Senior Finance Assistant
JOB DETAIL
OVERVIEW
Post Number : 4INEDPA037GI
Grade : G-7
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: New Delhi
Job Family: Finances
Type of contract : Project Appointment
Duration of contract : 1 year
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 05-SEP-2023
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Applicants must be authorized to live and work in India.
Duration of Contract is one (1) year, with the possibility of an extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) is UNESCO’s first education-related category 1 institute in Asia and the Pacific region towards developing and promoting new approaches to education for a more peaceful and sustainable world. The Institute aims to become a globally regarded centre of excellence for research and implementation of socio-emotional learning (SEL) through innovative digital pedagogies empowered by Artificial Intelligence.
Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Peace and sustainable development (MGIEP) and the direct supervision of the National Finance & Administrative Officer (AO), MGIEP, the incumbent supports the AO in the implementation of administrative actions related to the financial operations of the Office, compliance with guidelines set by UNESCO in an efficient, effective and client-oriented manner. The work involves using the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The incumbent ensures the correct application, interpretation and adaptation of established financial rules and regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines. The incumbent evaluates, anticipates needs, determines priorities, and provides inputs into the design and development of improved financial services and delivery processes.
Duties and Responsibilities
Specifically, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:
- Verify, control, analyse and provide feedback on financial transactions performed by the concerned officials, and ensure their overall compliance with applicable standards. Keep management informed on internal control of financial and administrative activities and propose solutions as required.
- Review and process financial documents, including vouchers, invoices, and reimbursement requests. Ensure that all payment requests and contracts have been properly committed and that the payment request is by the prevailing financial rules and regulations.
- Manage postings in various SAP (ERP system) modules and maintain MGIEP New Delhi’s imprest Accounts both in INR and USD. Accept and liquidate obligations, investigate erroneous charges and, take corrective accounting actions. Reconcile and review suspense accounts and ensure proper clearance procedures. Analyse, control, and maintain relevant general ledger accounts, including scrutinizing source documents for completeness, accuracy and, validity of charges.
- Prepare financial analytical reports for accounts maintenance and budget control purposes for the supervisor’s review, including on financial status, procedures, exchange rates, costs and expenditures, and potential funding problems.
- Prepare worksheets and assist in the preparation of financial statements by compiling and consolidating data from various sources. Prepare and check trial balance. Prepare draft cost estimates and budget proposals and participate in budget analysis and projections
Long Description
- Manage cash receipts and petty cash. Undertake monthly bank reconciliation and follow up on outstanding issues including contacting banks to clarify issues on account statements.
- Assist in the follow-up of internal audit recommendations, and draft responses to external audit inquiries and observations, for the consideration of the supervisor.
- Support AO in ensuring the closing of accounts as per IPSAS, preparation and adjustments of accrual and prepayments.
- Liaise with the project admin assistants and HQ for preparation and submission of the monthly forecast for replenishment of funds.
- Lead to manage all tax issues for the institute, participate in OMT on GST and DVAT issue, responsible to collect all Tax reimbursement from Government and reconcile them with accounts for recording. Prepare DVAT refund filing for staff.
- Maintain relations with the official banking partner for verifying account status, facilitating staff members on bank account queries, foreign exchange and other financial matters.
Long Description
- Assist the Administrative Officer (AO) to liaison between the authorities of the Host Country and BFM for the contributions received and for the appropriation of funds.
- Act as a Certifying Officer as per the approved delegated authority.
- Keep abreast of changes to financial rules and regulations, policies, procedures and other developments and provide guidance and deliver training to team members and staff with the view to building knowledge. Brief and provide guidance to finance support staff on budgeting and accounting issues and the application and interpretation of the financial rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Evaluate and propose improvements to work methods and processes with a view to ensuring optimum efficiency and effectiveness. Liaise closely with other administrative areas to ensure effective and smooth service design and delivery, recommending improvements on interrelated processes.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Completed secondary, technical, or vocational school.
Work Experience
- Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, budgeting and closely related fields.
Skills and Competencies
- Knowledge of UN systems and procedures as they relate to the daily operations and administration of host country privileges
- Knowledge of IPSAS and ability to interpret financial rules and administrative guidelines.
- Ability to interact with a wide range of partners with tact and discretion.
- Ability to work as part of a team within a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Excellent knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and ability to adapt quickly to new software and systems.
- Flexibility to adjust work schedules and priorities.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English and good knowledge of Hindi.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Finance.
Work Experience
- Experience in financial transactions based on IPSAS.
- Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP.
- Experience within UN agencies or similar international organisations.
Languages
- Knowledge of other UNESCO Official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish).
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan, etc.
The approximate annual Net pensionable starting salary for this post is INR 1,628,395 (subject to deductions for pension and Medical)
For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
