Organization: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Country: Libya
Closing date: 01 Oct 2013

As a federal enterprise, GIZ supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development.

For our operations in Libya/Tripoli, we are looking for a/an

Short-term Expert in National Health Accounts

Field of activityWithin the framework of EUNIDA, a grouping of EU Member State implementing agencies, GIZ International Services is managing the EU Libya Health Systems Strengthening Programme.

1) BackgroundThe Libyan health care delivery system reflects past systemic imbalances and the impact of the civil war. Weakened health services are largely deficient in their capacity to attend to the needs of the population. The increased prevalence of mental disorders and physical disabilities –a consequence of the conflict– further exacerbate the situation.The overall objective of the EU-LHSS programme is to improve efficiency, effectiveness and quality of health service delivery in Libya. The purpose of this action is to strengthen strategic planning, financing as well as management and quality of health service delivery through targeted reforms and pilot interventions.

2) The EU-LHSS programme is articulated around three result areas:

Result One Strategic Planning, Health Financing and Capacity Strengthened: National health strategy, related policies and action plans developed; health financing options identified; provider payment mechanisms reviewed; and capacity of the Ministry of Health and Health Professionals Associations strengthened at all levels.

Result Two Health Service Delivery and Quality of Health Care: Health Service Package successfully rolled out in pilot areas; options for public private partnerships identified; quality of outcomes framework and accreditation standards developed and selected quality improvements reported.

Result Three Workforce Planning, Development and Management: Recruitment and retention targets in place; pre-service and in-service training needs assessed and partially addressed through targeted training and partnerships with training institutions; curricula upgraded and standardised; licensing standards and management tools developed and rolled out in pilot areas.

3) Objectives of the mission

3.1 General objective of the mission

The expertise mobilised will support the Chair and Co-chair of the Working Group on Strategic Plan-ning and Financing, the Head of the Department of Health Financing Affairs and the Head of the HIS Department of the Ministry of Health to:

• Develop the National Health Accounts according to the latest NHA methodology (SHA 2011) based on 2011 and 2012 data including Out-Of-Pocket health expenditures
• Set the basis for future NHA system development and future NHA rounds through institulisation of NHA activities within the MoH to be conducted periodically. This activity includes (i) building capacities of teams of local personnel to be able to conduct NHA exercise independently in the future and (ii) to establish channels for flow of necessary data to ensure effective implementation of NHA.

3.2 Specific objectives of the mission

1. Develop a proposal for the institutional structure responsible for the sustainable development of the National Health Accounts. This shall include the setting up of an inter-ministerial committee and a Working Group gathering various stakeholders including members of the LHSS Working Group on Strategic Planning and Financing, the Directorate of Health Financing Affairs, the HIS, and Financial Departments of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, other related ministries and the Bureau of Statistics and Census
2. Build the capacity of members of the inter-ministerial Working Group in NHA development (includ-ing presenting and implementing the SHA 2011 methodology for the development of the NHA and NHA analysis to answer policy questions. At the end of the first NHA development process the inter-ministerial Working Group should be able to develop and carry out the next NHA round with limited external technical assistance
3. Analyze existing data and propose additional data collection exercises to fill potential gaps
4. Provide a calculation of the NHA tables according to SHA 2011 methodology
5. Interpret these tables in light of the current Libyan health policy debates and widely disseminate the results of this analysis
6. Provide advice for further institutionalisation of NHA calculation, interpretation and use of M&E for health reforms.

3.3 Expected results and deliverables

Institutional Framework Document detailing the composition and modalities of work of an inter-ministerial Committee and Working Group for NHA Development prepared and presented- Comprehensive and coherent package of capacity building activities prepared, presented and delivered to the members of the NHA taskforce based on the latest methodological guidelines- Data quality assessment prepared and presented underlining potential gaps in health expenditure available (private health expenditure, private providers, “closed-sector” health facilities etc.) - Data collection tasks identified- NHA tables prepared and presented according to the SHA 2011 methodology- Analytical report highlighting the main characteristics of the Libyan healthcare system as reflected by the national health expenditure figure and underlining most vibrant health policy issues drafted and circulated for comments- Report (separate report or sections within the main report) analysing validity of related surveys as household health expenditure and service utilisation survey and private providers’ survey.

4) Scope of Work- Establishment of the inter-ministerial committee to ensure continuous flow of necessary infor-mation- Determining data needs and its sources;- Participation and Supervising the design of necessary surveys for NHA through reviewing survey tools and methodology to guarantee collection of all necessary data with validated methodology; - Supervising/following up (might be remotely) the data collection process;- Supervising/Following up data analysis of other surveys;- Compiling and analysing NHA data and writing the final NHA report of Libya

5) Management of the mission

5.1 Work language

The work language is English

5.2 Responsibilities

The expert(s) will report directly to the Chair and Co-chair of the Working Group on Strategic Planning and Financing, the Head of the Directorate of Health Financing Affairs and/or the Head of the HIS Department of the Ministry of Health.

The expert will also ensure close consultation with the Team Leader/Health Economist, the chairs and co-chairs of other Working Groups, the Consultant (EUNIDA) and the Project Manager (the European Union).

5.3 Timetable

The duration of the mission for all experts will be of 120 man/days (including field visits and desk work) and take place over a 12 months period divided into up to 4 visits. Up to 12 days might be used by all experts as home based days for backstopping and report writing. The timetable below summarizes the detailed list of required activities. It will have to be reviewed, amended and comple-mented jointly by the Chair and Co-chair of the Working Group on Strategic Planning and Financing, the Head of the Department of Health Financing Affairs and the Head of the HIS Department of the Ministry of Health working in close consultation with the Team Leader/Health Economist and the Short Term Expert(s) for NHA as part of the initial visit.

The table below assumes that additional data collection activities will be necessary to achieve a com-plete NHA exercise within one year. This is especially the case for private health expenditure, which will probably require a Household Health Expenditure Survey.

As a result, the timeline includes an optional component: if it is possible to proceed with the quantity and quality of data available or easily collectable (such as hospital functions) then a first attempt at calculating and analyzing available data should take place during the first quarter of 2014. Otherwise, this calculation will be postponed to the second and quarter of 2014 when more information is availa-ble.

Deriving from the above timeline, it is possible to suggest the following schedule for (at least) 4 visits of the international expert:

• First visit during 2013: inception visit, set-up of the institutional framework
• Second visit during 2013/2014: presentation of phase 1 findings
• First visit during 2014: presentation of the first calculation based on limited data

• Fourth visit during 2014: presentation of final results and further capacity building

• Within one week following the arrival of the expert in country, the expert shall submit and validate the outline of a report. The outline will be validated by the Chair and Co-chair of the Working Group on Strategic Planning and Financing, the Head of the Department of Health Financing Af-fairs and the Head of the HIS Department of the Ministry of Health working in close consultation with the Team Leader/Health Economist. The outline will address tasks described under the sub-headings 1-6 of section 3.2 and the timeline above. The outline will assist all parties clarifying de-liverables and expectations. It will contain, as an annex, the structure of mission reports due at the end of each mission to Libya.

• Three days prior to the end of each mission the expert shall deliver a short report on the out-comes of the mission, tasks performed, data gathered or analysed, challenges encountered and the timeliness of the deliverables.
• Within six months, the expert shall deliver an Intermediate Report, which should be circulated for comments amongst members of the Inter-ministerial Committee and receive comments at least from the Chair and Co-chair of the Working Group on Strategic Planning and Financing, the Head of the Department of Health Financing Affairs and the Head of the HIS Department of the Ministry of Health working in close consultation with the Team Leader/Health Economist.
• At least three days prior to the end of the mission the expert shall deliver a Final Report, which should have incorporated feedback from members of the Inter-ministerial Committee the Chair and Co-chair of the Working Group on Strategic Planning and Financing, the Head of the Depart-ment of Health Financing Affairs, the Head of the HIS Department of the Ministry of Health and the Team Leader/Health Economist.

5.4 Location of the mission

The location of the mission is Tripoli, Libya.

6) The expertise required

6.1 Number of experts and working days

1 STE: up to 120 man/days divided to 3 – 4 visits. It might be possible to have more than one expert for that mission. In this case the expert A will act a team leader for the mission and both of them have to submit a proposal for the mission clarifying responsibilities and deliverables of each of them in addition of their CVs. Expert A should be of category A with a minimum of least 10 years of practical experience in conducting NHA studies.

6.2 Profile of the expert

Experience

• A minimum of 10 years progressively responsible professional work experience in public sector governance and public finance management
• A minimum of 7 years international experience in developing National Health Accounts
• Certification and previous experience in applying the latest NHA development methodology (SHA 2011), as attested by track record and the attendance to specific WHO training seminars
• Proven writing and editing skills, with a strong command of English and ability to convey complex ideas in a creative, clear, direct and lively style

Qualifications

• Masters Degree in Public Financial Management, Health Economics, Health Financing, Statistics or equivalent.

7) Reports

7.1 Format and contents

The Outline, Intermediate and Final Reports should specifically address subheadings 1-6 out-lined under section 3.2 and the timeline above.

The reports shall also summarise the main activities implemented, potential constraints encountered, the measures taken or to be taken (by the expert, the EU LHSS programme or the Ministry of Health) to ensure the achievement of the objectives and the expected results. Further, the report shall deliver an analysis of potential gaps with regards to the expected results as well as recommendations.

Shorter reports will be prepared at the end of each mission. They will have a simpler structure and reflect on the outcomes of the mission, tasks performed, data gathered or analysed, challenges en-countered and the timeliness of the deliverables.

7.2 Delivery and approval of reports

Draft reports will be delivered electronically to the Technical Assistance Team. All documents deliv-ered by the expert shall receive prior approval by detailed list of required activities. They will be re-viewed by the members of the Inter-ministerial Working Group and receive comments at least from the Chair and Co-chair of the Working Group on Strategic Planning and Financing, the Head of the De-partment of Health Financing Affairs and the Head of the HIS Department of the Ministry of Health working in close consultation with the Team Leader/Health Economist. Reports will further be ap-proved by the Project Manager (the European Union) and the Consultant (EUNIDA/GIZ).

How to apply:

If you are interested, please do not hesitate to apply until 1st October 2013 via email (CV and letter of motivation). Email: matthieu.david@giz.de;Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Organization: UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
Country: Jordan
Closing date: 24 Sep 2013

UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCYFOR PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EASTUNRWA

UNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and is mandated to provide assistance and protection to a population of some 5 million registered Palestine refugees. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip to achieve their full potential in human development, pending a just solution to their plight. UNRWA’s services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions. For its international team, UNRWA is seeking to employ a qualified:

Deputy Chief Accounts Division

Vacancy Announcement Number 13-HQ-AM-39Grade P-4Deadline for Applications 24 September 2013Duty Station HQ Amman, Jordan

The Deputy Chief Accounts Division assists the Chief, Accounts Division in the control of and proper accounting for financial transactions of the Agency, and in the provision of technical guidance to related activities in the fields. In accordance with the established Agency policy and procedures, the incumbent will:

Primary Duties and Responsibilities• Initiate, review and coordinate amendments to various reports, Finance Manual and Finance Technical Instructions used Agency-wide; coordinate the ongoing maintenance and strengthening of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), financial policies and systems and acts as the key liaison in cooperation with senior staff in the Finance Department, at HQs and Fields, Procurement and Logistics Division and ERP staff;• Identify, initiate and manage accounting areas requiring maintenance and strengthening of IPSAS compliance and ensure coordination with all stakeholders on implementation;• Assist Chief, Accounts Division with a variety of special assignments requiring extensive research and data analysis as required including supervision of staff, and in other assignments of relevance including officiating for Chief Accounts Division in his/her absence;• Review accounting systems, IPSAS policies and propose solutions, including involvement in revisions of financial software applications; provide analysis to ensure Agency’s compliance with IPSAS in its financial statements and reporting; • Work as Finance Department’s focal point on issues such as Inter-Agency coordination on matters relating to accounting and financial reporting, finance recruitment matters, IPSAS matters, Field Finance Office’s meetings etc;• Research and draft replies to internal oversight and UNBOA audit comments and recommendations and set measures to implement and follow-up audit recommendations; • Contribute and carry out related activities with respect to development and implementation of ERP modules; assist in coordination with respect to the Agency’s present and proposed ERP system;• Provide guidance to Accounts Division staff in the review of complex accounting issues requiring professional judgment, including review of various reports to meet UN HQ reporting needs;• Authorize vouchers and other transaction documents as directed by the supervisor; assist, as required, in the examination and authorization of claims for and against the Agency, with particular reference to staff claims;• Assist with the coordination and follows up with the Fields and other Departments for purposes of resolving financial matters;• Coordinate action on operational matters either within the Department of Finance or the Field Offices including accounts closing activities.

Professional Knowledge and Experience• Advanced university degree from an accredited educational institution, in accountancy, business administration or related field;• Membership in a professional body of accountants such as ACCA, CIMA, ACA etc.;• Eight years’ experience in the application of the knowledge acquired above, including three years at the international level, outside one’s home country, in a large governmental or commercial organization in accounting system, policies, financial reporting and accounting standards development or related work. Experience should include application and exposure to computer based financial systems;• Excellent command of written and spoken English.

Competencies? Proven skills in modern methods of accounting including results-based accounting;? Demonstrated ability to operate personal computers, ERP systems and knowledge of standard applications;• Excellent analytical skills;? Ability to cope with multiple tasks effectively;? Ability to work under difficult conditions;? Demonstrated management skills in a multi-cultural environment;? Ability to motivate staff;? Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively with people at all levels in the organization;? Working Knowledge of IPSAS or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFFRS) and Conventions.

Desirable Qualifications• Coursework and training in management studies and computer based financial systems;• Diverse experience in budget/financial matters in the UN system;

Equivalency When the minimum requirements are not fully met, the Director of Human Resources may exceptionally substitute part of the unmet requirements with a combination of relevant academic qualification, additional professional training and progressive relevant work experience. NB: Work experience alone or formal qualifications with no relevant work experience are not considered an acceptable combination.

Conditions of Service
UNRWA offers an attractive compensation package including annual salary starting at $72,467 net tax free with dependants or $67,483 single, plus post adjustment of 47.4% (subject to change without notice). Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include education grant, dependency allowance, home leave, pension fund, health insurance and 6 weeks annual leave. All UNRWA duty stations (with the exception of Gaza and Syria) are family duty stations. Initial contract is for two years, with the possibility of further extensions subject to the availability of funds and the continuing need for the post.

In addition to the post of Deputy Chief Accounts Division (DCAD), a second temporary DCAD post is to be filled for one year only, to backfill for the regular DCAD post, whose incumbent will be involved during that period in the Agency’s ERP project.

NB: If a current UNRWA staff member already employed with the Agency on Area staff contract is found suitable and consequently selected for the temporary vacant post they would be required to choose to either:a. transfer to an International staff contract. Return to an Area staff contract at the end of the assignment would not be possible; orb. undertake the temporary appointment in the form of an Acting assignment with applicable allowances, and return to their Area staff contract at the conclusion of the assignment.

How to ApplyTo start the application process, applicants are required to register at http://jobs.unrwa.org by creating a personal profile and completing UNRWA Personal History Form. Please note that UNRWA only accepts degrees from accredited educational institutions. Only applications received through http://jobs.unrwa.org will be considered. Due to the large number of applications received for UNRWA vacancies, only applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted.

UNRWA does not charge a fee at any stage in the recruitment process.

General InformationUNRWA encourages applications from qualified and experienced women.

UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.

UNRWA is a United Nations organization whose staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, neutrality and impartiality. This includes respect for human rights, for diversity, and for non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. UNRWA staff are expected to uphold these values at all times, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNRWA jobs. UNRWA is a non-smoking work environment.

The Agency reserves the right not to make an appointment, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description.

Date of issue: 4 September 2013/CF

How to apply:

To start the application process, applicants are required to register at http://jobs.unrwa.org by creating a personal profile and completing UNRWA Personal History Form. Please note that UNRWA only accepts degrees from accredited educational institutions. Only applications received through http://jobs.unrwa.org will be considered. Due to the large number of applications received for UNRWA vacancies, only applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted.

UNRWA does not charge a fee at any stage in the recruitment process.

Organization: UN Children's Fund
Country: United States of America
Closing date: 28 Aug 2013

Purpose of the Position

Under the guidance of the Assistant Accountant, Asset Accounting, reviews and monitors accounting for Property Plant and Equipment, Leases, and Intangibles. Identifies and investigate issues, and take corrective action as required.

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:- MUST PASS THE UN ASAT (Administrative Support Assessment Test) IN ENGLISH (please mention in your coverletter whether you passed this exam)- NON-US CANDIDATES MUST BE IN POSSESSION OF A US G4 VISA OR BE A US PERMANENT RESIDENT

Key Expected Results

1. Reviews and monitors the accounting for Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangibles. Reviews the results of (or performs): relevant reconciliations, depreciation and amortization runs, stock takes, and impairment tests. Processes (i.e, creates parked document) accounting entries for review by supervisor. Identifies and investigates issues, and takes corrective action as required.

2. Reviews the accounting for finance and operating leases and other joint premises arrangements. Ensures that updated documents have been obtained for all premises arrangements (globally) and for equipment leases in NYHQ; foranalysis by supervisor.

3. For internally developed Intangible Assets and assets under construction for PPE, reviews expenditure and work with other country and HQ offices to ensure that eligible costs are captured. Processes (i.e, creates parked document) accounting entries, for review by supervisor.

4. Performs periodic processing/closure activities, as assigned.

5. Produces timely and informative reports and schedules on a regular and ad hoc basis.

6. Provides technical assistance to country offices and HQ staff.

7. Reviews write-off requests related to non-current assets to ensure that they are complete and are adequately supported. Follows up with offices, when necessary and forwards documents to supervisor. Processes approved write-off entries.

8. Perform other duties and back-up functions to other staff in the unit during their absence, as required.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

• Completion of Secondary Education (e.g. High School Diploma) is a minimum requirement. Supplemental specialized Accounting Training is an asset. Experience in asset accounting is highly desirable.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible working experience in accounting, as a primary duty/responsibility.
• Must pass the UN ASAT (Administrative Support Assessment Test) in English (please mention in your cover letter whether you passed this exam).
• Completion of the UN Accounting Test is highly desirable. A valid professional certification (CA; CPA; ACCA; CGA; etc.) from an accredited chartered accountancy institution is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of an additional UN Language (Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese) is considered an asset.
• High proficiency in the use of Excel is required. Knowledge of SAP accounting software is an asset.

Competencies of Successful Candidate

• Communicates effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking.
• Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.
• Analyzes and integrates potentially conflicting numerical, verbal and other data from a number of sources.
• Demonstrates and shares detailed technical knowledge and expertise.
• Sets clearly defined objectives and plans activities for self, own team or department.
• Ensures that team or department follows relevant company policies and procedures.
• Follows procedures and policies and challenges authority only where necessary and appropriate.

How to apply:

If you want a challenging career while improving the lives of children around the world UNICEF, the leading children's rights organization, would like to hear from you.Visit us at www.unicef.org/about/employ to register in our new e-Recruitment system and apply to this vacancy,quoting E-VN-2013-001538. Applications must be received by Midnight EST on 28 August 2013.IN ORDER TO MEET THE MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS PARTICULAR POST, A CANDIDATE MUST: - PASS THE UN ASAT (Administrative Support Assessment Test) in ENGLISH (PLEASE MENTION IN YOUR APPLICATION COVER LETTER WHETHER YOU PASSED THIS EXAM) - BE IN POSSESSION OF A US G-4 VISA (FOR NON US RESIDENTS) OR BE A US CITIZEN/PERMANENT RESIDENT IMPORTANT: As part of your applicant online profile on UNICEF's e-Recruitment site, please make sure your select “Release Profile” under Candidate Profile/Overview & Release. Please note that only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted. In the selection of its staff, UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities. Well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Organization: UN Children's Fund
Country: United States of America
Closing date: 28 Aug 2013

Purpose of the Position

Under the guidance of the Assistant Accountant, Asset Accounting, reviews and monitors accounting for Property Plant and Equipment, Leases, and Intangibles. Identifies and investigate issues, and take corrective action as required.

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:- MUST PASS THE UN ASAT (Administrative Support Assessment Test) IN ENGLISH (please mention in your coverletter whether you passed this exam)- NON-US CANDIDATES MUST BE IN POSSESSION OF A US G4 VISA OR BE A US PERMANENT RESIDENT

Key Expected Results

1. Reviews and monitors the accounting for Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangibles. Reviews the results of (or performs): relevant reconciliations, depreciation and amortization runs, stock takes, and impairment tests. Processes (i.e, creates parked document) accounting entries for review by supervisor. Identifies and investigates issues, and takes corrective action as required.

2. Reviews the accounting for finance and operating leases and other joint premises arrangements. Ensures that updated documents have been obtained for all premises arrangements (globally) and for equipment leases in NYHQ; foranalysis by supervisor.

3. For internally developed Intangible Assets and assets under construction for PPE, reviews expenditure and work with other country and HQ offices to ensure that eligible costs are captured. Processes (i.e, creates parked document) accounting entries, for review by supervisor.

4. Performs periodic processing/closure activities, as assigned.

5. Produces timely and informative reports and schedules on a regular and ad hoc basis.

6. Provides technical assistance to country offices and HQ staff.

7. Reviews write-off requests related to non-current assets to ensure that they are complete and are adequately supported. Follows up with offices, when necessary and forwards documents to supervisor. Processes approved write-off entries.

8. Perform other duties and back-up functions to other staff in the unit during their absence, as required.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

• Completion of Secondary Education (e.g. High School Diploma) is a minimum requirement. Supplemental specialized Accounting Training is an asset. Experience in asset accounting is highly desirable.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible working experience in accounting, as a primary duty/responsibility.
• Must pass the UN ASAT (Administrative Support Assessment Test) in English (please mention in your cover letter whether you passed this exam).
• Completion of the UN Accounting Test is highly desirable. A valid professional certification (CA; CPA; ACCA; CGA; etc.) from an accredited chartered accountancy institution is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of an additional UN Language (Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese) is considered an asset.
• High proficiency in the use of Excel is required. Knowledge of SAP accounting software is an asset.

Competencies of Successful Candidate

• Communicates effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking.
• Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.
• Analyzes and integrates potentially conflicting numerical, verbal and other data from a number of sources.
• Demonstrates and shares detailed technical knowledge and expertise.
• Sets clearly defined objectives and plans activities for self, own team or department.
• Ensures that team or department follows relevant company policies and procedures.
• Follows procedures and policies and challenges authority only where necessary and appropriate.

How to apply:

If you want a challenging career while improving the lives of children around the world UNICEF, the leading children's rights organization, would like to hear from you.Visit us at www.unicef.org/about/employ to register in our new e-Recruitment system and apply to this vacancy,quoting E-VN-2013-001538. Applications must be received by Midnight EST on 28 August 2013.IN ORDER TO MEET THE MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS PARTICULAR POST, A CANDIDATE MUST: - PASS THE UN ASAT (Administrative Support Assessment Test) in ENGLISH (PLEASE MENTION IN YOUR APPLICATION COVER LETTER WHETHER YOU PASSED THIS EXAM) - BE IN POSSESSION OF A US G-4 VISA (FOR NON US RESIDENTS) OR BE A US CITIZEN/PERMANENT RESIDENT IMPORTANT: As part of your applicant online profile on UNICEF's e-Recruitment site, please make sure your select “Release Profile” under Candidate Profile/Overview & Release. Please note that only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted. In the selection of its staff, UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities. Well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Organization: Search for Common Ground
Country: United States of America
Closing date: 12 Aug 2013

The Organization

Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international non-profit organization that promotes peaceful resolution of conflict. With an annual budget of $35M, headquarters in Washington, DC and a European corporate office in Brussels, Belgium, SFCG’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict – away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions. SFCG seeks to help conflicting parties understand their differences and act on their commonalities. With a total of approximately 600 staff worldwide, SFCG implements projects from 53 offices in 30 countries, including in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.

Summary of Position

Search for Common Ground (SFCG) seeks an Accounts Payable and Purchasing Specialist to manage the cash disbursements function. Reporting to the Accounting Manager, s/he ensures the related procedures conform to best practices, company financial policy, funders’ guidelines, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for accruals management. The ideal candidate will have experience in managing payables, check disbursement and wire transfers, as well as procurement in the nonprofit INGO sector.

Primary Responsibilities

• Process weekly domestic check and international wire transfer requests submitted via SharePoint Finance Portal, ensuring timely payment to all vendors, consultants, country offices, and partners.

• Process staff requests for reimbursement and advances for payment weekly, or more often if necessary.

• Prior to processing related payments, will conduct a review of bills, invoices, and advance/expense reimbursement requests under audit best practices and internal controls, as well as USG and other funder’s guidelines (eg. EU) for: appropriate authorization and supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility/allowability, reasonableness, and proper account coding/allocation to departments and/or projects.

• Produce a listing of pending payments for the Accounting Manager’s approval on a weekly basis.

• Send confirmations of wire transfer requests processed to the country office personnel.

• Receive and match Purchase Orders (P.O.’s) and General Requisitions with packing slips and/or invoices from vendors, resolving any discrepancies with appropriate management personnel.

• Maintain records for employee advances, ensuring that all money advanced is properly accounted for with appropriate supporting documentation for recording of expense, or cash is returned, as appropriate.

• Reconcile the credit card account for all cardholders with appropriate receipts on a monthly basis.

• Ensure that all international air travel has appropriate boarding passes attached subsequently to support the travel occurrence.

• In conjunction with the Grants & Contracts unit, support the field offices in submitting procurement requests with appropriate supporting documentation.

• Coordinate procurement requests with the Operations team as needed.

• Ensure all new system vendors/payees are approved by the Accounting Manager, and set up appropriately in the accounting system, as well as the banking wire transfer software templates, as applicable.

• New payees must be vetted through the appropriate Excluded Parties & OFAC SDN (Terrorist Watchlist) databases, and existing payees on a periodic basis.

• Respond to all vendor and staff calls timely and professionally with independent problem resolution on routine matters.

• Reconcile all vendor statements when received, with prompt follow-up on outstanding items.

• Reconcile the Accounts Payable aging report to the Accounts Payable general ledger balance monthly.

• Provide appropriate documentation in support of the annual audit and adhoc project-specific audits as requested.

• Collect, prepare, and distribute documents related to IRS year-end compensation reporting (i.e. IRS W-9 and Form 1099’s / 1096).

• Appropriate record retention and maintenance of all electronic and paper accounts payable and purchasing records in a neat and orderly manner.

• Initiate improvement and simplification of accounting processes and procedures.

As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key duties.

Minimum Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance, or equivalent experience.

• A minimum of five (5) years in managing cash disbursements and procurement functions in the nonprofit INGO sector, including international wire transfer payment management.

• Proven knowledge of automated accounting systems customized to a fund accounting environment using batch processing.

• Working knowledge of US Government Cost Principles (OMB Circular A-122) and other Donor’s regulations surrounding eligible costs and procurement rules.

• Solid spreadsheet and analytical skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office products required.

• Ability to negotiate the lowest possible cost for the commodity/service balanced against the optimum quality and schedule needs.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including courtesy, cooperativeness, and professionalism.

• Effective communicator internally and externally.

• Excellent written and oral English communication skills to effectively interact with staff regarding detailed financial information, and business-related inquiries into financial matters in a highly diverse multicultural environment.

• Demonstrated commitment to teamwork in a fast-paced work environment.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Highly organized with ability to meet deadlines, both prescribed and self-imposed.

• Ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks.

• Adaptable and flexible.

Desired

• Experience with Great Plains accounting software.

• Fluency in French or another language

Salary: Commensurate with experience and education, with excellent benefits

How to apply:

Please send a cover letter and current resume to employment@sfcg.org or fax to +1 (202) 572-6287 with the subject heading: Accounts Payable and Purchasing Specialist - DC. Please be sure to include salary requirements (in currency figures) or current salary, projected start date, and to mention where you found this posting. We are looking to fill this position immediately, but with the right candidate. No phone calls please. Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. Please see our web site www.sfcg.org for full details of our work.