VA Associate Finance Officer, Bonn, Germany

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: CCD/14/P/INT&EXT/4

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 28 June 2014

POST TITLE AND LEVEL: Associate Finance Officer, P-2

POST NUMBER: 525311

DUTY STATION: Bonn, Germany

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

INDICATIVE NET ANNUAL SALARY: USD 49,916 (with dependents) USD 46,819 (without dependents)

INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT APPOINTMENT LIMITED TO SERVICE WITH UNCCD

The objective of this Convention is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification around the world, particularly in Africa, through effective action at all levels, supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements, in the framework of an integrated approach which is consistent with Agenda 21, with a view to contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in affected areas.

The functions of the secretariat are, among others, to make arrangements for sessions of the Conference of the Parties (COP) and its subsidiary bodies; to compile and transmit reports submitted to it; to facilitate assistance to affected developing country Parties, on request, in the compilation and communication of information required under the Convention; to coordinate its activities with the secretariats of other relevant international bodies and conventions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the immediate supervision of the Administrative and Finance Officer and the general guidance of the Coordinator, Administration and Finance Services unit, the incumbent provides financial reporting and accounting services to the unit and the secretariat. The incumbent monitors the implementation of donor agreements and prepares donor specific financial reports in accordance with the financial regulations and rules of the United Nations; and assists in the day-to-day supervision of the finance functions of the unit. Specifically, the incumbent:

1. Analyses accounts, monitors donor agreements and prepares financial reports and correspondence for donors.
2. Reviews transactions and documents (e.g. journal vouchers, incoming funds) for entry into the financial system to ensure implementation of proper procedures to control and monitor income and expenditure.
3. Provides advice and guidance concerning the UNCCD's financial practices and requirements for handling transactions.
4. Assists in preparation of workflow and financial data for implementing the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
5. Assists in organizing and conducting training on IPSAS and users of the financial system.
6. Acts as alternate approving officer for UNCCD financial transactions.
7. Assists in reconciliation of various general ledger accounts, and support administration and finance staff as required.
8. Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

REQUIREMENTS

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, accounting or finance or related field. Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent is desirable. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of two (2) years progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, budget, administration, out of which one year should be within the UN system. Full understanding of UN financial regulations, rules and procedures as applied to accounting transactions. Good operating knowledge of SAP modules (travel/personnel/finance/budget), as well as IPSAS, desirable.
• Fluency in written and oral English; working knowledge in other UN languages would be an added asset.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Professionalism

• Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
• Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
• Shows pride in work and in achievements.

Accountability

• Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards.
• Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.
• Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments.

Client orientation

• Identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions;
• Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect.

All applicants are requested to complete a United Nations Personal History form (P.11) form available online at http://www.unccd.int/en/about-the-convention/The-Secretariat/Vacancies-and-consultancies/Pages/default.aspx or at your local UN Office. Interested UN staff members at the level of the post or one level below should attach their last two up-to-date PAS. Provision of the PAS is the responsibility of the applicant, and is MANDATORY for further consideration for this position. PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED as per ST/AI/1999/8.

All applications should be sent by e-mail to staffing@unccd.int with reference to CCD/14/P/INT&EXT/4. No telephone calls will be returned. Please do not address your application to or copy it to an individual at the secretariat. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8). The Executive Secretary reserves the right to appoint a candidate at one level below the advertised level of the post.

PLEASE INDICATE THE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER ON THE ENVELOPE OR THE FAX, AND ON THE APPLICATION. Date of issuance: 29 May 2014