.
OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT
This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)
The Department of Financial Management and Reporting (FRM) oversees the financial transactions of the Organization by establishing its financial regulations and rules, as well as the accounting policies and procedures; processes the disbursements of funds; prepares the financial statements of the Organization including the reporting of regular funds and extra-budgetary funds; and monitors the inflow of funding and utilization of these resources; and is responsible for investments and banking, financial analysis, the monitoring of the field offices’ financial administration, Staff Health Insurance, and the processes and systems involved with FRM’s area of responsibility.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Under the general supervision of the Director of Administration (AM), and the direct supervision of the Director, Financial Resources
Management (FRM), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:
a) Strategic Advisory Financial Reporting:
· Plan, develop, direct and control the Organization’s financial and accounting activities; provide business intelligence and serve as key strategic advisor to senior management on financial matters, influencing decision-making and organizational strategy;
· Lead the development and implementation of robust financial policies and strategies, ensuring alignment with PAHO’s mission and compliance with international standards;
· Provide authoritative advice on accounting policies and practices, representing the Director, FRM in various forums and addressing audit observations;
· Oversee and guide the preparation and review of PAHO’s financial reports, including the Director’s Biennial Financial Report and Interim Report;
· Lead the year-end closure of books-of-accounts, ensuring compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS);
b) Financial Oversight:
· Conduct thorough reviews of financial accounts, including monthly aging of sundry accounts, reconciling interoffice and Headquarters bank accounts, and managing reserves;
· Ensure accuracy and integrity in financial reporting and reconciliation processes;
· Conduct in-depth financial analyses, providing monthly management reports that offer insights into PAHO’s financial position and performance;
· Utilize financial data for forecasting and strategic planning, aiding in organizational decision-making;
· Liaise with internal and external auditors; ensure compliance with audit findings and recommendations
c) Process Efficiency and Automation:
· Lead initiatives to identify and implement automation in accounting processes, reducing manual workload and enhancing operational efficiency;
· Champion the integration of advanced technological solutions and continuous improvement in financial processes;
· Manage the implementation or upgrade of the Workday ERP system, ensuring optimal configuration and alignment with PAHO’s financial regulations and rules;
· Oversee the design and adoption of accounting-related software and databases across the organization;
d) Team Leadership:
· Lead and mentor the accounting team, promoting a collaborative and high-performing work environment;
· Establish and manage Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the accounting team, aligning them with PAHO’s strategic goals;
· Conduct regular performance reviews, fostering a culture of accountability, excellence, and professional growth;
· Develop and implement training programs for staff, enhancing skills in financial management and accounting standards;
· Provide a stable managerial framework that demonstrates credibility, trust and value to Member States, stakeholders and Partners;
· Provide intellectual and managerial leadership to guide and motivate staff to work in a multicultural environment; promote a culture of ethical behavior and integrity in accordance with the Organization’s Code of Ethical Principles and Conduct in order to ensure a culture of respect, responsibility, accountability, and compliance;
e) Perform other related duties, as assigned
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Essential: A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration and a master’s degree in international finance, business administration, accounting, finance or any other field related to the functions of the post from an accredited institution.
Desirable: A professional accounting certification such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent would be an asset.
In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO, only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process.
Experience:
Essential: Thirteen years of combined national and international progressive experience in accounting and/or financial roles, with at least seven years’ experience at a large private or public sector organization. Experience should include responsibility for managing teams and leading complex financial operations using computerized financial accounting and reporting systems.
Desirable: Experience working with international organizations. Experience in managing financial projects, including significant upgrades of ERP systems such as Workday and ensuring alignment with international accounting standards would be an asset.
SKILLS:
PAHO Competencies:
• Overall attitude at work: Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization’s mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts.
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences: Relates well to diversity in others and capitalizes on such diversity - Treats all people with dignity and respect. Relates well to people with different cultures, gender, orientations, backgrounds and/or positions; examines own behavior to avoid stereotypical responses; considers issues from the perspective of others and values their diversity.
• Teamwork: Advocates for collaboration across the Organization - Creates and encourages a climate of team- working and collaboration across the Organization; sees cooperation as a key Organizational priority and creates collaborative systems and processes to achieve Organizational goals. Actively identifies and tackles disagreements between internal and external counterparts that compromise the Organization’s goals and mandate; diplomatically facilitates the resolution of conflicts between others and ensures strategic partnerships with a range of key stakeholders; maintains and extends an effective collaborative network of individuals inside and outside the Organization.
• Communication: Share knowledge - Articulates the Organization’s strategic objectives when formulating and delivering information and presentations and adapts presentation methodology to address the needs of different audiences. Shares decisions and directives of senior management and communicates them in a manner that ensures both understanding and acceptance; shares knowledge and best practice at the three Organizational levels (country, regional and global), as necessary.
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment: Provide direction/Support, motivate and empower others - Oversees and provides teams and departments with clear managerial directions which are translated from Organizational strategy. Builds a performance culture in the Organization; contributes to setting Organizational performance goals and standards; monitors Organizational performance against milestones and strategic goals; identifies and nurtures talent as appropriate. Promotes autonomy and empowerment throughout the Organization; inspires enthusiasm and a positive attitude in people towards their work and contribution to the Organization’s success.
• Ensuring effective use of resources: Strategize and set clear objectives/Monitor progress and use resources well - Sets specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely objectives for own team and/or the Organization; systematically analyses and anticipates priority projects for own team and allocates necessary resources to achieve them; identifies the cross-Organizational resources needed for large- scale projects in line with key Organizational objectives. Anticipates foreseeable changes and adapts own and team’s projects in the face of unforeseen circumstances and/ or challenges; creates measures and criteria to monitor progress of overall projects against key Organizational objectives; creates cost-effective solutions for the Organization.
• Driving the Organization to a successful future: Constructive leadership style/ Set the vision and build commitment - Leads and develops a road map for successfully achieving real progress in the Organization’s mandate, including consultation with key stakeholders; demonstrates respectful, trustworthy, transparent and accountable behavior in order to develop a reliable and coherent identity for the Organization. Creates a coherent Organizational vision of shared and successful goals; fosters a culture of vision and long- term goals, recognizing and rewarding efforts to maximize the Organization’s value.
Technical Expertise:
• Comprehensive and advanced knowledge of the theory and practice of accounting and finance; proven ability to prepare accurate official financial reports.
• Professional expertise at the highest level in the theory and practice of accounting and finance to enable effective control, consolidation and oversight of accounting and financial reporting functions across the organization.
• In-depth understanding and application of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
• Strong knowledge of the Financial Regulations and Rules applicable to international organizations with the ability to interpret and apply these regulations effectively in various operational contexts.
•