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Finance Officer, NO-B, Damascus, Syria

PURPOSE OF THE JOB
Support the Finance Specialist in the management of operational functions for a small country or sub-office, Accountable for management of cost-effective, efficient and secure operations, in support of management, administration and implementation of the country programmes, consistent with operations of all other country offices in the Region, in strict compliance with the rules and regulations and in accordance with strategy, plans and decisions made by Regional Management Team and Country Programme Management Teams. Collaborate with all other UN agencies to accelerate implementation of the Harmonized Business practices in line within Reform/coherence.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS
  • Effective operations of financial and budget management
  • Ensure the effective, equitable and efficient operations of the office's finance and budget systems to support and facilitate the attainment of programmatic goals and objectives by meeting changing operational requirements. Advise management and assist in establishing new offices. Complying with UN Coherence and Harmonization principles regarding joint offices/common services when relevant.
  • Policy interpretation and application
  • As technical/functional specialist, accountable for providing the correct and consistent interpretation and application of organizational policies and procedures in the management of finance functions through the provision of technical expertise and operational support to the country office.
    Alert and recommends to Supervisor when deviation from the rules and regulations may be required, and propose alternative solutions to meet office objectives. Contribute to global and regional strategic planning and policy changes/formulation on operational matters as and when necessary.
    Implement the effective communication, training, roll-out, monitoring and evaluation of new operational initiatives, guidelines and procedures. Provide staff briefing and orientation regarding all of the operational areas.
  • Fiduciary integrity/responsibility for funds and assets
  • Safeguard the financial resources entrusted to the office by managing financial assets, financial planning and cash management activities and by recommending improvements to the financial and administrative management systems and procedures. Accountable for fiduciary integrity/responsibility for funds and assets taking decision on all operational and financial transactions, disbursement of funds, and administrative arrangements. Provide required oversight and support to programme group team to ensure all implementing partners accountability with regard to supply and non supply assistance.
    Ensure efficient, cost-effective and transparent utilization of resources through knowledge and technology transfer between offices and consistency of approaches and applications.
  • Leadership in strategic planning and policy formulation in the areas of finance
  • Play a substantive role in strategic planning and decision-making within the UNICEF finance and provides sound professional input to the development, reform and change of financial, human resources and administrative policies, systems and procedures.
    Contribute to effective management process by providing technical support to corporate committees as required.
  • CPMP Preparation
  • Contribute to the consolidation and preparation of the finance, budget and administrative components of the CPMP; participate in the review of office structures and operations, and compilation of required job descriptions, prior to budget preparation, in line with the country programme commitment; contribute to the preparation of budget and the accompanying justification and documentation.
  • Compliance and Internal Control
  • Monitor and manage budget process. Ensure all other operational reporting requirements are fully met for the office. Monitor compliance with all operational systems and procedures and ensure integrity in all financial and other administrative operations of the office.
    Serve as the focal person for office management indicators; ensure accuracy, promptness and appropriateness of information, and reports to the Head of Office and HQs; in collaboration with the Deputy Representative,ensure the implementation of agreed audit recommendations; advise on corrective measures to be taken and establish relevant internal controls.
  • Partnership, Coordination and Collaboration
  • Maintain good working relations with government counterparts; Arranges operational facilities and basic cooperation agreements with government authorities, (e.g., customs, visas, protocol, receipt of contributions, security, accommodations, privileges and immunities.). Ensure adherence to financial regulations and rules pertaining to Cash Assistance to Government (CAG) by Government and all implementing partners...
    Represent the office in meetings with local banks as well as in meetings with other UN Agencies to coordinate operational matters and activities, including harmonization of the UN common system.
    Represents UNICEF in the local salary survey committee and fully participates in all processes of the salary survey review and administration to ensure the methodology is applied correctly throughout.
    QUALIFICATION and COMPETENCIES : [ ] indicates the level of proficiency required for the job.)
  • Education
  • University degree in accounting, business administration, economics or financial management and membership - or enrolled for membership - of recognized professional accountancy body
  • Work Experience
  • Two years of relevant professional work experience.
    Both national and International work experience in office management, finance, accounting, ICT, human resources, supply and administration and/or other related fields.
    Work experience in emergency duty station.
  • Language Proficiency
  • Fluency in English and Arabic is essential.
  • Competency Profile :
  • i) Core Values (Required)
  • Commitment
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Integrity
  • ii) Core Competencies (Required)
  • Communication [I]
  • Drive for Result [II]
  • Working With People [I]
  • Functional Competencies (Required)
  • Analyzing [ I ]
  • Applying Technical Expertise [II]
  • Following Instructions and Procedures [II]
  • Planning and Organizing [II]
  • Duration: One year

    HOW TO APPLY:
    UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization. To apply, click on the following link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=502016