Job Title: FINANCE OFFICER (IPSAS AND UMOJA IMPLEMENTATION
COORDINATOR), P3
Department/ Office: Economic and Social Commission for
Western Asia
Duty Station: BEIRUT
Posting Period: 20 November 2012-20 December 2012
Job Opening number: 12-FIN-ESCWA-25952-R-BEIRUT(G)
Org. Setting and
Reporting
As of 1 January 2014, the UN will adopt the International
Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). The transition to IPSAS was
mandated in 2006 by the UN General Assembly and will be supported by the
adoption of a new IT system, denominated “Umoja”. The goal of IPSAS is to
harmonize financial reporting practices, to improve transparency, process
efficiency, and comparability of financial statements across and beyond the UN
system. The joint deployment of IPSAS and Umoja is a high-profile,
high-visibility project for UN ESCWA.
UN ESCWA is member of a global pilot project – lead by a
core team at HQ – that reports to the UN Controller. The pilot’s aim is to
develop policy, processes, systems and knowledge to ensure a seamless
transition to IPSAS and Umoja. To support the global pilot, a local IPSAS Team
has been established at ESCWA under the management of the Chief of Budget and
Finance, the overall coordination of the Director of Administration, and the
sponsorship of ESCWA’s Executive Secretary.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be
responsible for the following duties:
1 - Supervise and coordinate the work of the local IPSAS
implementation team and liaise with Subject Matter Experts across various ESCWA
Sections / Units to ensure timely and quality completion of IPSAS pilot
deliverables assigned to ESCWA;
2 - Align ESCWA’s Project Management tool to updates of the
IPSAS Action Plan(s) effected by the relevant Project Team at HQ;
3 - Prepare reports and presentation material on project status
and advancement;
4 - Tracks completion of deliverables and through the
Project Management tool and e-mail provides regular status updates to the HQ
IPSAS Team in respect to ESCWA’s milestones and deliverables;
5 - Liaise with the UN Secretariat Team to ensure
consistency of the activities in ESCWA with UN Secretariat plans and that key
milestone dates for ESCWA are met and at the required level of quality;
6 - Provides input to the IPSAS migration plan(s) and
related risk assessments; identifies, updates and escalates project risks
appropriately. Makes recommendations on risk mitigation;
7 - Identifies gaps in ESCWA’s existing local Regulatory
Framework and provides input to completion of IPSAS compliant operational
policies and procedures (Standing Operational Procedures) based on the UN IPSAS
Policy Framework;
8 - Provide input to and implement the change management
plan including the development and implementation of communication plans and
products to support IPSAS / UMOJA activities in ESCWA;
9 - Identify and implement a training strategy including the
deployment of IPSAS / UMOJA related training plans and products;
10 - Identifies gaps and supports relevant data cleansing in
legacy systems (ie. IMIS) and preparation exercise to establish IPSAS compliant
opening account balances and financial statements and transition to the UMOJA
platform for related processes;
11 - Monitor the implementation of IPSAS / UMOJA related
audit observations in ESCWA;
12 - Perform other related duties as required.
Competencies
Professionalism - Knowledge of administrative, budgetary,
financial and IPSAS policies and procedures; ability to independently conduct
research and analysis, formulate options and present conclusions and
recommendations; shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates
professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and
efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is
motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when
faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful
situations; takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and
ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Planning and Organizing - Develops clear goals that are
consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and
assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of
time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for
contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as
necessary; uses time efficiently.
Accountability - Takes ownership of all responsibilities and
honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within
prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with
organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight
and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal
responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where
applicable.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent)
in business or public administration, finance, accounting, law or related area.
A first-level university degree in addition to qualifying experience may be
accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Internationally recognized
certification in accounting (CPA, CMA) is desirable.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible
specialized experience in finance, administration, budget, business
administration or related area. Knowledge and understanding of IPSAS accounting
standards and practices (or United States, Canadian, or United Kingdom
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)) is required. Working knowledge of ERP (preferably SAP),
particularly in respect to in the areas of Procure To Pay, Asset Management,
and Revenue Management is desirable. Experience with UN Financial rules and
regulations and is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United
Nations. Arabic is also a working language of ESCWA. For this post, fluency in
written and oral English is required.
Assessment Method
Candidates will undergo a substantive and a competency-based
interview. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Special Notice
Priority consideration for vacancies at the P3 level will be
given to internal candidates and candidates who have passed a competitive
examination. Staff members are subject
to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In
this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in
their careers In accordance with established rules and procedures.
United Nations
Considerations
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the
eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under
conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the
United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a
non-smoking environment.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE
RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING).
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK
ACCOUNTS.
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