Finance Consultant

Position description

UNFPA Representation Office in Brussels is looking for an individual consultant to assist for a period of 12 months with the financial management and reporting aspects of projects funded by the European Commission (EC).

Main Tasks & Responsibilities

Facilitate the negotiation and management of EC Contribution Agreements and clear financial parts of new Contribution Agreements before signature and amendments to the existing Contribution Agreements;
Monitor expenditure and implementation of EC funded projects, analyse and review interim and final financial reports; Ensure that interim and final reports to the European Commission are prepared in a timely manner and meet the reporting requirements;
Assist budget-holders to ensure the timely and full implementation of European Commission funded projects;
Provide advice on EC reporting procedures and on financial management to budget-holders. Monitor appropriate management of EC contributions in EUR and USD terms and make recommendations for improvements as necessary. Monitor to ensure that the EC funds are managed in compliance with UNFPA Financial Regulations and Rules;
Facilitate capacity-building activities for EC budget-holders based on the established Brussels Representation Office’s capacity building plan;
Engage and support budget-holders in the fulfillment of contractual obligations under the EC-funded projects including the joint projects implemented through MPTF or through other UN Agencies. Review of draft quarterly and final financial reports (UNEX, provisional and annual) and provide relevant guidance on financial reporting requirements to budget-holders; Provide guidance to budget-holders in budget revisions, review and reconciliation of expenditure re-classifications (including year-end account closure activities); assist the Brussels Office in providing inputs to the preparation of a project overview and implementation rates and closure processes;
Assist budget-holders with the preparation of the bridge financing requests, reversals and fund balance reconciliations;
Update regularly the financial data of the internal contract tracker to ensure that it reflects real-time and up-to-date information. Facilitate review of reconciliation of EU fund balances together with Finance Branch;
Perform any other finance-related tasks as necessary.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

University degree required in Business Administration or Economics, preferably with specialization in finance or accounting.

Knowledge and Experience:

At least 2 years of relevant work experience at national and/or international levels in financial management, economics, knowledge of international development financing, policies and institutions, international politics;
Strong organizational ability with attention to detail and quality; ability to work in a team environment;
Knowledge of EU policies and procedures is desirable.

Languages:

Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

Others:

Good knowledge of Microsoft Office software package;
Knowledge and experience of the Enterprise Resource Planning system is an asset;
Ability to work independently, as well as in teams;
Only holders of a valid permit authorizing them to work in the European Union are eligible to apply.