UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, hope...

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all

children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

How can you make a difference?

The incumbent and its team will perform a key role in operationalizing and maintaining IPSAS compliant financial reporting at UNICEF. This will include; reviewing existing and proposing, documenting and implementing new accounting policies, procedures and processes to meet new and emerging IPSAS compliance needs. The incumbent will be responsible for the specification, development and systematic review of a suite of reports in accordance with IPSAS; namely the IPSAS compliant financial statements. The incumbent will also manage and coordinate the production of high quality and timely interim financial reports and analyses to support business management needs.

The incumbent will manage the system accounting unit which is the principal interface between DFAM – Financial Reporting and Grant Management Section and the ICT Division and will be accountable (as aided by the unit’s direct reports), for all the system administrative duties that are within the remit of the Financial Reporting and Grant Management Section.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Produce UNICEF’s annual IPSAS compliant financial statements on time and in compliance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) in effect for each particular year; UNICEF’s Financial Regulations and Rules, and UNICEF’s policies and procedures. This will be achieved through managing the monthly and year-end closure activities and through collaboration and coordination of inputs from other offices and units.
2. Act as the primary DFAM Financial Reporting and Grant Management focal point for external audit and liaise with the auditors as required. This includes the annual external audit of the financial statements, as well as presenting and positioning UNICEF’s accounting policies in line with current or new IPSAS standards based on their application to the UNICEF organisational model.
3. Manage and coordinate high quality and timely interim financial statements, variance analysis and other reports to be used by senior management. Coordinate inputs from other offices and units as required.
4. Provide input into corporate reporting such as the Executive Director’s Annual Report (EDAR) and others as required and respond timely to inquiries from others on UNICEF’s external financial reporting through a client service-oriented approach.
5. Serve as the primary technical accounting and IPSAS focal point for UNICEF both internally and externally. Keep up to date and comment on proposed revisions and additions to the IPSAS standards, frameworks, draft papers and other deliverables. Review and analyse all new standards; develop gap analysis, policy positions, detailed work plans, and identify system and reporting changes for each new standard based on application to the UNICEF organisational model and with consideration of UN system perspectives on application. Coordinate activities with key organisational stakeholders such as business process owners. Provide technical advice and guidance to UNICEF divisions and staff as required.
6. Identify and provide feedback and suggestions to senior management on possible improvements to the system and UNICEF’s accounting policies, procedures and processes with due consideration of business process efficiency and practicality of implementation.
7. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• An advanced university degree, Chartered Accountant, Certified Public Accountant or equivalent is required.
  • *A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.
• At least 8 years progressively responsible experience in accounting or financial auditing, including experience working in a managerial role is required.
• Experience working with and preparation of financial statements under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) is required.
• Experience in preparing financial statements of a large multi-location entity is desirable.
• Knowledge of the UN system is desirable.
• Experience working with enterprise resources management (ERP) systems, particularly SAP is desirable.
• Experience in the non-profit sector or working internationally is highly desirable
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English. Knowledge of another UN language (Arabic, French, Chinese, Spanish, Russian) is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

Core Values

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability

Core Competencies

• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (2)
• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)
• Works Collaboratively with others (2)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (2)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (2)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

Functional Competencies:

• Analyzing
• Applying technical expertise
• Formulating strategies and concept
• Leading and Supervising
• Planning and organization

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.