Background

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has had a field presence in the Republic of Moldova since 2008. Under its 2014-2017 Country Note, thematic priorities for work include: countering discrimination, in particular racial discrimination, discrimination on the grounds of sex, religion and against others who are marginalized; combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law; strengthening the effectiveness of international human rights mechanisms and the progressive development of international human rights law and standards.  In light of expanded work activities under United Nations Partnership Framework 2014-2017, OHCHR seeks to engage a Financial and Administrative Associate to support its activities in the Republic of Moldova, including the Transnistrian region.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Human Rights Adviser, general supervision of the Head of the Europe and Central Asia Section (ECA) of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the incumbent supports and guides the effective and efficient management through a range of actions contributing to the design, planning, management and monitoring of activities of OHCHR in the Republic of Moldova. The Associate applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with the relevant UN rules and regulations, in harmony with rules and regulations of donor organisations or entities.
The Associate is the focal point in the field for all OHCHR administrative and financial matters in the Republic of Moldova.  The Associate works closely with OHCHR field and project personnel.  The incumbent also works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations, Communications and other UN staff for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex programme/project-related issues and information delivery.
The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UN programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.
Objectives: To provide support and assistance in various aspects of OHCHR administrative and financial management in the duty station.

Key Activities:
Administration

  • Under the direct supervision of the Human Rights Adviser, general supervision of the Head of the Europe and Central Asia Section (ECA) of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), as well as in coordination with relevant OHCHR ECA, Finance, DEXREL and related personnel, manages day-to-day OHCHR financial and administrative matters in the field;
  • Coordinates the work of other OHCHR administration/financial-related personnel in the field;
  • Pro-actively contribute to day-to-day OHCHR Annual Work Plan and project-related implementation and ensure conformity to expected results and project work-plans;
  • Supports key OHCHR processes, including budgeting and reporting;
  • Works with UNDP, UNOG and other relevant entities to ensure smooth processing of payments, contracting;
  • Maintains records on all project personnel/national consultants and their respective status (contracts, ToRs, time and attendance – if appropriate, etc.) in accordance with accepted policies and procedures;
  • Prepares and issues contracts;
  • Makes pertinent logistical arrangements for the prompt and effective implementation of activities;
  • Maintains files and records;
  • Provides support to international consultants as concerns communication, contracts, agenda, visas, hotel reservations, etc.;
  • Arranges external and internal meetings.

Financial

  • Prepares requests for advance of funds and/or direct payments;
  • Monitors budget expenditures and maintain a proper record of budgets and spending;
  • Prepares proposals for budget revisions;
  • Prepares and submits expenditure and budget status reports;
  • Liaises with internal or external auditors wherever required;
  • Prepares reports as scheduled and special reports as required for budget preparations and audit;
  • Advises and assists international and national consultants and others on all aspects of allowances, travel claims and other financial matters and calculate payments due for claims and services;
  • Undertakes other financial and administrative tasks on an ad hoc basis.

Procurement

  • Arranges for procurement of equipment, supplies and services as needed;
  • Arranges for equipment maintenance and insurance as required;
  • Ensures that contractual processes follow the stipulated UNDP, OHCHR and/or UNOG procedures;
  • Physically clears and ensures delivery of equipment and supplies procured;
  • Maintains an equipment and spare inventory including verification and transfer when required.

Research and Practical Support

  • Attends meetings and prepare minutes or meeting summaries;
  • Assists in the drafting of concept notes, budgeting, logical frameworks, or other project design.

Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates commitment to the United Nations mission, vision and values.
  • Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures. Familiarity with the internal control framework and results-based management tools is a must.
  • Is adept at cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity; enjoys working in a multi-cultural environment; engages with empathy with persons of diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Knowledge Management and Learning

  • Shares knowledge and experience.
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

  • Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Results-Based Management, including support to design, planning and project implementation and reporting.
  • Ability to establish and maintain contacts with operational-level officials of the host government required.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills are essential part of the job.
  • Is conscientious and committed to supporting positive human rights change in the Republic of Moldova.
     

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Completed Secondary Education at minimum.

Experience:

  • At least six years of progressively responsible administrative or programme experience is required at the national or international level. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.
  • Knowledge of specifics of UNDP, OHCHR and/or UNOG rules and procedures; knowledge of multiple rules frameworks, in particular OHCHR frameworks, is an advantage.
  • Knowledge of and experience with EU financial or grant-related rules is an advantage.
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling web-based management systems.

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in oral and written English, Romanian and Russian.
  • Knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language is an asset.

This is a local position, therefore only citizens of the Republic of Moldova are eligible to apply.
Applications should be submitted on line and include fully completed
Personal History Form (P11) as attachment instead of CV/resume.
Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.