Finance Officer

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Job Description

Context

The WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) is dedicated to improving health and well-being across its member states. Its mandate includes providing technical support, facilitating health policy development, and promoting evidence-based health practices. WPRO focuses on addressing key health issues such as infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and health systems strengthening. WPRO operates through three main technical clusters: Universal Health Coverage, Communicable Diseases, and Non-Communicable Diseases. The Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Management Programme contributes to the Universal Health Coverage and Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases cluster in the Regional Office. The strategic agenda aims to reduce the disease burden in the Western Pacific Region by guiding the disease control agenda and utilizing analytics to inform strategic investments and tailored interventions.

The Position is within the office of Administration and finance and reports to the Budget and Finance Officer, the Finance Officer’s role is to implement operations based on accounting standards, ensuring the compliance of all aspects of financial management, and control of financial reporting. The Finance Officer develops procedures and systems for the control and maintenance of financial records, prepares performance reports and financial statements for donors as well as provides assistance in responding to Auditors. The Finance Officer ensures adherence to the International Public Sector Accounting Standards’ (IPSAS), applicable regulations, and financial policies and procedures. The Finance Officer liaises closely with the other counterparts on several Finance related and crosscutting matters.

Task description

The Finance Officer will be responsible for following tasks:

Ensures strict compliance with accounting standards including the application of IPSAS and other financial policies and procedures.
Assists in the opening and closing of bank accounts and maintains the repository of bank signatories ensuring appropriate internal control and segregation of duties.
Prepares cost estimates and monitors the financial performance of projects implemented.
Consolidates financial data, analyzing and preparing the financial reports for the department/ region/country offices.
Facilitates and implements the efficient running of financial operations.
Reviews requests for payments and allocation of funds.
Provides assistance in the annual and biennial closures by liaising with relevant offices across the organization to ensure the accuracy of the financial position and performance of the entity.
Plans, carries out and reports on findings of the post facto financial compliance.
Participates in regional review missions and analyzes the results across different mission reports to improve financial compliance
Carries out general ledger analysis and related follow up, ensuring qualitatively high integrity of the General Ledger and Sub ledger balances.
Plans, organizes, and manages the work of the team, supporting capacity building in related areas of work requiring attention and recommending improvements in work methods and processes.
Supports in the capacity assessment of implementing partners for grantees, prepares, monitors and reports on the progress of assurance plans.
Optimizes performance of the staff through continuous learning, workload management and workflow improvements and
Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Results/expected outputs:

As an active WPRO / DAF / team member the UN volunteer will provide efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly, and high-quality support rendered to WPRO and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

Ensure full adherence to IPSAS and other financial policies, resulting in consistent and transparent financial reporting across the organization
Timely and accurate financial reports that meet IPSAS standards and demonstrate full compliance with internal policies.
Updated records of all bank accounts and signatories, ensuring smooth financial operations and compliance with internal control guidelines.
Enabled effective financial management and tracking of projects, ensuring that costs align with estimates and funds are allocated appropriately.
Detailed cost estimates for each project, with regular financial performance monitoring reports, enabling project teams to stay on budget and meet financial targets.
Provided clear, accurate, and consolidated financial data that supports decision-making at the department, regional, and country office levels.
Monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports that provide comprehensive insights into the financial health of the department/region/country offices, facilitating strategic decisions.
Streamlined financial operations, enhancing efficiency in reviewing requests for payments and the allocation of funds.
Enhanced team performance through continuous capacity building, resulting in improved workflows and more efficient financial management processes.
Improved team productivity and technical knowledge, with clear recommendations for process improvements, and a more skilled team ready to meet organizational goals.
Reconciled general ledger and sub ledger balances and ensure that appropriate actions are taken to clear old outstanding items.

Requirements

Required experience

5 years of experience in in a finance and accounting support operation with international exposure.

Desirable

Experience working with the UN system.
Demonstrated experience in accounting and consolidation of financial data using ERP systems or similar packages.

Skills and technical knowledge

Excellent oral and written communication skills, with strong drafting, formulation, and reporting abilities.
Exceptional interpersonal skills, demonstrating cultural and social sensitivity; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a diverse range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at various levels. Familiarity with communication tools and approaches for development is essential.
Proven ability to adapt professionally and effectively in challenging environments, working effectively within a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.), email, and internet usage; familiarity with database management and office technology equipment.
Self-motivated with the ability to work with minimal supervision and meet tight deadline.
Sound knowledge and skills in Finance, Accounting, Management policies, practices, and procedures, including the application of IPSAS (or IFRS).
Knowledge of internal control and demonstrated skill in applying these in business process.
Sound skills in utilizing Enterprise Resource Planning system of similar packages.
Ability to develop innovative approaches and solutions.

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