Organization: UNHCR – United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Location: Nairobi
Grade: Administrative support – GS-5/GS-6, General Service – No need for Higher Education – Locally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
Operations and Administrations
Administrative support
Banking and Finance
Closing Date: 2024-11-23
Hardship Level
E (most hardship)
Family Type
Non Family with Residential Location
Family Type
Non Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay
Residential location (if applicable)
Nairobi (CO), Kenya
Grade
GS5
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
General Service
Reason
Regular > Regular Assignment
Remote work accepted
No
Target Start Date
2025-01-01
Deadline for Applications
November 23, 2024
Standard Job Description
Senior Finance Assistant
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Finance Assistant is normally supervised by a more senior finance colleague who defines work objectives and provides regular advice and guidance. The incumbent also refers to UNHCR Manuals and relevant policy papers on financial issues.
The incumbent assists with the processing of financial transactions. S/he keeps frequent contact with staff at various levels in the office and with bank officials to exchange information.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
– Maintain financial records for project or other office accounts for which responsibility is assigned.
– Record receipts and payments, assure accuracy of computation and completeness of documents and maintain continuing status of allotments against obligations.
– Prepare recurring reports on assigned accounts, noting problems resulting from excess cost or less-than-expected receipts.
– Prepare special reports to clarify problems or as requested for other reasons.
– Calculate and compile cost estimates and projected budget requirements and assist in preparation of budget statements for area of assignment.
– Prepare routine correspondence and maintain contracts with others to discuss matters concerning accounts and related assignments.
– Maintain contacts with local banks to clarify questions pertaining to office bank accounts.
– Brief and assist new staff on basic financial procedures and requirements with respect to payments, entitlements, banking and currency provisions and other requirements relating to accounts and finance.
– Initiate correspondence to verify data, answer queries and obtain additional information on accounts and financial transactions, as required.
– Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
– Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G5 – 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
Field(s) of Education
Not applicable
Certificates and/or Licenses
Accounting; Business Administration; Finance; HCR Learning Prog;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified
Desirable
Not specified
Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other)
IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile
Nature of Position:
The incumbent of this position will be working under the direct supervision of the Head of Field Office in Girba and will get technical guidance from the Finance Officer based in Kassala. He/she will support to ensure the policies and procedures concerning to financial, accounting, and administrative management are adhered to. Moreover, he/she will contribute to maintaining a robust internal control framework for UNHCR Girba Office and providing pertinent advice to colleagues with respect to the application of the established policies.
Desired Candidate Profile:
The desired candidate should demonstrate skills, competencies and experience related to financial management or management of risk or development of internal control frameworks, as well as excellent communication skills.
The following elements are essential for the profile:
• Knowledge of international standards of accounting (IFRS or IPSAS).
• Capable of identifying control weaknesses and recommending effective solutions.
• Ability to present findings and recommendations clearly and concisely to various stakeholders.
• Excellent drafting skills and verbal communication in English.
• The successful candidate must be willing and able to work in dynamic, multicultural and fast-evolving environments, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• The ability to work independently and under supervision, effectively prioritize tasks, develop strong interpersonal skills, and capability to adapt to changing environments.
• The ideal candidate should have the ability to work under pressure within changing circumstances and be a team worker.
• Experience working with International Organizations and NGOs and knowledge of platforms such as Cloud ERP, Workday is an asset and acquaintance with UNHCR Human Resources Policies & Guidelines is a plus.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Nature of Position:
Living and Working Conditions:
Additional Qualifications
Skills
FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other), IT-Computer Literacy, IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software
Education
Certifications
Accounting – Other, Business Administration – Other, Finance – Other, HCR Learning Program – UNHCR
Work Experience
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Additional Information
Functional clearance
This position doesn’t require a functional clearance