Finance Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

• The Budget and Finance Unit (BFU) aims to develop and implement an efficient system of providing budgetary and financial services, effective operations and a sound and transparent financial information delivery system.
• The post will assist in carrying out functions related to the Organization’s region-wide finance and accounts; assist in implementing and analyzing Global Management System (GSM) enhancements/upgrades in relation to finance functions and provide an effective, timely financial and accounting support and services at all levels of the Organization.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Budget and Finance Officer (BFO), the incumbent performs the following duties:

Plans, organizes and monitors the work of the Finance Unit (FIN):

• Supervises support staff, identifies priorities, allocates tasks, evaluates performance of staff;
• Reviews work assignments for compliance and quality assurance;
• Appraises the staff based on the electronic Performance Management and Development System;
• Identifies the need of the unit for additional resources and performs tasks related to the recruitment of staff;

Ensures continuity of the Region’s financial services such as:

• Certifies or refers for action financial documents, giving appropriate explanations and suggesting remedial or alternative action as required;
• Provides financial clearance on requests/documents within authorized limits;
• Prepares, analyses and evaluates accounting and other financial data for management information;
• Reviews bank lists and electronic payments issued by Global Service Centre;
• Within approved limits, co-signs cheques, payment instructions and electronic payments;
• Prepares/reviews routine correspondence relating to financial and accounting activities with WHO headquarters, regional and country offices, regional and field staff members, banks and commercial firms prepares analysis of important cases requiring decision, action or approval by the concerned supervisors; briefing notes for World Health Assembly, Regional Committee Meeting and WHO Representatives (WRs)/Country Liaison Officers (CLOs) meetings;
• Reviews and clears/approves journal vouchers and expenditure batches for entries to be uploaded in the Global Management System (GSM); checks/ensures FIN staff follow strict adherance of procedures to complete the tasks.
• Coordinates and monitors annual/biennial closure activities
• Checks periodically the cash balances of regional bank accounts and imprest accounts to ensure that it is kept at appropriate level; performs surprise cash counts (including safekeeping)involving cashier’s accountabilities on a monthly basis;
• Verifies the regional bank reconciliations;
• Verifies and approves regional imprest vouchers, journal vouchers and expenditure batches;
• Briefs and debriefs newly appointed and terminated fixed-term staff on regional financial policies, respectively;
• Assists the Insurance Officer/Budget and Finance Officer on SHI matters, processing letters of guarantee and similar delegated transactions;
• Proposes improvements in work methods and trainings for staffs, as well as, provides guidance and/or advices staff in the Regional Office and country offices concerning the correct application of financial regulations, rules and procedures; and
• Performs other special duties related to financial and accounting activities of the Regional Office as entrusted by the Budget and Finance Officer.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Essential: University degree in business administration or commerce with specialization in finance/accounting or financial management from a recognized university.
• Desirable: Professional qualification or licensure in accountancy, such as Certified Public Accountant.

Experience

• Essential: Minimum two years professional finance and accounting/budget experience at the national level. Should have experience in a supervisory role or leading a team of staff in daily operations in the recent 2 years.
• Desirable: Experience in WHO, other UN agencies or in large multi-national, international organization or accounting firm.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of principles of accountancy, finance/budget and their application.
• Excellent understanding of accounting practices and procedures.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant financial computer applications.
• Strong analytical, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated supervisory skills or experience and ability to lead and motivate a team.
• Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.

Use of Language Skills

• Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

Source: https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2405741