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At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.
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PFP Financial Services Unit of PFP Finance is responsible for overseeing the complete, accurate and timely recording of accounting transactions relating to the Division of Private Fundraising and Partnerships (PFP) and reporting on PFP results to the UNICEF Executive Board. The Unit is managing the corporate reporting from UNICEF National Committees and country offices and advising on financial processes related to all aspects of private sector fundraising operations.
The position is placed in the PFP Finance section and is supervised by Chief, PFP Finance.
For every child, a Champion
The post ensures accuracy and integrity of, and timely financial reporting and recording of, all private sector contributions and monitoring & collection of all funds due to UNICEF. Undertakes full accountability for recording PFP Division's revenue, expenses, assets and liabilities and preparation of the financial statements. for the UNICEF Executive Board. Develops appropriate, effective, and efficient processes and internal procedures for all accounting practices related to the PFP Division. Provides technical advice, guidance, and training to National Committees, UNICEF Country Offices and other partners in accounting for private sector activities and reporting, inventory management, developing effective processes and internal control mechanisms. In addition, responsible for monitoring certain provisions of the Cooperation Agreements with National Committees to ensure compliance with financial reporting requirements.
How can you make a difference?
Summary of key functions/accountabilities:
Leadership:
Responsible for leading the Financial Services Unit (FSU) team of Professional and General Service staff in performing the financial services and accounting function of PFP Division, covering·:
- Accounting for revenue recognition and expense accounting
- Revision, clarification and classification of donor agreements
- Grant management and oversite on donor reporting
- Private Sector Fundraising (PSFR) Bank account opening endorsement, guidance on contracting digital payments' providers for fundraising, set up and financial management of digital payment gateways
- Planning, knowledge management; and risk management for the Financial Services Unit
- Representing Finance in Wider Management Team strategic direction discussions
- Guiding PFP stakeholders on financial implications for new initiatives.
Oversight on National Committees financial reporting:
Responsible for monitoring and securing National Committees' compliance with the financial reporting requirements that includes:
- Annual financial reporting and audited financial statement
- Related entities Remittance forecast
- Cash remittance forecast and transfers
- Investments and reserves
- Monitoring compliance with investment and reserves policies.
- Contribute to the reviewing of National Committees' Joint Strategic Plans and providing feedback to Chief of Finance & National Committee Relations Teams.
- Contribute to the periodic monitoring of governance by providing inputs to the Governance Team.
Training & Guidance to National Committees, country offices and other partners:
- Provides technical advice, guidance and training to National Committees, UNICEF country offices and other partners in accounting for private sector activities and reporting, developing effective processes and internal control mechanisms and conducting risk analyses.
- Drafting of accounting policies, SOPs and instructions and co-ordination of activities related to year-end closure in the financial, grant management and controlling modules in SAP VISION.
- Responsible for reviewing accounting procedures; making recommendations for changes and undertaking implementation thereof, in line with changing organizational needs and industry standards.
- Lead/co-lead/actively participate in relevant working groups.
Contribution Management:
- Supervising the application of contributions received and raised to the implementing country offices, grant management and oversite on donor reporting.
- Supervising the analyzing and processing of Revenue and Expenditure Reports (RER) received from National Committees, UNICEF country offices and other partners.
- Responsible for timely monitoring, forecasting and collection of all funds due to UNICEF, including quarterly reporting of outstanding balances to senior management within the Division.
- Responsible for the oversight of the reconciliation of National Committees audited annual financial statements (AFS) to the National Committees RER.
- Responsible for the reviewing and analyzing of National Committees audited AFS and following up with National Committees on issues identified from the review and analysis process.
Support to audit processes:
- Responsible for assisting in internal/external audit coordination and responding to audit queries and recommendations.
- Responsible for monitoring and following up of audit recommendations requiring input from National Committees.
PFP Financial Reporting and Innovation:
- Responsible for preparing the PFP financial report presented to the UNICEF Board.
- Responsible for preparing other financial reports and analysis.
- Designing the procedures and guidance for new investment modalities in fundraising activities including system enhancements.
- Advise on private sector engagement in the trust funds, revolving fund for fundraising investments and catalytic funding for progamme implementation.
Backup cover:
- Provide back-up to the Chief of Finance as required and ensure that efficient back-up procedures exist in the unit. Perform such tasks as may be assigned by the supervisor.
To qualify as a champion for every child you will have…
Education:
- An advanced university degree in accounting, finance or business administration or equivalent or any other comparable recognized professional qualification, or a valid professional certification (CA; CPA; etc.) from an internationally recognized, accredited chartered accountancy institution is required.
- Training in SAP controlling and profitability analysis modules is an asset.
Work Experience:
- A minimum of 8 years of professional work experience in the fields of accounting and finance in industrial/commercial or equivalent environment at international level, with at least 5 years in a supervisory capacity is required.
- Advanced knowledge of and experience with computerized accounting environment is required.
- Knowledge of SAP or similar financial accounting package will be an asset.
- Knowledge of IPSAS and IFRS is an asset.
- Experience with preparing financial statements and reports is an asset.
- Developing country work experience is an asset.
- UNICEF/UN experience is an asset.
Language Requirements:
- Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) would be an asset.
For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values.
The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
- Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (2)
- Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)
- Works Collaboratively with others (2)
- Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)
- Innovates and Embraces Change (2)
- Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)
- Drives to achieve impactful results (2)
- Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)
During the recruitment process, we asses candidates following the UNICEF competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: our competency framework and its different levels.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.
According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.
Remarks:
As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children.
Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.
Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.
