Job Specific Context
The Financial Verification and Reconciliation Specialist will play a crucial role in the Afghanistan ADB Verification of Claims and Expenditures Project (VCEP). This project aims to verify outstanding claims from contractors, consultants, suppliers, and project management offices for works and services completed under ADB-financed projects prior to 15 August 2021. The Specialist will scrutinize financial documentation, assess expenditures, and reconcile amounts due, working closely with contract management specialists and sector teams to ensure accurate and eligible payments.
Role Purpose
The Financial Verification and Reconciliation Specialist conducts substantive analysis, judges the validity of conclusions, and synthesizes proposals to meet demands related to the financial aspects of claims for payments under the Afghanistan ADB Verification of Claims and Expenditures Project (VCEP).
Functions / Key Results Expected
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Verification of Claims from Contractors/Suppliers/Consultants
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Collect and review the Withdrawal Applications (WAs), outstanding invoices, supporting documents, and requests for contract verifications, and assess whether expenditures were in accordance with the contracts’ terms and conditions, for the grants’ intended purposes, and eligible for financing.
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Review the advance payments disbursed to contractors/consultants/suppliers, and reconcile with the verified outstanding payments.
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Based on the review and verification of the outstanding invoices, and physical confirmation (by other team members) of the works, goods, and services, reconcile the amounts of the invoices, submitted by contractors, consultants and suppliers.
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In consultation with the Finance Specialist, Contract Management Specialist and Legal component of the team, identify the amount of taxes and other duties to be paid by contractors, consultants and suppliers eligible for inclusion in the claim.
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Reconciliation and Verification of Advance Accounts and Related Pending Liabilities
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Collect and review the supporting documents available in the PMOs of Executing/Implementing Agencies (EA/IAs) to confirm the eligibility of expenses incurred by PMOs for the works, goods, and services, administrative expenses, and salaries financed from the projects’ advance accounts.
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Identify unliquidated amounts from the advance accounts and contribute to securing EA/IAs confirmation that the unliquidated amounts will be returned.
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Reconcile the unliquidated balances with the fund balances as per bank statements of the advance accounts available in the banks and identification of any withdrawals or cash movements in the advance accounts after freeze periods.
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Determine the eligible amounts for liquidation against the project's advance accounts after verifying supporting documents for the payments made from the project's advance accounts
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Verify the pending liabilities against advance accounts including PMO salaries, individual consultants’ claims and other PMO expenses.
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Confirm with the EA/IAs that there are no pending payments for the works and services.
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In collaboration with the VCEP’s safeguard team, review and verify the documentation available across stakeholders related to payments of eligible compensation made or to be made to the affected people for Land Acquisition and Resettlement (LAR), health and safety issues.
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Knowledge Management and Innovation
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Support the implementation of new modules in the MIS enabling the processing and monitoring of payments to contractors/suppliers/consultants.
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Contribute to knowledge management activities to ensure that project experiences and learning are documented.
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Interact with the team to explain, in conformity to contracts, what data/type of information/ documentation is necessary to support the substantiation of the financial component of claims.
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Interact with the team to explain the process to follow in order to properly address the financial related aspects of the claims for payment.
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Brainstorm and collaborate with the team to create alternative ways of producing evidence or necessary documentation when standard documentation is not available.
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If required, along with team coordinators, support planning and coordination activities, and follow up on progress and quality of outputs from team members.
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Support the supervisor in producing reports and other documentation necessary for internal UNOPS use and external stakeholder management.
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Participate in recruitment, work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.
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Perform any other task assigned by the supervisor.
Note: The nature of this role requires flexibility in adapting to team needs, as alignment of contract details, local conditions, local law(s), and other factors may generate unexpected requirements.
Skills
Contract Management, Data Analysis, Financial Accounting, Financial Reporting, Report Writing, Budgeting
Competencies
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
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.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of 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).
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.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
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.
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.
Education Requirements
Required
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Advanced University Degree (Master Degree or equivalent) in Finance, Management, Business/Public Administration, or other relevant discipline with 2 years of relevant experience.
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A first-level University degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) in Finance, Management, Business/Public Administration, or other relevant discipline with 4 years of relevant experience.
Desired
Experience Requirements
Required
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Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in finance and accounting.
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Experience in the financial accounting component of claims, contract variations, liquidation of expenses, certification of works or equivalent.
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Experience in implementing projects funded by International Financial Institutions (IFIs).
Desired
Language Requirements
Language Proficiency LevelRequirement
English Fluent Required
