UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund, in the world's largest international source of funding for population and reproductive health programmes. UNFPA works with governments and non-governmental organizations in over 140 countries in all matters related to the reproductive system. Reproductive health is recognized as a human right, part of the right to health. UNFPA assists countries to formulate population policies and strategies in support of sustainable development.

Job Summary

Type of Contract: Fixed-Term: One Year Initially
Level: ICS 6 (GS 6)

In furtherance of UNFPA mandate in Ghana, the following personnel is needed to strengthen its operations under the Sixth Country Programme (Cp6):

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the overall supervision of the Representative and/or Deputy Representative and direct supervision of the Admin and Finance Associate, the Finance Associate (FA) is responsible for the following:

Management of Office Finance:

•  Implements corporate systems and applications in support of financial management and country office operations
•  Interprets financial policies and procedures particularly relating to national execution, NEX and provides guidance and training to staff and programme managers. Strives to identify ways in which programme financial needs can be met within existing policies
•  Reviews and processes funds to implementing partners in accordance to UNFPA guidelines'
•  Implements tools and mechanisms for effective and efficient monitoring of programme budgets, coordinates compilation of financial data and provides accurate and up-dated financial information to HQ on a continuous basis
•  Support the monitoring of programme financial performance for all core and non-core resources by providing necessary financial information and analysis, including implementation, rage against indicators/results. Detects potential over/under-expenditure problems and suggests remedial action
•  Assists in the management of the Country Office budget by budget formulation, controlling allotments, monitoring expenditures, and preparing revisions according to the needs of the office
•  Performs internal and audit functions for the Country Office and Implementing partners
•  Reviews and monitors charges for common services and cost recovery taking into account maximum cost efficiency and represents UNFPA's interest in related negotiations and agreements
•  Ensures the effective financial recording and reporting system internal control and audit follow-up. Maintains up-to-date and complete records, documentation and filing of all financial information
•  Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of finance processes within the Country Office and its decentralised office and ensures compliance of the office business practices with the provisions of the UNFPA  policies and procedures, work practices, and processes. Suggests changes for improvement where and when necessary
•  Liaises with the UNDP on all finance related matters (including the processing of payments), and ensure that all necessary documentation is duly completed and submitted
•  Establishes and maintains working relationships with finance colleagues in other UN agencies
•  Manages petty cash

Administrative Support:

•  Processes financial transactions in an accurate and timely manner
•  Ensures the timely completion of all financial and other administrative requirements
•  High proficiency in the use of internet based financial information system

People Management & Leadership:

•  Provides information, technical advice and guidance on all aspects of financial management; including NEX procedures, auditing, budgets, and cash flow management; liaising and advising on best practices as necessary in-house as well as with external stakeholders
•  Keeps Country Office personnel abreast of latest developments in policies and procedures as this relates to the Country Office including regular reporting of financial information
•  Promotes local capacity building in finance. Designs and develops curricula and materials for financial training and conducts the latter
•  Exchanges relevant information and maintains an open line of communication with colleagues and his/her supervisor
•  Actively participates in CO and operations unit meetings

Other:

•  When appropriate, undertakes other related duties assigned by the supervisor and/or Representative

Qualification Required & Experience

Required Competencies:
Functional Competencies:

•  Implementing management systems
•  Business acumen and ability to multi-task and balance competing priorities
•  Innovation and marketing of new approaches
•  Pro-activeness and client orientation
•  Organizational awareness
•  Job knowledge/technical expertise

Core Competencies:

•  Values: Integrity/Commitment to mandate, knowledge sharing/continuous learning, valuing diversity
•  Managing Relationships: Working in teams, communicating information and ideas, conflict and self-management
•  Working with People: Empowerment, Developing People/Performance management
•  Personal Leadership and Effectiveness: Strategic and analytical thinking, results orientation/commitment to excellence, appropriate and transparent decision making

Job Requirements:
Academic Requirements

•  A undergraduate degree in accounting, business administration, finance, public administration or other related field

Experience:

•  At least 6 years progressively responsible experience in finance in a public or private sector environment

Languages:

•  Fluency in oral and written English
•  A second UN language is an asset

Computer Skills:

•  Proficiency in current office software applications
•  Proficiency in Atlas, PeopleSoft, and other computerized applications used by the UN

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

For detailed Job Description and P11, please refer: www.unfpaghana.org. Applications and interest letter to be addressed to the Representative at:

ghana.office@unfpa.org

Closing Date: 14 May,2013

Completion of United Nations Personal History form (P11) is mandatory, no resume is required.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Women are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates should be ready to assume duty at short notice.

Disclaimer: 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