Finance Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) is present within 10 offices across Brazil. The UNV will be part of the Operations Section of UNICEF Brazil, with the Operations Section located in the capital Brasilia together with other units, such as Human Resources, Administration and Finance and Information, Communication and Telecommunication.

UNICEF is implementing its 2017-2022 Country Programme in Brazil and now is developing the new Country Programme for the upcoming years. The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. UNICEF has adopted the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) as an approach for obtaining assurance that results have been achieved in line with resource utilization. It aims at managing risk related to cash transfers made to implementing partners in support of programme implementation, reducing partner transaction costs and allowing progressive use of national systems for management and accountability of results and resources.

In addition to duty station specific vaccine requirements, appointments are subject to confirmation of fully vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the appointment. It does not apply to UN Volunteers who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their contracts.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for UN Volunteers with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment.

Under the direct supervision of the Finance Associate and overall guidance of the Admin/finance Officer and the Deputy Representative – Operations, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Review and use of HACT reports o Assist with recording and update of risk ratings of implementing partners in the system VISION (SAP) through regular review of the Vendor Master and provision of information to relevant colleagues in the Country Office (CO). o Liaise with UNICEF Brazil CO Staff, UNICEF indicated service provider and Implementing Partners (IP) in the steps related to the execution of HACT assurance activities; o Share with implementing partners and CO staff HACT-related reports, especially reports of assurance activities, to ensure adequate awareness and follow-up with responsible officer and IP the identified issues. o Participate in the review of micro assessment reports of implementing partners to identify common weaknesses in financial and procurement management and propose capacity development actions that can be supported by UNICEF. o Participate in the review of assurance activity reports of implementing partners to identify issues that need follow-up and common weaknesses in financial and procurement management and propose capacity development actions that can be supported by UNICEF.

2. Networking and inter-agency partnership o Exchange information and/or operational support to implementing partners, UN system partners and other stakeholders in the CO on the implementation of HACT to reinforce UN/CO harmonization and coordination. o Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with government counterparts and national stakeholders through active sharing of HACT information and knowledge to facilitate/build their capacity for implementing HACT. o Participate in appropriate inter-agency meetings/events to facilitate and promote sharing of information, knowledge, experiences and best practices. o Interact regularly with other country offices and the regional office on HACT.

3. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building o Identify, capture, synthesize and share lessons learned from HACT and its implementation for integration into broader knowledge development planning and management efforts. o Participate in the design, planning and implementation of capacity development strategies/initiatives for implementing partners which can be supported by UNICEF through participation in review of reports of micro assessments and assurance activities of significant and high-risk partners. o Participate in the design and implementation of capacity development strategies/initiatives for CO staff to ensure that staff has the knowledge and skills to fulfil their responsibilities related to HACT.

4. Act as alternate Global Shared Service Center - GSSC Master Data Management - MDM/Finance Focal Point o Support the Finance Unit acting as alternate focal point between the office and GSSC on issues and questions pertaining to invoice and payment processing and master data management. o Upload requests into the Service Gateway Portal o Support in verifying accuracy by checking sources, making necessary calculations an assuring inclusion of relevant data for financial transactions being processed by the GSSC; o Work closely with colleagues from Admin/Finance Unit and provide support in achievement of unit’s work priorities and objectives.

Results/Expected Output: The effective support provided by the Finance Assistant is to provide effective implementation and monitoring of the HACT activities directly impacts on programme execution, delivery of sustainable results, and promoting national ownership and accountability for programme resources, as well as support, whenever needed in the submission of payments and MDM Vendors to GSSC.

Core Values: Care; Respect; Integrity; Trust; Accountability. Core Competencies: Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1) - Self-aware of own strengths, limitations, working style and deeply held convictions and biases; Display ethical awareness through behaviors that are consistent and compliant with the standards of conduct for international civil servants; Seek feedback from multiple sources on own behaviors, including unconscious biases and potential blind spots; Recognize personal stress and seek help to maintain personal well-being; Display appropriate ethical behaviors, promoting zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and any type of discrimination; Challenge unprofessional, unethical and unsafe behaviors; Voice opinion in a truthful and respectful manner; Apply UNICEF’s core values in personal and professional life, demonstrating consistency between words and actions. Works Collaboratively with others (1)- Establish and maintain mutually supportive working relationships, demonstrating sensitivity to people of diverse backgrounds, respecting differences and ensuring that all can contribute and succeed; Encourage others to contribute ideas and listen without interruption; Support colleagues in achieving their goals; Earn the trust and confidence of colleagues through respectful, honest behaviors, displaying openness and tolerance. Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1) - Build a network of external stakeholders and alliances with counterparts in order to promote and advance the work of the organization; Develop a network of formal and informal contacts through participation in professional networks; Adopt a consultative approach and solicit the support of key stakeholders at critical stages of one’s work. Innovates and Embraces Change (1) - Adapt and respond positively to change; Review work practices, analyzing evidence-based trends to apply new methods and techniques; Respond flexibly to changing circumstances, priorities and deadlines; Display creativity, experiment with new approaches and demonstrate openness to changing existing practices. Thinks and Acts Strategically (1) - Understand the big picture and show ability to identify potential opportunities for action and challenges; Analyze and evaluate data from a wide range of sources, assessing reliability and presenting conclusions to enable informed decision-making; Adapt workplans in response to emerging situations and new requirements; Consider the long-term impact and risks. Drive to achieve impactful results (1) - Commit to action and assumes responsibility and ownership for own performance and the associated outcomes; Pay attention to detail, producing work of a high standard; Monitor activities on a regular basis, reviewing work plan to ensure progress and delivery; Ensure the completion of tasks, while addressing obstacles and bottlenecks; Involve key stakeholders in activities that impact them, keeping them informed of potential delays and problems. Manages ambiguity and complexity (1) - Demonstrate resilience and composure despite challenges; Maintain performance levels in pressure, adverse and uncertain environments; Demonstrate flexibility; Identify key issues and priorities, maintaining personal effectiveness in complex situations. Functional Competencies: Analyzing (2); Applying technical expertise (2); Learning and researching (2); Planning and organizing (2)

Finance or another related area. Previous experience in HACT is an asset. Knowledge of SAP, and proficiency in Microsoft Office package (Word, Excel and Power) Point, is required Technical or University level courses in business and/or international relations will be considered an asset

Brasilia is a family duty station and classified A (hardship). The living conditions in Brasilia are good as well as the access to health services. The accommodation facilities are in general good, and the choice is wide. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. Brazil is security level 3 (moderate). United Nations Department of Safety and Security UNDSS Brazil advises to exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil due to high levels of serious and violent crime, particularly in major cities. Violent crime as muggings, armed robbery, kidnappings, and sexual assault, is very high. Avoid shanty towns (favelas) in the big cities and if you are attacked or robbed, do not resist. Demonstrations can occur at any time and may turn violent with little or no warning. All United Nations personnel must scrupulously comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment in Brazil. For missions in rural areas or indigenous reservations, special procedures may apply; UN personnel should consult with the local DSS office in advance.