Finance Specialist, NO3, Kigali, Rwanda (Vacancy for Rwanda nationals only)

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Operations, the incumbent assists in the area of accounting control, recording, reporting of assets, liabilities and income.  Monitors the appropriateness and accuracy disbursements of funds and payments of accounts in accordance with the rules, regulations and established budgetary limits. Ensures quality check of financial transactions to ensure compliance with finance policies and procedures in general and with GSSC requirements in particular. Provides training to staff on UNICEF admin and finance policies and procedures and will provides guidance to compliance issues to UNICEF policies and IPSAS. Analyses and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues. Responsible for quality assurance work, analyzing cause and effect of policy changes to the operations of the office and provides advice on implementation.

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Purpose of the Position

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Operations, the incumbent assists in the area of accounting control, recording, reporting of assets, liabilities and income.  Monitors the appropriateness and accuracy disbursements of funds and payments of accounts in accordance with the rules, regulations and established budgetary limits.

Ensures quality check of financial transactions to ensure compliance with finance policies and procedures in general and with GSSC requirements in particular. Provides training to staff on UNICEF admin and finance policies and procedures and will provides guidance to compliance issues to UNICEF policies and IPSAS

Analyses and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues. The position will be responsible for quality assurance work, analyzing cause and effect of policy changes to the operations of the office and provides advice on implementation.

Key Accountabilities and Duties & Tasks

• Conducts quality check and ensures, accurate and timely processing and recording of disbursements and payments, (e.g. Vendor/ supplier/service provider payments, advances to government, settlement of staff travel expenses etc.) are done in a time manner and in accordance with established rules, regulations and systems, and within budgetary limits. Also ensures recovery of advances and accounts receivable. Briefs the staff on the application and interpretation of UNICEF accounting and financial rules, regulations, procedures and policies.
• Supports office in compliance effort and internal control of Operation/Finance policy, rules and regulations including implementation & sustainability of Audit/Internal Control and Peer review recommendation. Conducts quality check of financial transactions to ensure compliance with IPSAS, HACT, Admin/Finance policies and procedures. Provides guidance on policies and ensures adequate systems are placed for risk management including review/update of Finance work flow processes if any change/new Rules and Regulations.
• Ensures accuracy and quality assurance of all transactions/documents (DCT, Invoices management and processing) prior to submission of request to GSSC for processing. Provides information on required action from GSSC and timely responds to queries from GSSC. Ensures review of DCT payment/liquidation conformity with UNICEF procedures and budget approved using FACE.
• Ensures Bank & Cash Management, Controls and operates bank accounts in accordance with UN/UNICEF financial rules and regulations and local banking practices.  Provides up-to-date information on the cash position or status of such accounts.  Reconciles bank statements, keeps abreast of all procedures and regulations regarding the maintenance of bank accounts, exchange and interest rates, etc. Ensures also the responsibility of safekeeping cash and cheques.
• Provides oversight on ensuring timely preparation of financial transactions and accounting reports, and reconciliation of accounts, to ensure accuracy and up-to-date financial information and required reports and statements for the head of Office and HQ are timely availed. Also ensure monitoring and accounts receivables are timely performed.  Reviews and analyses General ledger accounts of accounts payable (Vendor/ suppliers, Staff and partners), Goods receipt/invoice receipt etc. Submits report to GSSC for clearing and Undertake clearing of General ledger accounts and clearings on monthly basis for F-44 & F-32 done locally. Performs periodic processing/closure activities, as assigned.
• Prepares and analyzes financial data for budget estimates and financial planning. Reviews budget expenditures by codes against approved allotments, and verifies compliance with reports received from HQs.
• Provides capacity building training to staff on IPSAS, GSSC, Admin and Finance policies and procedures. Undertakes visits to project areas to provide accounting and finance training and support, establishes and/or reviews systems and procedures for compliance with the rules and regulations, and prepares reports and recommendations. Provides support in implementation of HACT assurance activities.
• Effectively participate and contribute to efficiencies and effectiveness of One UN Finance working group; provide technical inputs in One UN Finance working group and timely provide feedback on follow up actions to Chief of Operation.

• Advanced university degree in accounting, business administration (with specialization in Finance), economics, or financial management and membership - or enrolled for membership - of recognized professional accountancy body.
• Minimum Five years of practical professional work experience in finance, accounting budgeting, supply and administration and/or other related fields.  Working experience in SAP will be an added advantage.
• Fluency in English (verbal & written) and knowledge of Kinyarwanda required.

Competencies of Successful Candidate

Core Values

• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity

Core competencies

• Communication (II)
• Working with People (II)
• Drive for Results (II)

Functional Competencies

·        Analyzing [II]

·        Applying Technical Expertise [II]   

·        Formulating Strategies and Concepts [II]

·        Leading and Supervising [II]

·        Planning and Organizing [III]

·        Following Instructions and Procedures [II]

Technical Knowledge  

• The incumbent will provide guidance on the appropriate application and interpretation of rules, regulations, policies and procedures interpretation of rules, regulations, policies and procedures, as well as on work priorities, which affect the efficient delivery of accounting and financial services to the office.
• The incumbent will recommend on the application of rules, regulations, policies and procedures involving more complex financial matters, as well as new or improved methods and procedures, such recommendation affect the efficient of the office.
• The efficiency and efficacy of the Finance Specialist directly impacts on the optimum, appropriate and effective use of resources and efficient financial recording, accounting and reporting, which in turn facilitates management oversight, decision making and quality control.

To view our competency framework, please click here. 

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 organisation.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.