Org. Setting and ReportingThe United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) was established in 1949 by the United Nations General Assembly to provide retirement, death, disability, and related benefits for staff of the United Nations and other member organizations of the Fund. The Pension Fund pays benefits in 18 currencies to more than 80,000 beneficiaries who reside in 190 countries, and services more than 150,000 participants who work in the 25 member organizations of the Pension Fund. The Fund has offices in New York (United States) and Geneva (Switzerland) and two liaison offices in Nairobi (Kenya) and Bangkok (Thailand), respectively. The United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund-Pension Administration (UNJSPF-PA) comprises about 250 staff members from diverse countries and cultures, based across four prominent duty stations (New York, Geneva, Bangkok, and Nairobi). We are a career employer offering unique opportunities for growth within the United Nations system. We offer staff competitive benefits, including up to six weeks of annual leave per year, a defined benefit pension plan (not subject to variation of capital markets), parental leave, a comprehensive insurance plan, and flexible working arrangements subject to operational requirements. Our office is located in the heart of Manhattan, within walking distance from the Grand Central Station hub, in a state-of-the-art facility (the One Dag Hammarskjöld building). Visit www.unjspf.org for more details. This temporary position is available for six months to replace a staff member who is on temporary assignment. This post is located in the Cashier's Unit, Financial Service (FS) of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund. The incumbent will report to the Chief, Cashier's Unit. The Cashier's Unit, Financial Service, is responsible for: directing and controlling the Fund’s treasury activities; managing the cash flow operations of the Secretariat, including the purchase and sale of currencies and the funding of bank accounts prior to payment schedules; recommending and coordinating the implementation of periodic and non-recurrent payment systems for worldwide application, including the selection of banks, value dates, manual and electronic payment systems; and establishing methods to interface the systems into existing Pension Fund infrastructure. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the incumbent coordinates with the Cashier in controlling the Fund's treasury activities and carries out the following duties: 1. Coordinate with the Cashier in controlling the administration and management of the Cashier's Unit. Carry out the following duties concurrently with the Cashier in order, inter alia, to provide for a dual system of control: (a) Authorize payment, on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of the Fund, for Pension Fund disbursements totaling 3 billion USD per annum through electronic means and issuance of cheques; (b) Control the Fund's cash accounts and arrange with the Fund's banker the transfer of funds to replenish accounts as needed; (c) Evaluate payment patterns and the timing for clearing of payments through various banks, and monitor cash balances in order to meet currency requirements for future payments; (d) Purchase of local currencies from the foreign exchange traders of the Fund's bankers; (e) Define objectives and review results related to the implementation of new or revised computer systems in the cash management area; and (f) Provide a wide range of conceptual and practical input to policy decisions on matters related to banking and payment activities with a view to maintaining cost effective systems for the purpose of making efficient worldwide payments. 2. Assume direct responsibilities for coordinating the resolution of problems related to non-receipt or delays in receipt of payments by: (a) Analysing in detail the most complex cases relating to non-receipt of benefits and delays in receipt of payments, and deciding on the disposition of such cases; (b) Assessing and reviewing in detail changes in local and international payment systems which would influence the timeliness of payment, evaluating their effect on current payment methods and other elements of the benefit payment system and outlining recommendations and plans for implementation; (c) Overseeing the work of staff assigned to the Unit in processing non-receipt of payments. 3. Provide substantive and administrative support to the Unit by: (a) Supervising the issuance of all of the Fund's benefit payments, approving and controlling of all types of incoming vouchers for computer processing and authorizing printing of cheques and payment order issuances; (b) Reviewing regularly various aspects of current operations of the Unit and outlining recommendations for changes to procedures in order to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Unit; (c) Analysing and resolving through various means complex or sensitive issues regarding payments involving the Fund, its beneficiaries and its financial institutions; (d) Advising the staff of the Unit on methods/procedures involving difficult issues; collaborating with other officials of the Fund on problems or issues of mutual concern; (e) Appraising work performances and participating in recommendations for promotion and career development of staff. 4. Performs special projects such as: (a) Preparing and distributing information to the Fund's staff on new and revised payment systems; (b) Providing research materials and contributing ideas and opinions in the Fund's negotiations for levels of service and fee structures with various financial institutions; (c) Making recommendations in respect to security procedures used both internally and with external entities operating on behalf of the Fund; implementing and maintaining such procedures. Competencies• Professionalism - In-depth practical knowledge of cash management practices, policies and procedures, and the ability to make appropriate recommendations in these to improve accuracy, security timeliness and efficiency. Practical and sound knowledge of various payments systems, especially the SWIFT banking platform. Knowledge of banking terminology. Knowledge of pension fund practices. Proven ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and achieve results. Ability to draft official correspondence to various offices. Ability to extract, interprets, and analyse a wide variety of data and to resolve data discrepancies and other problems. Demonstrated use of initiative and ability to make appropriate linkages in work processes and anticipate next steps. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • Planning and Organizing – Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. • Teamwork – Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve Organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in Finance, Economics, Business Administration or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience working in the field of finance, accounting, or related area is required. Experience in reading a SWIFT message is required. Experience handling sensitive or confidential information is required. Experience in treasury related functions and use of bank software such as Standard Chartered Bank Straight2Bank, JPM Chase Access payment systems, and JPM Chase e-Serve services for payments and investigations is required. Experience in implementation of financial ERP systems is required. Experience in payment instructions formatting is desirable. Experience in business or international banking is desirable. Experience working in an international organization is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).