Finance Officer United Nations Children's Fund Experience: 3 to 5 Years Manila, Philippines Apply By: 15-12-2024

Under the direct supervision of the Budget and Finance Specialist (N03) and the strategic oversight of the Deputy Representative Operations, the Finance Officer will play a pivotal role in the effective financial oversight and management of the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP), funded by the World Bank and sub-contracted to UNICEF through the Department of Health (DOH). The position focuses on the administration and execution of financial, technical, and risk management functions, with particular emphasis on the Health Promotion Grants (HPGs) for PMNP. These grants are governed by the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT), ensuring their alignment with UNICEF’s Financial Regulations and Rules, International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), and national policies.

The Finance Officer will provide a structured approach to financial assurance for the utilization of funds across 235 municipalities. This will involve the design, implementation, and management of comprehensive assurance activities, including assurance planning, risk assessments, and monitoring and ensure compliance with UNICEF’s audit requirements. The role also requires proactive engagement with stakeholders to strengthen internal controls and promote accountability.

This position provides an exceptional opportunity to develop technical expertise in financial governance while contributing to a high-impact program that supports national nutrition outcomes. It involves frequent travel to various locations across the country to conduct assurance and capacity-building activities, reinforcing UNICEF’s mandate of upholding the rights of children and its stewardship of resources to achieve impactful results.

The Finance Officer will have the following duties and responsibilities:

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

Assurance activities:

• Develop a comprehensive Assurance Activities Plan, including micro-assessments, programmatic visits, spot-checks, audits, and HACT training in collaboration with the Budget Unit and Program Team.
• Coordinate effectively with stakeholders, such as third-party service providers, spot-check teams, and municipal authorities, to implement assurance activities with precision and timeliness.
• Conduct on-site and remote financial spot-checks adhering to UNICEF’s Spot Check Guidance, ensuring transparency and compliance.
• Provide oversight to evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control processes within municipalities.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Monitor the implementation of recommendations from assurance activities, evaluating the adequacy of corrective actions taken by municipalities.
• Maintain a comprehensive map/inventory of existing internal control and changes within municipalities, flagging significant risks or deviations.
• Prepare concise, evidence-based reports highlighting key findings, trends, and recommendations, ensuring alignment with root cause analyses and stakeholder feedback.
• monthly high-risk findings reports to the Deputy Representative Operations for review, emphasizing mitigation strategies and adherence to best practices.

Innovation, Knowledge Management and Capacity Development:

• Develop a centralized knowledge repository for all financial documentation and assurance activity records related to PMNP.
• Foster a culture of accountability, ethical standards, and excellence in managing UNICEF’s resources.
• Promote learning and capacity development by organizing HACT training sessions and sharing best practices with internal and external stakeholders.
• Recommend process improvements and cost-saving strategies to enhance operational efficiency and performance.
• General Operational Support
• Provide expert support on various operational matters, ensuring the seamless delivery of services aligned with organizational priorities.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

Education:

• University degree in accounting, financial management or another related audit field is required. Post graduate degree on any of the related fields is an advantage.
• Professional certification as certified public accountant (CPA) will be a distinct advantage.
• Work Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of progressive experience in financial auditing, governance, or risk management within government, non-profit organizations, or the private sector.
• Skills (optional): [Insert technical and non-technical skills].
• Strong knowledge of audit governance, risk assessment, and internal control methodologies. o Proficiency in drafting and presenting audit reports with clarity and precision.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex financial data for strategic decision-making.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English (verbal and written) and Filipino.

Source: https://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/577811