Finance Officer (Risk Management), NO 1, Temporary Appointment, 364 days, Manila, 131434

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you. UNICEF Philippines is looking for a Finance Officer who would provide professional technical, operational and administrative assistance in the Budget and Finance for the Philippine Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Programme (PMNP) Project from planning to delivery of results, by preparing, executing, managing, and implementing a variety of technical and audit, and budget related tasks.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, a fair chance

UNICEF has been an active partner of the Government of the Philippines and civil society in realizing the rights of every Filipino child, in line with priorities to achieve the SDGs. UNICEF efforts have been focused on the most vulnerable regions identified by the Government of the Philippines Development Plan, particularly in the regions of Visayas and Mindanao. To ensure that interventions are sustainable and scaled up, UNICEF will support both the national and local government units (LGUs) as the main instruments of delivering services and building systems. The level of engagement with government institutions will consider capacities, economies of scale and sector issues.

UNICEF Philippines has two offices. One office is based in Manila and a field office in Cotabato City, the second largest city in Mindanao, Southern Philippines, with some 300,000 population. The city is the regional administrative center of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and over 80 percent of the population is Muslim. Mindanao is both conflict-affected and prone to frequent earthquakes and typhoons.

Visit this link for more information on Philippine Country Office: https://www.unicef.org/philippines/

How can you make a difference? 

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Under the direct supervision of the Budget and Finance Specialist (N03) and the strategic oversight of the Deputy Representative Operations, the Finance Officer will play a pivotal role in the effective financial oversight and management of the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP), funded by the World Bank and sub-contracted to UNICEF through the Department of Health (DOH). The position focuses on the administration and execution of financial, technical, and risk management functions, with particular emphasis on the Health Promotion Grants (HPGs) for PMNP. These grants are governed by the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT), ensuring their alignment with UNICEF's Financial Regulations and Rules, International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), and national policies.

The Finance Officer will provide a structured approach to financial assurance for the utilization of funds across 235 municipalities. This will involve the design, implementation, and management of comprehensive assurance activities, including assurance planning, risk assessments, and monitoring and ensure compliance with UNICEF's audit requirements. The role also requires proactive engagement with stakeholders to strengthen internal controls and promote accountability.

This position provides an exceptional opportunity to develop technical expertise in financial governance while contributing to a high-impact program that supports national nutrition outcomes. It involves frequent travel to various locations across the country to conduct assurance and capacity-building activities, reinforcing UNICEF's mandate of upholding the rights of children and its stewardship of resources to achieve impactful results.

The Finance Officer will have the following duties and responsibilities:

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Assurance activities

o Develop a comprehensive Assurance Activities Plan, including micro-assessments, programmatic visits, spot-checks, audits, and HACT training in collaboration with the Budget Unit and Program Team.

• • Coordinate effectively with stakeholders, such as third-party service providers, spot-check teams, and municipal authorities, to implement assurance activities with precision and timeliness.
  • Conduct on-site and remote financial spot-checks adhering to UNICEF's Spot Check Guidance, ensuring transparency and compliance.
  • Provide oversight to evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control processes within municipalities.

1. Monitoring and Reporting

o Monitor the implementation of recommendations from assurance activities, evaluating the adequacy of corrective actions taken by municipalities.

• • Maintain a comprehensive map/inventory of existing internal control and changes within municipalities, flagging significant risks or deviations.
  • Prepare concise, evidence-based reports highlighting key findings, trends, and recommendations, ensuring alignment with root cause analyses and stakeholder feedback.
  • Submit monthly high-risk findings reports to the Deputy Representative Operations for review, emphasizing mitigation strategies and adherence to best practices.

1. Innovation, Knowledge Management and Capacity Development

o Develop a centralized knowledge repository for all financial documentation and assurance activity records related to PMNP.

• • Foster a culture of accountability, ethical standards, and excellence in managing UNICEF's resources.
  • Promote learning and capacity development by organizing HACT training sessions and sharing best practices with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Recommend process improvements and cost-saving strategies to enhance operational efficiency and performance.

1. General Operational Support

o Provide expert support on various operational matters, ensuring the seamless delivery of services aligned with organizational priorities.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  TOR TA Finance Officer.pdf

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education:

  University degree in accounting, financial management or another related audit field is required. Post graduate degree on any of the related fields is an advantage.

  Professional certification as certified public accountant (CPA) will be a distinct advantage.

• Work Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of progressive experience in financial auditing, governance, or risk management within government, non-profit organizations, or the private sector.

• Skills (optional): [Insert technical and non-technical skills]. 

Strong knowledge of audit governance, risk assessment, and internal control methodologies. o Proficiency in drafting and presenting audit reports with clarity and precision.

Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex financial data for strategic decision-making.

• Language Requirements:

  Fluency in English (verbal and written) and Filipino.

Desirables:

• Proven expertise in applying International Standards on Related Services (ISRS), IPSAS, and/or IFRS is highly desirable.
• Experience with SAP financial modules and database systems is an asset.
• Experience with UN HACT (United Nations Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers) is value add.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency. [Please do not remove this desirable; it should be present in all advertisements

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are requested to complete an online candidate profile in http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/ by 05 January 2025. Only applications sent through the e-recruitment portal will be considered.

By applying through our Talent Management System (TMS) you agree to our privacy statement which is in line with the Philippines’ Data Privacy Act. You are strongly advised to read carefully through the privacy statement before submitting your application.

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

The 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 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions 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. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.