Finance Assistant - 1 positions - LICA 6 - UNOPS at World Health Organization

Background and Justification

Purpose of the Position:

• Provide support to WHO Somalia country office, as related to the preparation and monitoring of budget estimates, establishment of encumbrances, financial transactions, journalization, and liquidation of payments and facilitate the timely transfer of funds for Programme activities. Support Operations Officer in the implementation of Direct Disbursement Mechanism in Somalia and Outbreak activities. Provide assistance to national and international staff and non-staff on all issues related to financial matters.

MAJORDUTIESANDRESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Contribute to the development of the OBR budget, and workplans. Maintain an overview on budgetary, funding, and related financial issues, closely monitoring deadlines, obligations, gaps etc. Draw supervisors’ attention to specific/unusual discrepancies or problems, recommends necessary corrective actions.
• Support the implementation of Direct Disbursement Mechanism – DDM, to review the offline & online data, review the online & offline payment request, support OO in ensuring compliance related to DDM, follow-up for the release of payment in timely manner.
• Initiate, consolidate, and prepare periodic reports on the budgetary situation, implementation rates and special financial reports; prepare detailed cost estimates and participate in budget analysis and projections as required. Initiate correspondence and answer queries related to area of work.
• Scrutinize and select data from variety of sources, ensure accuracy in calculations and attachment of necessary supporting receipts of payments and authorizations, including review of services purchase orders – Imprest, DFC’s, GES and other activities with the aim to ensure accuracy of financial data, adequacy of supporting documents and maintenance of proper accounting records in compliance with financial procedures and WHO rules and reply to auditors’ queries.
• Support OO to advise and brief all staff and non-staff on financial rules and procedures pertaining to allowances, salary advances, travel claims and other financial matters. Coordinate and supervise the work of other Finance Assistants, if needed.
• Initiate, verify and process financial transactions and payments for all the activities, and sub- offices related to staff and non-staff costs, purchase orders, local purchases, etc, based on authorizations received from EMRO and GSC.
• Monitor timely transfer of program funds and award budgeting GSM workplans. Monitor distribution and amendments of awards, follow up on cash receipts and unapplied receivable balances, monitor revisions of amounts vis- à-vis award distribution by SO/OWER and budget centre, check validity of awards, reporting deadlines and linkage of awards to projects and initiate action for expenditure batches.
• Prepare the reconciliations for all the activities and share the report on budget implementation.
• Replace and assist other colleagues in the team and perform other related financial and administrative duties as required.

Educational background

Essential: Completion of secondary education; training in business administration/commerce and or technical courses in a field related to the work performed.

Desirable: Bachelor's degree in accounting, commerce or business administration is an asset.

Professional experience and knowledge

Essential: At least eight years of related experience in accounting and/or administrative work.

Desirable: Relevant experience in the UN system.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Very good knowledge of English and the local language. French is an asset.

COMPETENCIES

• Producing Results
• Fostering integration and teamwork.
• Communicating in a credible and effective way
• Ensure effective use of resources.
• Setting an example.

Functional Skills and Knowledge:

• Very good time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of banking regulations and local laws.
• Proven analytical skills