Senior Finance Associate, GS-7, DFAM New York HQ #102135

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, hope…

The DFAM’s overall objective is to ensure that financial resources are fully attributed to the Strategic Plan results chain, made available in a timely manner, and used effectively and efficiently within an optimized organizational structure which is ‘fit for purpose’. This is achieved through periodic measurement, transparent financial and administrative performance reporting, and the development and application of risk-informed policy, improved procedures, and innovative systems.

DFAM Treasury & Structured Finance Section (TSF Section) is responsible for developing and maintaining excellent relationships with Financial Service Providers (FSPs), including traditional banks, mobile money operators (MNOs), digital payment platforms, e-wallets, social media platforms and super Apps, e-commerce, payment aggregators, financial technology companies, payment service processors, and other financial service providers. Ensures compliance with internal quality assurance standards and external regulatory agency mandates, including Know Your Customer and international sanctions and manages counterparty risks.

How can you make a difference?

Under the general guidance and supervision of the Finance Specialist supports the administration of UNICEF banking and cash account arrangements for the headquarters and field locations (over 800 bank and cash accounts) including maintenance of House Banks, Bank and Cash accounts, Bank and Cash Management module (Overture), and preparation of recurring reports.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities: 

Under the guidance of the Finance Specialist – Banking and Payment Solutions Unit:

1. Maintenance and review of UNICEF Bank and Cash accounts.

1. Bank accounts.
   1. Opening, Maintaining, and closing of bank accounts
   2. Assist with recommendation for Treasurer’s approval of new bank accounts.
   3. Create initial signatory panels.
2. Cash on Hand Accounts (COHAs)
   1. Assist with recommendations for Treasurer’s approval of all COHAs.
   2. Opening/renewal/closing of all COHAs
   3. Custodian, ceiling maintenance / updates
3. Petty Cash Accounts (PCAs)
   1. Opening / Closing
   2. Custodian, ceiling maintenance / updates

     B. Maintenance of Bank and Cash Management Module in VISION (Overture)

1. Create account records in Overture.
2. Update overture with the new assigned GL code and House Bank
3. Deactivate account records in Overture.
4. Review daily SAP-HR report and update signatory panel as required, generate, and forward signed Signatory Panel letters to respective offices.

3. Recording of Treasurer’s approvals including but not limited to Advance Payments, Pre-finances, Pre-payments and Cash on Hand Accounts. Generate quarterly and annual approval summaries.
4. Maintain a repository of Financial Service Providers (FSP) and assist with quarterly FSP reviews.
5. Compile annual bank balance confirmation for the UN Board of Auditors and follow-up with respective offices as required.
6. Support activities related to prepaid card solution including tracking of KYC documentations, shipment of prepaid cards to cardholders, and follow up with offices ensuring timely confirmation of purchases in VISION.
7. Assist with TSF Section’s due diligence process for FSPs including checks against sanction lists (OFAC, UN, UK, European, etc.).

Perform other duties and back-up functions to support other staff in the unit/section e.g., Treasury payments.  

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

• A completed high school diploma is required, while a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or business is considered highly desirable. 

• A minimum of seven (7) years of practical experience in banking, finance, or accounting areas, of either a bank or in a Treasury/Finance unit of a corporation, is required.

• Technical Knowledge of Bank Directories (i.e., Chips, Swift), is required. 

• Experience working with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, SharePoint and PowerPoint is required.
• Experience of working with ERP systems, in particular SAP, is required.

• Experience in banking in a multi-cultural environment, is considered an asset.

• Knowledge of UNICEF Financial Rules and Regulations, and HR procedures, is highly desirable.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is considered an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. 

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable are encouraged to apply.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.