IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards) Project Specialist

JOB ID NO.: 1890

CLOSING DATE: 9 January 2012, 5:00 p.m. New York time

POST TITLE: IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards) Project Specialist

CATEGORY: ICS-11 (P-4)

POST NUMBER: 00040543

POST TYPE: Temporary Appointment

DUTY STATION: New York

DURATION: To 31 December 2012

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: Finance Branch, Division for Management Services (FB/DMS)

ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING:

This Finance Specialist position is located within the IPSAS Team, Finance Branch of the Division for Management Services and will report directly to the IPSAS team leader. The Finance Branch is responsible for global finance, including budgets, accounting and treasury services as well as initiating improvement efforts in areas of financial operations. The Branch also plays a key role in the custody and distribution of financial resources and the monitoring of expenditures. The IPSAS team currently consists of two finance specialists dedicated to the development of IPSAS accounting policies, preparation and delivery of training and communication on IPSAS to staff, support to business and IT system changes and support to the adoption of the new IPSAS compliant model financial statements. The incumbent will also work in close relation with the Accounts section to support the process of automation of Financial Statements and adoption of an IPSAS compliant format. Moreover, the incumbent will support the monitoring of compliance in specific administrative areas.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop the Financial Manual incorporating, inter alia, the issued IPSAS accounting policies. The incumbent is expected to autonomously relate with the main internal stakeholders; make necessary changes and ultimately distributed. With respect to other policy and procedures manuals, review and identify revisions to be made or develop new ones, to ensure IPSAS compliance. • Develop and issue operational guidance on main IPSAS areas; provide quidance and assistance to primary business owners in activities as defined in the IPSAS Project Plan to ensure IPSAS compliance. • Conduct testing of modifications, upgrades or new programmes/modules to the ERP in order to operate in compliance with IPSAS. Ensure active involvement of appropriate business owners and MIS staff in the process. • Deliver training as outlined in the IPSAS Training Strategy. Implement initiatives and activities as defined in the IPSAS Project communications plan. • Operationalize the IPSAS Compliant Accounting Environment. Working closely with the Statutory Reporting Unit and the Data Management Unit, ensure that the UNFPA accounting environment is adapted as necessary to meet the requirements for IPSAS compliance and reporting and support the automation exercise of the IPSAS Financial Statements. Monitor specific areas of compliance with reference to new tasks and procedures introduced by IPSAS. • Perform other IPSAS related adoption activities as requested or assigned by the IPSAS Project Manager.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Advanced degree in Business Administration, Information Systems, Finance or Accounting, etc. A first level university degree combined with accounting designation (CPA, CA) may be acceptable in lieu of the advanced university degree. • 7 years progressively responsible experience in a financial reporting and accounting environment at national and international level. • Hands on knowledge of the United Nations system's environment, with particular reference to common financial practices an asset. • Excellent knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS and several years experience in the production of statutory accounts under these standards. • Excellent drafting skills tested in development of finance policies, guidance papers and manuals in a corporate or public sector environment. • Progressively responsible experience of project management in a fast changing business environment. • Familiarity with the main features of a major ERP system, preferably Peoplesoft / Oracle. • Strong analytical and problem solving skills. Able to translate business requirements into logical systems specifications. • Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English. Knowledge of additional UN languages desirable. • Excellent knowledge of spreadsheets and relational databases (UNFPA's standard is MS office).

Required Competencies:

Core Competencies

• Values/Guiding Principles; • Performance Management; • Developing People/Coaching and Mentoring & Fostering Innovation and Empowerment; • Working in Teams; • Self-Management/Emotional Intelligence; • Communication; • Appropriate and Transparent Decision Making; • Analytical and Strategic Thinking and Results Orientation/Commitment to Excellence; • Knowledge Sharing/Continuous Learning

Functional Competencies

• Business acumen • Client orientation • Implementing management systems • Innovation/marketing of new approaches • Job knowledge/Technical knowledge • Organizational Awareness

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, respect for diversity, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply.

We offer an attractive remuneration package commensurate with the level of the position.

How to apply:

UNFPA has established an electronic application management system. This allows applicants to create a candidate profile, which can be updated regularly and submitted for more than one vacancy. Download the Step by Step Guide to Applying in the E-Recruit System of UNFPA at http://www.unfpa.org/employment/vacancy.htm

Please print out the Guide for your reference during the registration and application process.

Notice: There is no application, processing or other fee at any stage of the application process. UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.