Digital Finance Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The general objectives of the Accounts and Finance Management (AFM) unit are to provide effective budget and finance support services to WHO programmes and administration as well as support the management of financial assets of the organization in the Africa Region in compliance with organization-wide policies and procedures.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

To support the planning, design, implementation, management and continuous enhancement of digital finance solutions in order to improve the effectiveness of the finance function support to Global Polio Eradication Initiative and other programs while strengthening compliance with WHO financial rules and regulations. Key objectives of the position include: 1) To ensure rapid, smooth and secure payment of operational costs of public health activities by leveraging mobile money and other digital payment solutions; 2) To simplify and improve the effectiveness of operational costs payment.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Support the Head of Assurance and Control in defining and articulating the digital finance vision and the strategic direction for the Team, its deliverables and accountabilities

Oversee the end to end process of operational costs payment from activity request preparation to clearance by country and regional offices, funds disbursement, implementation, payment of field workers and other operational costs, reconciliation, reporting and assurance. Support implementing partners, country offices and regional office as necessary to ensure smooth, rapid and secure payment of operational costs.

Act as a focal point for the mobile network operators, financial institutions and other parties (consultants, accounting firm, third parties etc.) contracted for the project. Responsible for the close monitoring of service delivery, addressing disbursement issues and ensuring smooth payment of field workers and other operational costs in accordance with agreed upon expectations and timeline.

Support the continuous improvement of processes around operational costs payment through the development and enhancement of policies, procedures, guidelines, tools and systems while ensuring that adequate levels of innovation and automation are applied.

Keep abreast of new developments in the digital financial industry, assess the feasibility of further improvements, propose innovative approaches adapted to the context of the Region to fast track operational costs payment and other finance processes while strengthening compliance with WHO financial rules and regulations and enhancing value for money for the organization.

Support and facilitate country offices capacity development activities of staff and implementing partners on operational costs payment process through training sessions, workshops and presentations.

Prepare reports for Country Offices, Regional Office and HQ as may be required.

Perform special reviews and other tasks assigned by the Team Lead and the Head of Assurance and Control.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University first degree in Business Administration, Financial Management, accounting or related field

Desirable: Advanced University degree (Master's) in a relevant field (as identified above). Professional Certification in accounting, such as Certified Public Accountant or Chartered Accountant.

Experience

Essential: A minimum of two years of experience in programme management, finance or budgeting

Desirable: Experience implementing digital financial services solutions in sub-Saharan African counties

Skills

Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multi-task, proactively identify and solve problems.

Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to negotiate with and convince various internal/external partners on complex and sensitive matters with tact and diplomacy.

Skills in organizing training programs for public health workers on operational and finance issues.

Excellent written and oral communication skills, with proven ability to produce high level quality reports for decision makers;

Good analytical skills.

WHO Competencies

Producing Results

2. Communicating in a credible and effective way

3. Ensuring effective use of resources

4. Respecting and Promoting individual and cultural differences

5. Fostering integration and team work

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Excellent knowledge of English or French.
Desirable: Working Knowledge of the other language.

REMUNERATION

WHO offers staff in the Professional Category an attractive remuneration package, which for the above position includes an annual net base salary starting at 47,895 US Dollars (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

· This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

· Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

· A written test may be used as a form of screening.

· 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/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

· Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

· For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

· WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

· WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

· WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link: http://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

· Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.