Background Information – Afghanistan

 

With more than 20 years of experience in the country, UNOPS Afghanistan focuses on providing maximum support to the Government and people of Afghanistan through delivery of projects and services in line with the government’s national priorities. The UNOPS Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) serves as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the implementation agency. At present, UNOPS AFCO is implementing a number of projects in a range of sectors including infrastructure (roads, bridges, justice and security, health, and water supply) development, procurement services, HR services, capacity building, and humanitarian protection, amongst others, on behalf of the Government of Afghanistan, the international donor community, and other UN agencies.

The functional objective of UNOPS AFCO is to contribute to the achievement of the development outcomes sought by the Government of Afghanistan. The aim of UNOPS AFCO is to provide efficient and cost-effective implementation services on behalf of all our partners to support the reconstruction and development of the country. UNOPS AFCO’s mission is to exceed the expectations of all stakeholders in the delivery of AFCO’s services, at all times, in all places, in all circumstances, in order to significantly improve the lives of all Afghans in need.

Background Information – Job-specific

 

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the HoSS, the Project Support Senior Officer contributes to ensuring the financial management of the Cost Recovery projects. The Project Management Support – Senior Officer, Cost Recovery will contribute to ensuring that the projects are in compliance and up to date with the reporting requirements to clients and in line with defined project objectives. He/she will be responsible for monitoring specific administrative and financial transactions, preparing interim and final financial reports, providing information and bringing to attention of the Project Manager issues related to the project’s financial transactions and operations.

The Project Management Support Senior Officer’s responsibilities and duties will include, but not be limited to, the following:

 

Functional Responsibilities

 

2. Summary of Key Functions

• Project Implementation
• Financial and procurement management
• Operational support
• Project completion
• General duties

Specific duties and responsibilities:

1. Project Formulation and Implementation

• Draft proposals, project budgets, work and financial plans in accordance with UNOPS Policies and Procedures.
• Review the operational aspects of proposed projects and analyze implementation arrangements for soundness, feasibility and cost implications.
• Set up projects in ERP, follow the process required to obtain HQ approvals
• Coordinate delivery of work packages, identify and escalate to the Project Manager any deviations from the approved plans
• Maintain and update implementation plans, identify and escalates risks as relevant
• In consultation with the Project Manager, provide support and guidance on all issues relating to UNOPS financial management procedures, administrative guidelines and SOPs.

2. Financial and procurement management

• Maintain all supporting project financial documents for audit and review processes.
• Prepare payment requests and necessary supporting documents (Financial forecasts and/or PDRs) for submission in accordance with the Business Cases.
• Prepare and maintain the operational budget according to UNOPS financial management systems and ensure accuracy of supporting documents.
• Raise vendors and requisitions for procurement, and facilitate requests for issuance of contracts and/or amendments on documents.
• Commit funds through purchase orders (PO) in the financial system in accordance with SOPs.
• Ensure conformity of project disbursement requests with UNOPS financial rules and regulations, procedures, the project work-plan and availability of financial resources/budget.
• Prepare budget revisions in oneUNOPS and provide all necessary documents to the Project Manager.
• Prepare all documentation and data needed for project acceptance.
• Monitor all financial aspects of project implementation and the desired outcomes within the budget; identify operational and financial problems and find workable solutions.
• Initiate and obtain approval for changes in project components to attain project objectives more effectively (and negotiate for additional funds if needed) or when necessary for the project extension.
• Prepare draft financial reports and schedules on the UNOPS accounts and provide periodical and/or ad hoc financial reports to UNOPS and clients (i.e. project delivery reports, financial monitoring reports and progress reports, etc).
• Coordinate submission and verification of financial reporting inputs for the consolidation of monthly and quarterly reporting inputs toProject Management Support – Senior Officer the procurement of goods and services and disbursement of funds according to UNOPS policies and procedures.
• Make contract related payments, update records and information in line with other UNOPS departments involved. Ensure that all payment documents are processed in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

3. Operational support

• Provide support to the overall aspect of Finance, HR, Procurement and Logistics related matters of the Cost Recovery Projects.
• Ensure all business processes are backed up by required supporting documents for processing of staff and sub-contract payments, awarding and amending of contracts.
• Ensure conformity of project disbursement requests with UNOPS financial rules and regulations, work plans, and availability of resources for disbursement.
• Ensure that Purchase Orders are raised, review and process request for Personnel Action (RPA), requisitions for procurement, contract issuance and amendment as well as disbursement of funds are processed and costs captured with sense of urgency and accuracy.
• Manage subcontracts and other project related transactions, ensuring updated records and information are filed.
• Advise project staff on the application, interpretation and adoption of UNOPS corporate operational rules, procedures and guidelines in all transactions.
• Prepare monthly projected and actual burn-rates.
• Maintain records of project files and other support documents in accordance with archiving guidelines
• Develop and implement a timetable for the financial and contractual closure of projects that have been operationally closed.

4. Project completion

• Assist in the preparation of project completion reports and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Assist the PM to ensure smooth project completion in accordance with UNOPS policies and procedures and as was specified in the project documents (business cases).
• Encourage and institutionalize knowledge sharing and interacting with clients as appropriate.

5. General duties

• Maintain close communication with other PSOs to ensure constant exchange of best practices and standardization of approaches.
• Share knowledge and expertise in Project Support with other colleagues.

3. Monitoring and Progress Controls

• Project Budget for fiscal year is prepared in timely manners for clients and HQ’s approval
• Maintain up-to-date project financial data available for management review; ensure project financial reports are prepared on quarterly basis or as requested and presented to clients.
• PM is informed of any variation in project budget and expenditure and advised for remedy or budget revision
• POs are raised in time and payments are made within a week after the receipt of the claim.
• Prepares projected and actual burn-rate on monthly basis and control mechanism is in place for appropriate fund disbursement

4. Final Product

The PSO reports to the PM, interacts frequently with project staff and participates in regular meetings as and when required.

• Ensures final project financial reports are prepared.
• Contributes to project closure reports – being prepared and accepted by the relevant clients.

 

Education/Experience/Language requirements

 

a. Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Finance, Economics, Accounting or a relevant field. An advanced university degree (e.g. Masters) in the above mentioned fields may be considered as a substitute for two (2) years of work experience.
• A Professional Certificate in a relevant field is an asset

b. Work Experience

• A minimum of four (4) years of experience in the field of budget administration, operational support and financial management is required.
• Working experience with the United Nations or international organizations is an asset.
• Experience using UN Financial Management Systems is an asset
• Knowledge of Google Suite Package and handling of web-based management systems is an asset.

 

Competencies

 

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

 

Contract type, level and duration

 

Contract type: Local ICA

Contract level: LICA 9
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

 

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.