Finance Analyst, Johannesburg, ESARO, NOB at United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

Job Purpose:

The Finance Analyst will support the efficient and effective management of the financial resources of the 2gether 4 SRHR Programme, a Joint United Nations Regional Programme that aims to improve the sexual and reproductive health and well-being of all people in East and Southern Africa, applying the Secretary-General’s Principle of Mutual Recognition. 

S/he will deliver quality financial services internally to UNFPA, to the four participating UN agencies and stakeholders with whom the 2gether 4 SRHR Programme engages. Provide advice and guidance and ensure that the programme follows all relevant financial rules, guidelines, processes, and procedures as per the policies and procedures of UNFPA, the Standard Administrative Agreement governing the Joint Programme and the UN Secretary-General’s Principle of Mutual Recognition.

You would be responsible for:

• Ensuring the strategic and efficient management of financial project resources across the four participating UN agencies, while exercising proper financial controls and adherence to corporate financial policies, rules and regulations.
• As a member of the Convening Team for 2gether 4 SRHR you will provide substantive support in assuring the correctness/ high quality and monitoring of all financial information and advice on all financial matters relating to the Joint Programme in close collaboration with the Administrative Agent of the Joint Programme, the International Operations Manager of UNFPA and the Operations Managers of the four participating UN agencies. 
• Monitoring and compiling reports of programme financial performance across all four participating UN agencies coordinating and providing the necessary financial information and analysis, including monitoring implementation rates against the outcomes of the Joint Programme and as defined by the Standard Administrative Agreement.
• Monitoring expenditure against the proposed activities and by countries receiving catalytic funding through the 2gether 4 SRHR programme to detect potential over/under expenditure and make recommendations to reallocate funds when necessary. Monitoring expenditures to ensure that they remain within the authorized levels. 
• Developing tools and mechanisms for effective and efficient monitoring of programme and project budgets, coordinating the compilation of financial data and providing accurate and up-to-date financial information to the Regional Interagency Steering Committee, the Regional Interagency Working Group and the Administrative Agent of the Joint Programme as required. 
• Managing the work plan and budget of the Joint Programme by assisting the programme coordinator, and programme team and engaging with the financial focal points of the four participating agencies to develop the annual work plan and budget of the Joint Programme, control allotments, monitoring expenditures, and prepare work plan and budget revisions according to the needs of the Programme. 
• Manage project budgets in Quantum Plus, review and provide feedback on the budget performance reports, and analyze variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
• Interpreting financial policies and procedures and providing guidance and training to the Programme staff, project managers and the four participating agencies to identify ways in which programme can strengthen delivery as one through applying the appropriate policies and procedures as provided for through the UN reform agenda, including the Secretary General’s Principle of Mutual recognition and other policies and procedures as may be appropriate. 
• Providing substantive support to HACT-compliant IP management in terms of finance/budget management.
• Examining supporting documentation related to PO and non-PO payments including, payments to implementing partners ensuring they adhere to the correct procedures.
• Drafting reports for management on financial/budgetary issues. 
• Analyzing accounts and regularly reviews/evaluating financial reports. Conducting reconciliation processes for the required accounts (VAT, advances, petty cash, staff receivables and etc.). Identifying problematic transactions and irregularities in related accounts, resolving them in a timely and effective manner.
• Convening meetings of the operations managers regularly together with the programme team to guide the programme on strengthening the operational aspects of the Joint Programme, interpreting policies and procedures as provided for under the Secretary-General’s Principle of Mutual recognition to enable the programme to deliver as one. 
• Processing financial transactions in an accurate and timely way, maintaining an effective financial recording and reporting system including internal control and audit follow-up mechanisms.
• Supporting accurate flow of information between the UNFPA ESARO as the convening agent of the Joint Programme and the Administrative Agent to ensure that funds are effectively managed and disbursed to the four participating agencies and that the agencies are kept abreast of the transfer of funds to their respective agencies. 
• Serve as a focal point for audits, including coordination of audit visits, training and support to staff and Implementing Partners, coordination of responses to audit observations, and follow-up on the implementation of audit recommendations.
• Supporting operational activities of the joint programme in terms of human resources, contracting, procurement and asset management. 
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by management.

Qualifications and Experience Required: 

Education:  

• Advanced University degree in Finance/Accounting, Business, Public Administration or relevant field.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Minimum 2 years or more of progressive professional experience in accounting, finance, budget or administration. 
• Knowledge of financial and budgetary principles and practices, budget development and financial administration of resources. 
• Familiarity with UN procedures and working methods and the management of complex programmes is highly desirable. 
• Knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) is desirable. 
• Certification as a Certified Public Accountant, (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent is desirable.
• Proficiency in current office software applications and corporate ERP/Peoplesoft systems.