Finance Associate (Temporary Appointment) - Level ICS-6 - Gaza (Extended)

 

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Org. Setting and Reporting

OCHA is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate for the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention; and facilitate sustainable solutions.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has responsibility for inter-agency coordination in complex emergencies and natural disasters. In the context of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, the OCHA Office has specific responsibility for (a) disseminating information and policies to the humanitarian community, authorities, and donors, as well as supporting resource mobilization efforts; (b) assisting in the identification of humanitarian priorities and needs and the coordination of resource mobilization efforts; and (c) disseminating information on the impact of natural disasters, response there too and the need for international assistance.

This temporary job opening is being advertised for the position of Finance Associate in Gaza, occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). Under the guidance of the Head of the Humanitarian Financing Unit/Fund Manager and direct supervision of the Finance Officer.

Responsibilities: 

• Provide support in the allocation and financial management processes of the oPt Humanitarian Fund (HF):
  • Provide support to the strategic review committees by reviewing submitted project budgets and assigning scores for cost-effectiveness.
  • Review project budgets to ensure compliance with the HF global guidelines and oPt operational manual and submit them to the Finance Officer for clearance. 
  • Conduct meetings with partners to discuss financial comments and finalize budget review.
  • Draft grant agreements and amendments as per oPt allocation modalities.
  • Review budget amendments and revision requests and submit them to the Finance Officer for clearance.
  • Regular follow-up with implementing partners to obtain financial reports.
  • Review interim and final financial reports to ensure compliance with the signed agreements, budgets, and guidelines and submit them to NY for approval.
  • •    Follow up on disbursement of funds and refund of balances from partners.
• Provide support in the implementation of operational and financial management strategies of the oPt HF Accountability Framework
  • Assist in conducting financial capacity assessments for newly registered partners to determine eligibility and assign appropriate risk levels.
  • Conducting Financial Spot Checks (FSC) for implementing partners as per the oPt operational manual. Assist in reviewing financial documents, preparing FSC reports, and following up with partners on FSC recommendations and required actions.
  • Provide the audit company with the needed financial supporting documents to facilitate the auditing of projects. 
  • Follow up on auditing status for ended projects and assist in reviewing audit reports.
  • Draft confirmation letters to the Audit company regarding funds received by partners each year.
• Facilitate knowledge-building and knowledge-sharing within oPt HF implementing partners. 
  • Promote awareness of global guidelines, opt operational manuals, and Grant Management Systems.
  • Assist in conducting training for implementing partners and other stakeholders.
  • Support in preparing a synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in financial management.
  • Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
  • Assist in providing financial figures for the monthly and annual reports.
• Provide support for other Financial and Administrative tasks as needed.
  • Monitor and Support response to partners as per directives from the Head of HFU.
  • Provide logistical and other support for the organization and execution of HF workshops and events.
  • Provide administrative support to the HF unit as needed.
  • Provide other support to OCHA as needed.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Competencies:

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of wide range of humanitarian assistance, emergency relief and related human rights issues. Conceptual and strategic analytical capacity, to include ability to analyze and articulate the humanitarian dimension of complex issues that require a coordinated UN response. Demonstrated problem-solving skills and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of complex issues/problems. Knowledge of region or country of assignment, including the political, economic, and social dimensions. Ability to negotiate and to influence others to reach agreement. Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g., civil strife, natural disasters, and human misery). Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian affairs and knowledge of the institutions of the UN system. Demonstrated ability to complete in-depth studies and to formulate conclusions/recommendations. Ability to relate humanitarian affairs issues and perspectives, including gender issues, to political, economic, social, and human rights programmes in affected country/region. 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 & 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 honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within the 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 shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Secondary education is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Project Management, or any related field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Job Specific Qualifications

Experience:    

• (6) Six years of progressively responsible experience in finance and accounting at the national level is required.

OR

• (3) Three years of the above qualifying experience with a bachelor’s degree.
• Experience in working with spreadsheets is required.
• Experience in budgeting and analyzing financial reports is desirable.
• Experience in applying UN Financial Rules and Regulations is desirable.
• Experience with the UN common system or equivalent international organization is desirable.
• Knowledge of Grant Management System (GMS) is desirable.

Language:

Fluency in English and Arabic language both spoken and written is required.

Special Notice: This temporary position is currently available through 31 December 2024, with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of fund. The contract will be administered by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on behalf of OCHA. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. This position is a General Service position and will be based in Gaza, oPt. Candidates of the General Service category are required to be authorized to work in the country where this position is located. Appointment against this post is on a local basis. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term "sexual exploitation" means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term "sexual abuse" means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term "sexual harassment" means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator's working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the OCHA oPt’s website will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (Jerusalem time) on the deadline date.

How to apply:

To start the application process, applicants are required to apply via OCHA oPt’s vacancies website by registering their profile and completing OCHA Personal History Form (P11). Only applications received through https://www.ochaopt.org/vacancies which should include an up-to-date and complete P11 will be considered. Due to the large number of applications received for OCHA vacancies, only applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted.

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

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 30 May 2024

Applications received after this date will not be considered.

The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.