Hardship LevelH (no hardship)
Family TypeFamily
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradeGS5
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeGeneral Service
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Target Start Date2025-03-01
Deadline for ApplicationsFebruary 4, 2025
Standard Job Description
Senior Finance Assistant
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Finance Assistant is normally supervised by a more senior finance colleague who defines work objectives and provides regular advice and guidance. The incumbent also refers to UNHCR Manuals and relevant policy papers on financial issues.
The incumbent assists with the processing of financial transactions. S/he keeps frequent contact with staff at various levels in the office and with bank officials to exchange information.
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
- Maintain financial records for project or other office accounts for which responsibility is assigned.
- Record receipts and payments, assure accuracy of computation and completeness of documents and maintain continuing status of allotments against obligations.
- Prepare recurring reports on assigned accounts, noting problems resulting from excess cost or less-than-expected receipts.
- Prepare special reports to clarify problems or as requested for other reasons.
- Calculate and compile cost estimates and projected budget requirements and assist in preparation of budget statements for area of assignment.
- Prepare routine correspondence and maintain contracts with others to discuss matters concerning accounts and related assignments.
- Maintain contacts with local banks to clarify questions pertaining to office bank accounts.
- Brief and assist new staff on basic financial procedures and requirements with respect to payments, entitlements, banking and currency provisions and other requirements relating to accounts and finance.
- Initiate correspondence to verify data, answer queries and obtain additional information on accounts and financial transactions, as required.
- 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 related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G5 - 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
Field(s) of Education
Not applicable
Certificates and/or Licenses
Accounting; Business Administration; Finance; HCR Learning Prog;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified
Desirable
Not specified
Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other)
IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software
(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.
Desired Candidate Profile • Experience in performing and implementing UNHCR finance and administration activities with a demonstrated ability to handle responsibilities with professional maturity.
• Proficiency in Oracle’s ERP system used by UNHCR (Cloud ERP), including practical application in day-to-day operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in supply chain management, with a strong understanding of procurement processes and compliance.
• Knowledge of the UNHCR Supply Chain Module is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in project control or project management, including financial monitoring and oversight of implementing partners.
• Knowledge of Oracle's Aconex system used by UNHCR for project management.
• Strong interpersonal skills with effective communication and the ability to collaborate within a team environment.
• Familiarity with the local Cypriot context, including experience in liaising with the authorities, NGOs and private companies.
• Experience working within UN or NGO environments.
• A proactive and adaptable approach, with the ability to maintain financial integrity and support organizational objectives under high-pressure conditions.
Additional information:
• Candidates must be legally present in Cyprus at the time of application, recruitment, and hire.
• UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
• UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees)
• The recruitment process might include a written test and/or oral interview for this job opening. No late applications will be accepted.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): Greek
,English
,
Desired languagesTurkish
,
,
Operational context
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
The Senior Finance Assistant will report to the Assistant Programme Officer and work under her guidance, with close collaboration across units. S/He will play a vital role in maintaining financial records and monitoring systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance with UNHCR’s financial rules and regulations. Responsibilities include recording and reconciling expenditures, balances, payments, statements, and other financial data for day-to-day transactions. Additionally, the incumbent will prepare monthly financial reports to support the office’s operations.
In addition to finance-related duties, the Senior Finance Assistant may assume responsibilities as a focal point for project control and/or supply, depending on operational needs. The incumbent will also participate in multi-functional teams for both functions, contributing to oversight, monitoring, and planning activities. In the area of project control, the Senior Finance Assistant will assist in the financial verification of projects, including reviewing the financial status of implementing partners, recommending acceptance or non-acceptance of financial reports, and facilitating payments of instalments. S/He will prepare reports on implementing partners’ project expenditures to track project implementation progress and ensure compliance with UNHCR’s policies. In the area of supply, s/he will prepare procurement plans, ensure compliance with supply and procurement rules, initiate procurement actions such as RFQs, ITBs, and RFPs, and facilitate evaluation and contracting processes. The Senior Finance Assistant will manage supplier relationships and administer contracts in line with UNHCR standards.
The Senior Finance Assistant will also handle travel-related tasks, including travel bookings, issuing and processing Travel Authorizations, Travel Advances, and Travel Claims in compliance with established rules. S/He will prepare, update, and maintain inventory records of non-expendable equipment. The role includes assisting in the preparation of the office’s yearly ABOD and supporting administrative processes to ensure smooth operations.
As the functions of the Senior Finance Assistant are multifaceted, flexibility and initiative are critical to the role. The incumbent will also take on other administrative duties as required.
Fluency in Greek and English is essential for this position, and knowledge of Turkish will be considered an asset.
Nicosia, the capital city of Cyprus, is classified as a Category H duty station offering all amenities and high quality living conditions. The island of Cyprus is divided since 1974, UNFICYP maintaining a buffer zone between the lines of the Cyprus National Guard and of the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot forces. The Republic of Cyprus became a full member of the European Union in 2004 and adopted the Euro in 2008. The population of Cyprus is estimated at 1.1 million combined.
The island is rich in culture, shaped over its 7,000 year-long history influenced both by the West and the East. The official languages are Greek and Turkish, with English also widely spoken by most locals. Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and is frequented by tourists. Cyprus has a pleasant Mediterranean climate, enjoying year-round sunshine, with mild winters (mean daily minimum 5 °C and maximum 13 °C) and sunny, dry summers (mean daily minimum and maximum temperatures are 21 °C and 36 °C).Cyprus is in general a very safe environment to live and work in.
Additional Qualifications
SkillsFI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other), IT-Computer Literacy, IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software
Education
CertificationsAccounting - Other, Business Administration - Other, Finance - Other, HCR Learning Program - UNHCR
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness
UNHCR Salary Calculator
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Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance