JOB DESCRIPTION

B

Family

Family

PR3

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-07-23

August 8, 2025

Finance Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
In the Regional Bureaux, the incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Regional Controller or Senior Finance Officer and in functional coordination with Division of Resource Management’s Admin, Finance & Treasury Service. In the Country or Multi-Country Offices, the incumbent may be supervised by a Senior Finance Officer, Assistant Representative (Admin), Head of Sub-Office, or other senior positions as delegated by the Representative.

The incumbent is responsible for co-ordinating, guiding, monitoring, advising on, and supporting the financial operations in the area of responsibility (AoR). With the objective to safeguard and optimize the utilization of UNHCR’s monetary and physical resources, the incumbent contributes to the establishment of efficient and reliable mechanisms and processes to ensure compliance with UN financial regulations and UNHCR’s rules, policies and procedures including, and not limited to, accounts payable and treasury processes, accounting, and implementation of internal control mechanisms, including support to oversight and audit functions.

The incumbent also identifies and manages risks under their responsibility in close coordination with the Risk Management and Compliance Advisor. In the Regional Bureaux, the incumbent supports the work of the Regional Controller with authority to discuss problems and seek common ground on which to recommend solutions based on predetermined guidelines provided by higher authority.

The incumbent may directly supervise professional and general service staff.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
– Oversee and guide integrated financial management and reporting for the area of responsibility (AoR).
– Assess, review, and ensure application of finance-related policies, instructions, procedures, etc.
– Provide advice to management regarding the application of financial policies and procedures and, when necessary, coordinate with the Regional Controller or Office of the Controller, as applicable, regarding the interpretation of such policies and procedures.
– Ensure accounting records are correct and reliable, including’ and not limited to timely bank reconciliations, maintenance of open items, timely processing of travel financial transactions, clearance of residual requisitions and purchase order balance.
– In close coordination with the Admin, Finance & Treasury Service, support the preparation and review of donor financial reports, and endorse such reports before submission to donors.
– Ensure monthly and yearly closing as well as any other periodic accounting-related processes are executed in a timely and accurate manner.
– Ensure the maintenance and on-going validity of the Delegation of Authority Plan (DOAP).
– Ensure that payments made are timely and accurately, and all month-end and year-end cut-off processes are implemented in line with relevant guidance.
– Supervise the preparation of financial reports, monitoring and supervising expenditures with respect to approved budgets and work plans.
– Ensure that local bank account administration and associated cash management functions are performed in adherence to financial guidelines
– Perform financial management and control related to Cash-Based Interventions in adherence to financial guidelines.
– Review and certify vouchers, including ABOD and project disbursements;
– Perform project control functions for both directly and indirectly implemented activities, in the absence of a dedicated project control position
– Coordinate, review and endorse responses to audit queries from internal and external audits and ensure the implementation of accounting audit recommendations.

– Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
– Perform other relevant duties as required.

Regional financial services applicable to positions in the Regional Bureau only
– In coordination with relevant services in HQ, and to improve cost-effectiveness and process efficiency for operations, implement and manage regional finance-related services such as: vendor and other related master data management and maintenance, invoice posting, travel claim processing, payments, bank reconciliations, accounting housekeeping and period cut-off activities, donor financial reporting, etc.
– Make proposals for the continuous improvement of financial monitoring and control mechanisms, including the streamlining of financial systems and procedures.
– In coordination with DRM’s Change Management and Field Support Section, identify and provide training on accounting matters, and recommend or develop training modules as necessary, aiming at the development of financial management skills.
– In close liaison with DRM’s System Administration Section and other divisions as necessary, provide and plan activities for rollout of new processes or systems; assist the Regional Controller in monitoring the implementing internal control mechanisms and compliance with UNHCR’s financial policies and procedures in the region.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P3/NOC – 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Accounting; Finance; Public or Business Administration;
Economics; or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Professional accounting, auditing or financial management designation (CPA/ACCA/CIA/CMA or equivalent)
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Work experience in the field of accounting/finance, project management, business analysis, quality assurance and/or risk management. Excellent knowledge of, and experience in working with, international accounting and auditing standards, with a minimum of two years of practical experience in the audit process and/or in financial statements preparation. Working experience with accrual accounting (such as IPSAS or IFRS). Excellent understanding and/or experience of financial modules a major Enterprise Resource Planning system (such as PeopleSoft, SAP or Oracle). Good understanding of project and resource management. Excellent computer skills, in particular in MS Office applications, especially MS-excel. Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Experience of managing people in multinational/multicultural environments.

Desirable
Good knowledge of UNHCR systems (such as COMPASS, Cloud ERP, Power BI – Results Data Portal). Excellent knowledge of United Nations financial rules and procedures.

Functional Skills
FI-General Financial Management
FI-Financial auditing
FI-International Auditing Standards
FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc)
FI-Financial Accounting – Modified cash-based accounting as per international standards
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Required Financial Monitoring, Budget Management & Verification Skills:
The Finance Officer in Zambia requires maturity, excellent financial management technical skills and solid managerial confidence and leadership skills. The incumbent must have proven experience at the country office level in finance/administration and project control.

S/he must have demonstrated experience in UNHCR field operations in general administration, including due diligence in asset, fleet, premises and other resource management under administrative budget (ABOD). The candidate must be fully versed in the day-to-day personnel and administrative operations of the office, including travel, and be experienced in supporting offices in field locations remotely.

– Demonstrated excellent knowledge of and direct hands-on experience in implementing UNHCR financial rules, regulations, and ERP systems (Cloud ERP).

– Demonstrated experience in financial management including in designing and implementing processes and procedures to improve and strengthen internal controls in line with UNHCR rules and regulations; coordinating the preparation and management of administrative budget requirements for the office and administering contracts for the premises, cleaning and security services, and other services as and when required.

– Demonstrated experience in protocol management with Government and other external actors in providing vital supportive services (i.e. processing of residency, visas, tax exemptions, etc.) and/or inter-agency collaborations on general administration, staff safety and human resources issues (including common services).

– Demonstrated sound understanding and application of internal regulatory and control framework and OIOS audit processes and procedures.
– Proven good report writing and effective communication skills in English, which is the national language in Zambia. Prior experience managing and coaching/capacitating a team.
– Experience in fleet management and administration of admin. assets, including ICT and other assets, Risk Management, Audit and Internal Controls.
Required Project control and internal control skills:
-Demonstrate experience in project control, budget management, and financial oversight within humanitarian or development organizations.
-Strong knowledge of UN/UNHCR financial rules, regulations, and ERP systems (Cloud ERP) and PROMS.
-Proven ability to analyze financial reports, identify risks, and propose effective mitigation measures that ensure resources are used in the most efficient and effective manner to attain the best results for forcibly displaced persons.
-Experience in monitoring the effective management of the Enhanced Framework for Implementing with Partners (the Framework); financial performance of complex projects, including involving government partners’ compliance with organizational standards; as well as oversight on the effective management of Direct Implementation.
-Demonstrated capacity to escalate emerging gaps or concerns in the area of accountability of funds entrusted to partners to senior management in a timely and solutions-oriented manner.

-Previous experience in the fields of accounting/finance, project management, business analysis, quality assurance and/or risk management in international humanitarian or development settings are essential as well.
-Demonstrated solid experience in risk management, internal controls, and compliance – both within UNHCR related to direct implementation and externally (UNHCR partners), including liaising with internal and external auditors.
-Demonstrated capacity to conduct operational and partner project risk assessments and suggest implementation of corrective actions to safeguard organizational resources.
-The candidate should have experience in fraud and corruption prone contexts.
-Demonstrated solid skills in proactive engagement on the identification of gaps in compliance with rules and procedures and the identification of risk areas falling within the broader requirements of establishing strong internal controls.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Representative and will be part of the multi-functional team in the operation. The incumbent is expected to establish and maintain:

Efficient administrative and financial/budget (ABOD) management and control mechanisms across the operation and ensure full and timely compliance with UN and UNHCR administrative and financial rules and procedures. Effective and timely coordination and support on all internal administration and administrative budget matters internally (including to the three FOs), the Bureau, and HQ.  Administration and Finance in the Zambia MCO is centralized in Lusaka.

Comprehensive monitoring of all goods and services purchased for the operation and ensuring the timeliness, quality, and completeness of delivery as well as providing necessary support for day-to-day operation of all offices.

Effective support to management to ensure 1 national office, 2 field offices, 1 field unit and a guesthouse meet standards, are managed in line with UNHCR policy, and that lease agreements for all UNHCR offices are adhered to by property owners and UNHCR.

Regular and substantive external engagement/participation with counterparts in other organizations and attendance, as appropriate, in UN country team groups such as the OMT, BOS platform and other UN Common shared arrangements as well as at working level in Government agencies on issues of importance to UNHCR’s staff and programmes.

As the incumbent of the post will supervise the only project control associate in the operation; s/he will be responsible and accountable for providing substantive support, guidance, and oversight on the effective management of the Enhanced Framework for Implementing with Partners (the Framework) as well as oversight on the effective management of Direct Implementation. S/he will support and conduct analysis and assessment of risks associated with partnerships and direct implementation, policy compliance, operational practices, mitigation measures, and gaps and make technical recommendations to support decision-making in line with the principles of the Framework, of UN/UNHCR’s financial rules, policies and regulations and operational context.

The incumbent is required to provide sound stewardship and accountability of funds entrusted to partners or through direct implementation arrangements (e.g. contracts for the procurement of goods and/or services) so that resources are used in the most efficient and effective manner to attain the best results for forcibly displaced persons.

UNHCR Zambia works with both governmental and INGO/NNGO partners including those who are directly funded in whole or part by UNHCR. S/he may have contact with external stakeholders, including but not limited to UNHCR-funded partners, auditors, oversight bodies, and host governments on matters related to partnerships. The incumbent will have oversight of and responsibility for project and internal control for the entire MCO, which includes one national office, three field offices in remote locations and one country office in the capital.

Living and Working Conditions:

Lusaka is the capital of Zambia, a country heading towards middle-income country status. Zambia is an English speaking country. Shops are well stocked and all basic commodities can be found it the various supermarkets and malls around town. Imported goods tend to be available but more expensive. Health facilities, international schools, banking services are available in Lusaka. Finding accommodation meeting MORRS standard is possible, either in stand-alone house or in apartment or town house in housing complexes. Domestic flights are costly but available. The local airline, Proflight and Mahogany operates flights to larger towns in the country. Zambia is a vast country and road travel can take days, given the distances and at time the road conditions. Zambia is peaceful with minimal security threats. There have been no restrictions on travel within Zambia. There have been no curfews or restricted movements within Lusaka or elsewhere. There have been no reported cases of serious incidents involving UNHCR staff members in the past.  Like in other duty stations, staff members are advised not to be complacent and be vigilant. International staff members are expected to have security guards from a recognized/recommended security company at their residences. For more information please visit: http://www.zambiatourism.com

Additional Qualifications

Skills

FI-Financial Accounting – Modified cash-based accounting as per international standards, FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc), FI-Financial auditing, FI-General Financial Management, FI-International Auditing Standards

Bachelor of Arts: Accounting, Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Economics, Bachelor of Arts: Finance, Bachelor of Arts: Public Administration

Certifications

Accounting – Other, Auditing – Other, Financial Management – Other

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Add. 2 to the Bi-Annual 2025 Compendium – Part B

Additional Information

This position requires Functional Clearance