Result of Service

The Finance Manager shall provide high-quality financial management support to the UN-Habitat Brazil portfolio, ensuring the timely delivery of assigned outputs and contributing to the effective management, monitoring, reporting and compliance of project resources. The incumbent will work in close collaboration with programme, operations and project teams to support the achievement of project objectives and organizational priorities.

Work Location

Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

Expected duration

Six months, with possibility of extension

Duties and Responsibilities

Background The main mandate of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is to promote sustainable development of human settlements and policies conducive to adequate housing for all. Within this framework, UN-Habitat supports central and state governments, as well as local authorities and other partners for the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, the 2030 Agenda with the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda. UN-Habitat helps the urban poor by transforming cities into safer, more inclusive, compact, integrated, resilient and connected places with better opportunities where everyone can live with dignity. It works with organizations at every level, including all spheres of government, civil society, and the private sector to help build, manage, plan and finance sustainable urban development. The Regional Office for Latin American and the Caribbean – ROLAC – is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Agency puts emphasis in developing and managing activities in the host country. Indeed, for the past years, UN-Habitat has expanded its portfolio in Brazil by working with the three tiers of government to support the formulation and implementation of more effective, sustainable, participative, and socially fairer urban economic, social, and environmental policies. To strengthen its financial management capacity, UN-Habitat Brazil seeks a Finance Manager to support the oversight and implementation of financial planning, monitoring, reporting, compliance, and internal control activities for its portfolio of projects. Report to UN-Habitat Manager The Finance Manager will report directly to the Head of the Brazil Office and have a functional reporting line to the Programme Management Officer (Administration) in the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean. The position will work closely with programme, operations, and project teams to support the effective management and implementation of administrative and financial activities. Financial Management

Provide strategic financial guidance and coordinate financial management processes for the UN-Habitat Brazil Office, ensuring compliance with UN Financial Regulations and Rules, IPSAS, UN-Habitat policies, and applicable donor requirements.
Support and coordinate the review, strengthening and monitoring of financial management processes, systems, internal controls and financial procedures to ensure the sound stewardship of resources.
Provide strategic financial advice to senior management to support planning, decision-making, and organizational sustainability.
Review, analyze and monitor financial performance and trends of UN-Habitat Brazil, identifying risks and proposing mitigation measures.
Review financial records and transactions and provide recommendations to support their accuracy, completeness and compliance with applicable regulations and procedures..
Support the financial review of project budgets and cost-recovery mechanisms to promote the financial sustainability of the project portfolio and compliance with organizational policies.
Provide guidance and capacity-building support to project teams on financial policies, procedures, budget management and donor compliance requirements.
Prepare financial analyses and management information to support the monitoring and strategic oversight of the UN-Habitat Brazil project portfolio.
Coordinate and follow up consultant and individual contractor payments, ensuring timely certification, compliance with contractual terms, and proper recording in Umoja.
Coordinate and monitor vendor payment requests, including review of supporting documentation, follow-up with relevant stakeholders, and reconciliation of outstanding payment transactions. Budget Planning and Monitoring
Coordinate and support the preparation of annual budgets, work plans, and financial forecasts for UN-Habitat Brazil and its projects.
Review and monitor budget implementation and expenditure trends, ensuring effective utilization of available resources.
Review budget revisions and reallocations, ensuring compliance with donor agreements and internal policies.
Prepare regular budget execution reports and financial analyses for management and project teams in decision-making processes.
Provide technical advice to project managers on budget management and financial planning throughout the project lifecycle. Grants and Donor Financial Management
Coordinate and support the financial management of donor-funded projects throughout the project lifecycle, including financial monitoring, donor reporting, budget implementation and compliance with applicable donor agreements and organizational policies.
Review the application of financial provisions contained in contribution agreements and donor regulations and provide recommendations to support and ensure compliance.
Coordinate the preparation and review of donor financial reports, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely submission.
Support project formulation by reviewing and contributing with financial proposals, budgets, and cost estimates.
Monitor project expenditures against approved budgets and funding ceilings and advise on corrective actions when required. Implementing Partner Financial Management
Coordinate the administrative and financial actions required for the preparation, review and processing of Implementing Partner Agreements and related documentation.
Prepare and review Implementing Partner (IP) budgets and funding transfer requirements, ensuring alignment with project budgets, donor requirements and UNEP financial procedures.
Review Implementing Partner financial reports, supporting documentation and expenditure statements, and perform reconciliations against approved budgets and transfer records.
Support the monitoring and follow-up of advances, financial reporting deadlines and liquidation of funds transferred to Implementing Partners.
Process and maintain Implementing Partner transactions in Umoja/Umoja 2 throughout the agreement lifecycle, including creation, budget implementation, fund transfers, reporting and financial closure activities.
Prepare financial analyses, reconciliations and status reports related to Implementing Partner agreements and budget utilization. Accounting and Financial Reporting
Support and coordinate accounting, reconciliation, and financial reporting in accordance with IPSAS and UN financial policies and procedures.
Review financial statements, reconciliations, and supporting documentation and provide technical recommendations as required.
Coordinate and support month-end and year-end financial closing processes.
Review accounting records and supporting documentation to facilitate compliance for audit purposes.
Analyze and monitor cash flow requirements and support treasury management activities. Internal Controls, Risk Management and Compliance
Support the strengthening and monitoring of effective internal control mechanisms to safeguard organizational resources.
Identify financial and operational risks and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.
Monitor compliance with internal policies, donor requirements, and applicable financial regulations.
Support the implementation of audit recommendations and strengthen internal control practices.
Promote accountability, transparency, and sound financial management practices in the implementation of projects and activities.
Coordinate the timely preparation of audit documentation and support the development of management responses.
Contribute and monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and corrective action plans and provide progress updates as required
Perform any other financial, administrative, or management-related duties assigned by the Head of Office or the PMO Administration consistent with the functions of the position. The incumbent will be responsible for completing all courses and training activities that are indicated to him/her by his/her supervisor. The security course BSAFE, from UNDSS, is required to be accredited during the first month of employment. The incumbent will be responsible for his/her own security, so the person should get familiarized with United Nations security mechanisms and comply with them according to the Framework of Accountability for the United Nations Security Management System. Outputs/Work Assignment The Finance Manager will be responsible for delivering the outputs associated with the financial management, budget monitoring, financial reporting, compliance and donor support functions described in this Terms of Reference. Key outputs include timely financial analyses, budget monitoring reports, donor financial reports, financial compliance reviews, audit support activities and recommendations for strengthening financial management practices.

Qualifications/special skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, or a related field is required.
Postgraduate degree (Specialization, Master's Degree or equivalent) in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, or a related field is required.
In lieu of a postgraduate degree, an additional five (5) years of relevant professional experience may be accepted. Work experience
A minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, audit or related areas is required.
Experience in the financial management of projects and programmes funded by multiple stakeholders and/or donors is required.
Experience in budget preparation, financial monitoring, reporting and internal controls is required
Previous experience within the United Nations System is desirable.
Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP and/or Umoja is desirable. Skills
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, is required.
Strong analytical, financial reporting and problem-solving skills are required.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under tight deadlines is required.
Experience handling of technological tools and use of software and online platforms is desirable.
Knowledge of project management methodologies is desirable. Competencies
Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of financial management principles and practices; applies sound judgment; shows persistence in meeting commitments and achieving results; demonstrates integrity and accountability.
Planning and organization: Develops clear goals and priorities; identifies priority activities and assignments; allocates appropriate time and resources for completing work and meeting deadlines.
Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others and responds appropriately; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping stakeholders informed.
Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues and partners to achieve organizational goals; values diversity; contributes to an inclusive and respectful work environment. Knowledge Management
Contribute to the documentation, organization and dissemination of relevant financial knowledge and lessons learned related to the assignment.
Support the preparation of financial tools, templates and reference materials that facilitate effective project implementation.
Ensure that information, records and documentation produced under the assignment are properly organized and made available to authorized personnel.
Promote knowledge-sharing and collaboration among project teams while ensuring compliance with applicable confidentiality and data protection requirements.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and Spanish is the working language of the Regional Office.

For the post advertised, fluency in Portuguese and English is required
Working knowledge of Spanish is desirable.

Additional Information

Travel details: The incumbent may be required to undertake official travel within Brazil, subject to project requirements and prior authorization of Brazil Head of Office. All official travel will be undertaken in accordance with applicable United Nations travel policies and procedures. Contract type: LICA, UNOPS Remuneration: Remuneration will be determined in accordance with the applicable UNOPS Local ICA salary scale and the level established through the official classification process. Applicable health insurance coverage and benefits will be provided in accordance with UNOPS policies.Remuneration Notes Appointment against this post is on local basis and only nationals from Brazil or external candidates who hold a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The extension of this contract is subject to availability of funds and/or performance. Any contract extension is not automatic. It is required for all the curricular information to be inserted in the system, which may take a few hours. Only complete applications in English will be considered. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. Due to the volume of applications received, receipt of applications cannot be acknowledged individually. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Applications should be submitted through INSPIRA and must include all documents required at the system, please be ready to include the following information at the “Candidate Profile” (CP) at Inspira:

Cover memo (maximum 1 page)
Educational Background (incl. dates)
Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years/ months)
Expertise and preferences regarding location of potential assignments
Other Experience and Expertise (e.g. Internships/ voluntary work, etc.)* * Please note that Internships, part-time and voluntary work count as 50%. In addition to it, note experience not relevant to the position will not be considered. All applications should be submitted to: Inspira UN-HABITAT does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning people or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of these offices and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unon.org.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.