Job Specific Context
Under the direct supervision of the Grants Financial Monitoring and Compliances Officer, the Grants Financial Monitoring and Compliance Associate contributes to the effective implementation and financial monitoring of grant funds disbursed to Grantees (Facilitating Partners – FPs) at the field level. The role supports the execution of approved financial monitoring plans, assesses whether there have been any significant changes to applicable internal controls, and verifies the appropriate use of grant resources. Strategically based in field offices, the role supports on-site capacity building of FPs to strengthen financial management practices and compliance with Project Operations Manual (POM), FP internal policies, and applicable UNOPS financial regulations and rules.
Job Highlight
The Grants Financial Monitoring and Compliance Associate implements initiatives aimed at enhancing the financial management compliance of FPs through regular monitoring and spot checks.
Role Purpose
The Grants Financial Monitoring and Compliance Associate is responsible for implementing effective financial monitoring plans that support verification of grant expenses at the field level and conducting on-site capacity building of FPs. Reporting to the Grants Financial Monitoring and Compliance Officer, and collaborating with UNOPS field office staff, the role conducts continuous spot checks, identifying risks and recommending corrective actions to promote accountability, transparency, and sound financial management. The Associate will review the FP’s internal control systems to ensure compliance with applicable financial rules and regulations, organizational policies, and other relevant guidelines.
Functions / Key Results Expected
1. Financial monitoring and Compliance of Grant Management Activities
● Perform periodic grants monitoring and spot check activities focusing on financial aspects, providing recommendations and mitigating solutions - Assess the cash distribution process for compliance - Prepare and submit monthly financial monitoring reports to direct supervisor, consolidating key findings, risks, and areas for improvement - Identify financial management weaknesses, compliance gaps, and potential risks, to strengthen accountability and internal controls
2. Capacity Building and Technical Support
● Provide hands-on technical support and on-site capacity building to FPs to strengthen financial management systems, internal controls, and compliance with UNOPS requirements - Support the FPs to develop corrective action plans arising from spot checks and financial reviews, and monitor the timely implementation of agreed improvements - Provide inputs into the design of targeted training and capacity development initiatives informed by findings from financial monitoring and compliance reviews
3. Internal controls
● Review implementation of internal control systems by FPs based on their operations policies, including financial controls, segregation of duties, authorization processes, record-keeping, and asset management - Identify internal control weaknesses and compliance gaps, and provide practical recommendations to strengthen control frameworks in line with UNOPS requirements, FP policies, POM and applicable regulatory standards
4. Compliance
● Provide continuous capacity-building support to Financial Partners (FPs) to ensure full compliance with applicable financial management policies, internal control requirements, and procedures - Provide guidance on financial procedures to FPs to ensure a clear understanding of, and compliance with the Project Operations Manual (POM), grant support agreement, UNOPS requirements
5. Knowledge management and sharing
● Actively undertake relevant training and learning opportunities to strengthen expertise in finance and grants management - Document and share lessons learned and best practices, with FPs, project team and other relevant fora - Contribute to the overall knowledge sharing and collaboration within the Grants and Contracts team in UNOPS Grants Management “Community of Practice”
6. Ad-hoc Assignments
Perform any other duties and responsibilities assigned by the supervisor to support project delivery and team objectives.
