Finance Officer, NO-B, Manila, PHILIPPINES

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:

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

a) Supervises support staff, identifies priorities, allocates tasks, evaluates performance of staff;

b) Reviews work assignments for compliance and quality assurance;

c) Appraises the staff based on the electronic Performance Management and Development System;

d) Identifies the need of the unit for additional resources and performs tasks related to the recruitment of staff;

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

a) Certifies or refers for action financial documents, giving appropriate explanations and suggesting remedial or alternative action as required;

b) Provides financial clearance on requests/documents within authorized limits;

c) Prepares, analyses and evaluates accounting and other financial data for management information;

d) Reviews bank lists and electronic payments issued by Global Service Centre;

e) Within approved limits, co-signs cheques, payment instructions and electronic payments;

f) 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;

g) 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.

h) Coordinates and monitors annual/biennial closure activities

3. 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;

4. Verifies the regional bank reconciliations;

5. Verifies and approves regional imprest vouchers, journal vouchers and expenditure batches;

6. Briefs and debriefs newly appointed and terminated fixed-term staff on regional financial policies, respectively;

7. Assists the Insurance Officer/Budget and Finance Officer on SHI matters, processing letters of guarantee and similar delegated transactions;

8. 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

9. 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.

WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/ .

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.

WHO Competencies

Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model:
who-enhanced-competence.pdf

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at PHP 1,745,899 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link:http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email toreasonableaccommodation@who.int

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put theWHO Values Charterinto practice.

• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• For information on WHO’s operations please visit:http://www.who.int.

• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

• Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly atshws@who.int.

• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.

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