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UNFPA Chief, Accounts Section, Finance Branch, ICS-12, DMS

We are pleased to announce the following vacancy: This is a re-advertisement. For all applicants who applied previously to this post, kindly note that your applications are still valid and under consideration.

JOB ID NO.: 1914

CLOSING DATE: 17 February 2012, 5:00 p.m. New York time

POST TITLE: Chief, Accounts Section

CATEGORY: ICS-12 (P-5)

POST NUMBER: 00026627

POST TYPE: Non-Rotational

DUTY STATION: New York

DURATION: One year (renewable)

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

ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING:

The position is located in the Finance Branch which 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 distribution of financial resources and the monitoring of expenditures, and serves as custodian of financial resources for the Fund. The incumbent reports to the Chief, Finance Branch. The position has five units reporting to it - Payments; Income; Country Office Support; Statutory Reporting and Data Management.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure that transactions at HQ and the field are recorded and reported: • Develop and maintain a system of recording transactions and reporting that ensures highest degree of accuracy and integrity. Adaption of such a system as needed to facilitate IPSAS adoption in 2012. • Prepare financial statements in compliance with international accounting standards and financial regulations and rules. Financial statements will be prepared in accordance with UNSAS in 2011 and thereafter IPSAS. • Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to the Executive Board (annual and biennial financial statements, Annual Financial Review and other EB documents), management, donors (annual and final financial donor reports) and to other external bodies. • Review accounting transactions for reasonableness and compliance with financial regulations and rules, standards and guidelines in force. • Manage the relationship with UN auditors on audit observations and queries. Ensure all audit observations (internal and external) are followed -up upon and corrective action undertaken.

Maximize utilization of available financial resources, thereby reducing amount of unspent funds: • Ensure that trust funds are allocated on a timely basis, not overspent and expenditures in compliance with donor covenants. • Ensure that trust funds and other resources are always current and receivable and payable amounts are settled on a timely basis. • Ensure that regular resources are allocated on a timely basis and country office expenditures are spent within authorized ceilings. • Provide regular reports to management to optimize utilization of resources and minimization of refunds.

Manage resources and safeguard UNFPA's assets: • Ensure that corporate working capital and assets are safeguarded and protected from errors, losses, misuse and misappropriation; liabilities and equities are free from errors. • Ensure timely collection of receivables.

Manage the treasury functions, UNDP shared services and outsourced functions: • Manage and oversee outsourced functions such as vendor maintenance, banking relations, investments management and foreign exchange management. • Ensure that employees, vendors and implementing agents are paid on time. • Ensure that cash and investment returns are optimized and are invested in accordance with approved investment policy. • Monitor the foreign exchange hedging activities on regular contributions and ensure that contributions forecasts and information are always current.

Provide support to senior management at headquarters and field offices as basis for informed decision-making and compliance with requirements by governing bodies: • Perform analyses and identify and measure impact of recommended policies and procedures aimed at executing economical, efficient and effective operations in HQ and field offices. • Ensure that country offices fulfill their financial accountability obligations by providing regular feedback to Regional and Country Offices. • Consults with Senior Managers at HQ and the field offices on process improvements with an end view of enhancing the financial management operations. • Organize, prepare materials and participate as resource person in UNFPA training • Oversee production of UNFPA Finance Manual.

Promote continuous improvement and harmonization of business processes: • Participate in UN reform initiatives through working groups in the harmonization of accounting standards, financial rules and regulations and policies and procedures within the UN system. • Advance measures that promote improved financial management, improved business processes and strengthening of administrative and financial controls. • Optimize utilization of ERP for financial recording and reporting.

Promote teamwork and high level of productivity through efficient staff supervision and mentoring: • Motivate, inspire and reward staff to achieve the highest possible level of productivity through provision of training, counseling on career path and staff development. • Promote a work life balance in the team. • Co-ordinate and integrate unit work plans. • Complete staff appraisals.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Advanced university degree in Accounting or Financial Management. A first level university degree combined with a recognized accounting designation (CA, CPA) may be acceptable in lieu of the advanced university degree. • 10 years of equivalent responsibility at the national level, including a minimum of 5 years of equivalent responsibility at the international level. • Specialized knowledge of accounting in an IPSAS or IFRS environment with several years of experience in producing financial statements and notes. Exposure to UN system, ERP systems (preferably Peoplesoft/Oracle) and external reporting an asset. • Excellent communication skills. • Excellent analytical skills to define systematic problems and recommend plans of action, new policies and procedures.

Required Competencies:

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Values/Guiding Principles • Integrity/Cultural Sensitivity/Valuing Diversity/Commitment to Mandate • Developing People/Performance Management/Fostering Innovation and Empowerment • Working in teams/Communication/Self-Management/Emotional Intelligence/Conflict Management • Appropriate and transparent Decision Making • Analytical and Strategic Thinking/Knowledge Sharing/Results Orientation/Commitment to Excellence

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES: • Business acumen • Promoting accountability and results-based management • Impact and influence • Organizational awareness • Promoting organizational learning and knowledge sharing • Job knowledge/Technical expertise

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.

How to apply:

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.