Job Vacancies United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund, August 2011
Job Vacancies United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund
Job Title Accounting Assistant
Department/ Office INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICE
Duty Station NEW YORK
Closing Date: Thursday, 25 August 2011
Job Opening number 11-FIN-UNJSPF IMS-18308-R-NEW YORK
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Org. Setting and Reporting
This post is located in the Investment Management Division (IMD) of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF).
Responsibilities
Under the (overall/direct) supervision of the Chief of Operations Section, and within delegated authority, the Cash Management Assistant will work closely with the Investments Section of the IMD and the Global Custodian/Master Record Keeper of the Fund and will be responsible for the following duties:
-Ensures proper and timely settlement of all trades, foreign exchanges and cash transfers. This involves processing transactions in the Trade Order Management System, verifying settlement instructions and trade details, processing SWIFT messages, and liaising with brokers, custodian banks and other third parties to resolve issues and facilitate the closing of transactions on settlement date.
Prepares payment authorization letters for Real Estate drawdowns, bank transfers, and other cash transactions, ensuring proper routing, authorization, delivery, and receipt by the Global Custodians Reconciles cash accounts in all currencies on a daily basis and verifies that all trading activity is properly reflected in the cash balances reported by the Global Custodian/Master Record Keeper. Prepares Daily Cash Projection Report indicating the position of approximately 32 currencies used by the Fund in its investment activity. Ensures the accuracy and reliability of the report which is used in making decisions on the purchases and sales of currencies for trading requirements, investment purposes, and benefit payments.
-Alerts Investment Officers to any shortages in a particular currency and follows up in a timely manner to ensure receipt of appropriate FX instructions;
-Liaises with banks and brokers worldwide regarding outstanding items and payment instructions and pending trade settlements
Maintains counterparty payment and trade settlement instructions and appropriate hard copy and electronic files of all investment activity.
-Works with the IT Section of IMD in the implementation and further enhancement of IT systems used in the trading and settlement of financial instruments.
Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
Finance officers and staff at UNJSPF the field.
Staff from banks, brokers and other financial institutions providing services to the UNJSPF,
Competencies
Core Competencies:
Professionalism:
-Knowledge of, and ability to apply financial rules, regulations and procedures in the UN environment. Knowledge of financial instruments, financial markets and settlement procedures is highly desirable. Ability to manage processes, maintain accurate records, interpret/analyze a wide variety of data, and identify/resolve data discrepancies and operational problems. Ability to utilize complex computerized financial software packages and proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet applications are highly desirable.Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates use of initiative and ability to make appropriate linkages in work requirements and anticipate next steps. Conscientious, and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.
Teamwork:
-Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals
-Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others
-Places team agenda before personal agenda
-Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position
-Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings
Planning & Organizing:
-Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
-Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required
-Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work
-Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning
-Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary
-Uses time efficiently
Education
High school diploma or equivalent. Post secondary studies in Finance or accounting are highly desirable.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of experience in finance, accounting or related area. Strong computer skills are also an advantage.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post fluency in English, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage
Assessment Method
Competency-based and technical assessments
Special Notice
This position is for local recruitment.
Passing the Administrative Assessment Support Test (ASAT) is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration in the General Service category in the United Nations Headquarters. To make arrangements to take this test, you may bring in person a copy of your completed Personal History Profile to the General Services and Related Categories Staffing Unit (GSRCSU), United Nations Secretariat, located at One United Nations Plaza (at corner of 1st Avenue and 44th Street), Room DC1-200. GSRCSU receives applicants every Wednesday (except public holidays) between 10.00 am and 12.00 Noon.
Persons wishing to take the ASAT are pre-screened and, if successful, scheduled to sit the ASAT at a later date.
This post is a project post funded on a temporary basis. Extensions are subject to availability of funds.
Any candidate from a member organization of the UNJSPF applying for this post is considered as an internal candidate provided he/she has been appointed through the appointment and promotino procedures applicable in his/her respective organization.
Appointment at the United Nations is subject to mandatory adherence to the United Nations Financial Disclosure Programme. An appointment to the Investment Management Division (IMD) of the UNJSPF additionally requires compliance with the rules and regulations pertaining to IMD’s Code of Ethics, Personal Securities, Gift and Hospitality policies.
United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
