demonstrated experience in ERP system, usage of spreadsheet and database packages. Demonstrated experience in an international environment or institution. Relevant experience with financial rules and regulations of WHO or the UN.

Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of general accounting principles, procedures, practices and information technology for extracting quick and correct information from financial database.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to understand, interpret and apply regulations, rules, policies and procedures to routine and non-routine transactions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Excel spreadsheets and application of excel skills as applied data generated from an ERP system.
• Ability to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as helping others to do the same.

Use of Language Skills

• Essential: Excellent knowledge (mother tongue/advanced) of English.
• Desirable: Working knowledge (intermediate) of Turkish, French, Russian, German.

Source: https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2310507