Associate Finance Officer, Financial Resources Management Unit (FRMU), Administrative Services (AS) Programme, Bonn, Germany

Closing date: Friday, 6 February 2015

Associate Finance Officer, P-2 Administrative Services (AS) Programme Financial Resources Management Unit (FRMU)

Deadline for application: 06 February 2015

Announcement number: VA 15/002/AS

Expected date for entry on duty: As soon as possible

Duration of appointment : One and half years with possibility of extension

Duty Station: Bonn, Germany

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the focus of the political process to address Climate Change. The Convention secretariat supports the Convention and its Kyoto Protocol by a range of activities, including substantive and organizational support to meetings of the Parties.

The mandate of the Administrative Services Programme is the overall facilitation, support and guidance to programmes and the secretariat at large in the utilization and management of the human, financial and other resources for the continued implementation of the work programme and the mandated activities of the secretariat to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, compliance with relevant rules and regulations and appropriate accountability, and the facilitation of cross-cutting common services and functions.

Where will you be working

You will be working under the general guidance of the Chief (P-5) and direct supervision of the Finance Officer (P-3) in the Financial Resources Management unit of the Administrative Services programme.

What will you be doing

You will carry out a wide range of duties and functions in relation to the accounting of fixed and intangible assets, as well as the maintenance and monitoring of financial data within such areas. You will be responsible for collecting and analysing data in collaboration with the client programmes, in order to coordinate and process the periodic financial transactions and closures related to fixed assets. You will liaise with, and advise client programmes on financial transactions and requirements based on the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), including approval of various financial transactions while interpreting the relevant rules, regulations and standards.

Expected key results:

• Support to the implementation and operational processing of IPSAS accounting;
• Support to the implementation and financial monitoring and processing of UNFCCC fixed assets management and accounting

You will have the following responsibilities

1. Monitor the processes and provide analysis and recommendation within the area of IPSAS accounting:
   1. Collect, review, analyse, and process relevant data for various IPSAS accounting areas (fees, cost recovery, outstanding obligations, status of project finances) from all programmes involved;
   2. Prepare, review and/or approve accounting records and financial data for inclusion into the annual IPSAS compliant statements for UNFCCC under the guidance of the Finance Officer;
   3. Train client programmes on additional/revised procedures to be followed for IPSAS compliant financial information;
   4. Analyse accounting processes in various areas to ensure compliance with IPSAS requirements, check for irregularities and recommend modifications as necessary;
   5. Contribute to the development and implementation of all accounting relevant work processes as part of the ERP implementation project.
2. Support the implementation and operational monitoring of UNFCCC fixed and intangible assets accounting:
   1. Contribute to the development and implementation of fixed and intangible (e.g. software) asset accounting policies and procedures, including the development of UNFCCC-specific guidelines focussing on the requirements for financial management and reporting;
   2. Liaise with the responsible programmes and units to analyse the fixed and intangible asset related financial information (e.g. costs related to acquisition and disposal, expenditures, depreciation, etc.) in accordance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) Policy Framework and related UNFCCC IPSAS policies; monitors the accuracy and proper maintenance of such information and data;
   3. Participate in periodic physical verification process of fixed and intangible asset related financial information;
   4. Coordinate with the responsible programmes and units if conditions of potential impairment of fixed and intangible assets exist and implements and monitors the annual impairment review process and the resulting adjustments in accounting entries.
   5. Follow up to ensure regular disposal of obsolete assets and appropriate documentation, including accounting closure of such assets;
3. Other duties:
   1. Act as an alternate approving officer for payment requests;
   2. Support the Finance Officer in the preparation of all audit (internal and external) enquiries and follow up;
   3. Perform any other duties in the area of competence as required.

What are we looking for

Educational background

Required: University degree or equivalent in accounting, finance, economics, business/public administration, mathematics, or related area.

Asset: Qualification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent is an asset

Experience

Required: At least three years of progressive and professional experience in accounting, finance, budget, or related area.

Desired: Experience in working with financial management of fixed and intangible asset is highly desired.

Language skills

Required: Working knowledge of English.

Asset: Knowledge of other UN official language.

Specific professional knowledge

Required: Good knowledge of IPSAS standards for general financial operation, as well as for financial management of fixed and intangible assets is required.

Desired: Good understanding and knowledge of SAP or other ERP systems for financial and accounting modules is highly desired.

Job related skills

Required: Financial analytical skills and ability to identify issues, to formulate options and make conclusions and recommendations related to accounting issues. Excellent communication skills both verbally and written, and ability to adapt the language based on the client profile. Data analysis skills to produce numerical and statistical reports related to financial issues.

What is the selection process

You may be invited for assessment of your technical/professional knowledge. If successful, you may be invited for the final stage of the selection process, which consists of a competency based interview to assess the skills and aptitudes required to successfully perform the functions of the post. The following set of competencies for this particular post will be applied: Applying Professional Expertise; working with teams; delivering results

How to apply

Candidates, whose qualifications and experience match what we are looking for, should use the on-line application system available at http://unfccc.int/secretariat/employment/recruitment.

Please note

1. Qualified women candidates and candidates from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply.
2. Service is limited to the UNFCCC Secretariat.
3. We will confirm receipt of your application. However, only candidates under serious consideration and contacted for an interview will receive notice of the final outcome of the selection process.
4. Salary and allowances:
5. US$ 47,292 to 53,278 (without dependents)
6. US$ 50,420 to 57,024 (with dependents)
7. (plus variable post adjustment, currently 38.2 % of net salary), plus other UN benefits as indicated in the link below: https://unfccc.int/secretariat/employment/conditions-of-employment.html