DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

To provide crucial financial and accounting support to the WHO Country Office including field offices in ensuring adherence to WHO financial rules, regulations, policies and established procedures and in providing financial coordinating and monitoring services to ensure the efficient running of the Country Office in support of project/programme activities. To assist the Administrative Officer by performing a variety of specialized tasks to ensure that complete, timely and accurate information is recorded in the accounting system.

Key duties

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Operations Officer, the incumbent performs a variety of specialized finance functions and supports assigned country/client groups in the Region with below detailed responsibilities:

Act as the focal point for the management of the Imprest accounts, financial documentation, records andreportingas well as cash/advance reconciliations, overseeing cash and bank balances and checking all payments authorized thereof. Monitors income and expenditure recording, receives and distributes funds to WHO counterparts, makes accounts reconciliation within the Country Office.Organizes vendor payments, processes and monitors all requests for payments (travel advances and claims, payment requests, payment orders, internal commitments, etc.) against PTAEO numbers provided. Monitors financial transactions between the relevant bank/s and WHO CO and makes regular cash and bank transfer reconciliations. Maintains regular contacts with national banks and other financial institutions to obtain day-to-day information on exchange rates, changes in procedures and regulations.Using the GSM, monitors availability of funds for project/programme budget levels and financial expenditures, according to the approved country work plan. Provides support during all planning, monitoring and evaluation exercises. Support CO and EURO in planning, budgeting, mapping and implementation monitoring with regards the CO base salary workplans. Prepare financial reports for management.Provides administrative coordination of financial and, as required, administrative and logistical aspects of the organization of meetings held in the country.Establishes and maintains an online monitoring toolforthe oversight of on-going Country Office collaboration with counterparts, WHO Collaborating Centres and other international organizations.Review and analyse expenditure and encumbrance data in GSM and provide management reports, identifying trends and internal control gaps. Act as the focal pointfor encumbrance management in CO and follow up with responsible officers ontimely actions.Provide capacity building and transfer of expertise and knowledge to colleagues in CO by identifying the training needs and providing guidance, coaching and advice in the area of finance. Advises, briefs and trains local personnel on all financial issues pertaining the office.Be the WHO focal point for the UN OMT / Finance Working Group.Act as the focal point for CO financial closure related activities during monthly, yearly and biennial closure by preparing reconciliations and taking timely action on clearance of outstanding items. Prepare and review various financial reports and analyse the data to provide useful and meaningful information to senior management, in support of their decision making. 
Act as focal point for VAT aspects and other taxes in the CO, including the timely submissions of VAT claims. Responsible for timely reconciliation of VAT refund. Provide advice on Tax and VAT rules and regulations to colleagues in CO. Provide back up for other finance assistants during their absence and perform any other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.
 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Completion of secondary school or equivalent technical or commercial school.
Desirable: Higher education degree from a college or university in business, accounting or finance.
 

Experience

Essential: At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting or finance.
Desirable: Experience in an international environment or institution. Relevant experience in WHO or in the UN.
 

Skills

Demonstrated knowledge of principles of accountancy and information technology for extracting quick and correct information from financial database. Demonstrated knowledge of Excel spreadsheets and application of excel skills as applied data generated from GSM. Ability to identify and manage one's own emotions, as well as helping others to do the same.
 

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Producing results
 

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English and Ukrainian languages
Desirable: Working knowledge of other official WHO/EURO, WHO and/or UN languages