Project Information
In November 2023, the Verification of Claims and Expenditures Project (VCEP) was approved to conduct a verification of outstanding claims from contractors, consultants, suppliers and project management offices for the works and services completed in Afghanistan under co-financed and administered projects prior to 15 August 2021. UNOPS is the executing agency for VCEP.
The main objective of VCEP is to verify claims from contractors, consultants and suppliers for works and services completed prior to 15 August 2021 under different types of contracts, including civil works, supply of goods and consulting services in Afghanistan. VCEP also includes a verification of advances provided to contractors, consultants and suppliers and eligible expenditures incurred by the project management offices prior to 15 August 2021 under ADB-financed and administered projects.
Job-Specific Information
UNOPS is seeking a Project Management Support Associate to assist in various tasks related to the financial verification of the claims for payments in reference to the above project description. The incumbent will be supervised by the Project Management Support Specialist (Liaison) in coordination with the Senior Finance Officer (VCEP-Output 2) and will assist in performing the following key functions:
2. Job Responsibilities
1. Verification of Claims and Pending Payments
2. Reporting and Coordination
3. Knowledge Management and Innovation
1. Supports the verification of claims and management of financial documentation, focusing on accurate reconciliation and timely reporting:
● Assist in collecting information related to the reconciliation and verification of unreported transactions of the advance accounts.
● Assist in collecting information related to the pending liabilities against the advance accounts, including PMO salaries, individual consultants’ claims, PMO expenses and safeguards.
● In collaboration with the VCEP’s safeguard team, verify the compensation payments made to the project's affected people against environmental and social safeguards.
● Forward the data and other information requests to relevant officials in the de facto ministry.
● Provide recommendations on document tracing, sources, and support in retrieving documents from sources other than the ministries, if needed.
● Adhere to the timelines for the retrieval and delivery of the documents required for the project.
● Conduct other relevant project tasks assigned by the supervisor(s).
2. Supports coordination and reporting functions, focusing on document management, data analysis, and communication with relevant partners:
● Support the supervisor(s), in sorting, compiling and transmitting the documents.
● Assist in tabulating data for analysis related to verification of claims and determination of the pending payments.
● Assist in transmitting the electronic data to/from the de-facto ministry.
● Assist in translation of data collected wherever needed.
● Assist in organizing meetings with the line ministry.
3. Supports knowledge management and innovation, focusing on the documentation of project experiences and maintaining accurate records:
● Maintain detailed and accurate record of meetings including agendas, meeting minutes, follow-up/ action points. Details of meetings held or canceled should also be maintained.
● Contribute to knowledge management activities to ensure that project experiences and learning are documented.
Please note that the nature of this role requires flexibility in adapting to the team’s needs since the objective of aligning Contract details, local situations and habits, local law, and other factors might generate unexpected needs.
3. Qualifications and Experience
a. Education
● Master level degree in Finance, Management, Business/Public Administration, or any other relevant discipline or first level University degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) in Finance, Management, Business/Public Administration, or other relevant discipline in combination with 2 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of first level university degree.
b. Work Experience
● A minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting and/or auditing is required.
● Experience in the financial accounting component of claims, contract variations, liquidation of expenses, and certification of works or equivalent is an asset.
● An understanding of current DFA structures is an asset.
● Experience in working with international development sector organizations is an asset.
c. Languages
● Fluent in English (reading, writing and speaking) is required.
● Knowledge of any other UN languages is an asset.
● Knowledge of local and regional languages is an asset.
Key Competencies
Integrity & Inclusion: Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Leading Self and others: Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Partnership: Demonstrates understanding of the impact of one's own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Result Orientation: Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Agility: Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts one’ own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behaviour. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Solution Focused: Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Effective Communication: Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
