About
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is a key operational arm of the United Nations, dedicated to supporting partners globally in their peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects. UNOPS enhances the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of these projects by providing expertise in sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to governments, donors, and UN organizations. This role is situated within the UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO), which consolidates various UN offices to maximize global impact and streamline programs. The GPO supports UNOPS' strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across over 130 countries, focusing on sustainable development, climate action, health, peace & security, and humanitarian action. The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) leads services for global mandates, including project and programme management, procurement, HR, and financial management for partners ranging from the UN Secretariat to UN funds and agencies.
The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) within NYPO manages diverse portfolios, supporting peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development operations with a global perspective, primarily serving partners headquartered in New York across approximately 125 countries. The Finance Officer, under the guidance of a Finance Specialist, will support the implementation of financial management processes, maintain an effective control environment, and ensure compliance with UNOPS financial rules, policies, and procedures.
Role Purpose
The Finance Officer plays a critical role in ensuring the effective delivery of financial management, reporting, and compliance services, strictly adhering to UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations (FRRs) and established policies. This position involves leading budget formulation and monitoring, treasury and cash management, accounting oversight, and financial reporting. The Finance Officer will also provide essential analytical and advisory support to management, thereby contributing to financial integrity, cost efficiency, and timely decision-making across the portfolio.
Key Duties
- Ensure full compliance with UNOPS financial regulations, policies, and donor/audit requirements.
- Implement and maintain robust internal control systems and risk management frameworks.
- Support the development and continuous improvement of financial Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Monitor financial exception reports, investigate anomalies, and recommend corrective actions.
- Advise management on cost-saving strategies and expenditure optimization.
- Support internal and external audit processes and track implementation of recommendations.
- Lead the preparation, consolidation, and monitoring of project and administrative budgets.
- Review budget proposals for accuracy and alignment with strategic objectives.
- Conduct variance analyses, monitor expenditures, and advise on corrective measures for deviations.
- Coordinate project budget revisions and ensure timely approvals in the ERP system.
- Provide financial planning support, including forecasting and financial risk assessment.
- Oversee cash management operations, ensuring liquidity and accurate fund allocation.
- Prepare cash flow forecasts and manage bank transfers in compliance with authorization levels.
- Maintain banking relationships and ensure compliance with national financial regulations.
- Ensure accuracy, validity, and compliance of financial transactions, commitments, and payments.
- Review and approve payment requests, verifying documentation and proper account coding.
- Manage accounts receivable and payable, ensuring timely recording and follow-up.
- Support the implementation of expenditure control frameworks and manage financial data quality.
- Supervise timely accounts closure, including accruals and journal entries.
- Prepare, review, and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for management and donors.
- Support the preparation of client financial statements and interim financial reports.
- Develop and maintain financial dashboards and reporting tools for portfolio oversight.
- Contribute to the annual financial closure process and provide financial input for strategic reports.
- Support training and knowledge-sharing initiatives on finance topics.
Qualifications
- Education: A Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related disciplines is required, or a Bachelor’s degree in these fields with at least 2 years of relevant experience. Professional certifications such as CPA, ACCA, CA, or CIMA, along with knowledge of IPSAS or other international accounting standards, are highly desirable.
- Experience: Required experience includes work in project financial management, budgeting, cash management, and financial reporting. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in collaboration and productivity tools (e.g., MS Office, G-Suite) and web-based management systems. Desired experience includes working in multicultural environments, within the UN system, or in development/humanitarian contexts.
- Languages: Fluency in English is required. Fluency in French and Spanish is desirable.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the UNOPS online recruitment portal before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.