Organizational Setting
The Finance Division (CSF) recommends and administers financial policies and procedures that meet the highest professional standards; keeps accounts that accurately record financial activities and meet the requirements of internal and external audits; prepares reports to accurately portray the financial status of the Organization and its activities; ensures that the Organization's financial resources are securely kept and productively employed while in FAO's custody; oversees financial operations wherever performed in the Organization; and ensures that all disbursements are timely and made in accordance with established policies and procedures.
The post is located in the Treasury and Banking Operations Branch (CSFT) of the Finance Division (CSF) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
The Treasury and Banking Operations Branch (CSFT) manages the Organization's liquidity, providing oversight to externally managed investment portfolios and enables FAO's operations through the maintenance of FAO's banking partnerships and operations and execution of foreign exchange operations.
Reporting Lines
The Finance Officer (Treasury and Investment) reports to the Senior Finance Officer/Head of Treasury and Banking Operations Branch, Finance Division.
Technical Focus
The Finance Officer (Treasury and Investment) is responsible for supporting the daily activities of the Treasury and Banking Operations Branch, Finance Division.
Key Results
The planning and delivery of financial services in accordance with internal policies, UN financial guidelines and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
** **Key Functions
** **• Leads and/or participates in Finance Division teams, participates and provides financial expertise on Organization-wide committees or working groups, and/or supervises staff.
• Supervises, oversees and/or contributes to the delivery of financial reporting, general accounting, project accounting, and/or investment activities/services in accordance with FAO policies and regulatory framework.
• Develops and updates the supporting operational, policy, accounting, control and/or risk management frameworks, involving the implementation of the latest approaches and methodologies, streamlined business processes, new/revised financial policies, and related tools, systems, technologies and related procedures.
• Analyses financial information for inclusion in statutory reports, management reports, financial statements, and/or reports to donors as well as other specific reports for Governing Bodies, donors and other partners.
• Responds to requests for assistance and provides financial and regulatory advice and assistance to managers at headquarters and the Decentralized Offices.
• Develops effective working relationships and resolves problems with banks, other financial institutions, donors, partners, and UN financial executives as well as provides information/clarification to auditors.
• Promotes best practices and capacity development at headquarters and Decentralized Offices, leads and/or participates in training and the development of related training materials.
Specific Functions
• Participates in the selection, implementation and oversight of external asset managers, custodians and other financial service providers. Participates in the negotiation of investment manager agreements and detailed guidelines.
• Leads the relationship with asset managers and custodians and provides oversight on compliance, performance and risk measurements.
• Oversees FAO's foreign exchange positioning.
• Liaises with FAO's leading banking and foreign exchange counterparties and the UN common system on Treasury related matters.
• Oversees all relevant exposures to markets, foreign exchange, credit, counterparty, settlement and liquidity risk resulting from Treasury activities and generates reports for FAO stakeholders.
• Conducts investment analyses as required to enable the Investment Committee to make sound decisions.
• Monitors the day-to-day cash flow of the Organization, ensuring proper liquidity in FAO's principal operating currencies.
• Establishes and ensures adherence to approved operational procedures, recommending any required changes to Senior Management and the Investment Committee as required.
• Handle day-to-day matters in the absence of the Senior Finance Officer/Head of Treasury and Banking Operations Branch as required.
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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field and seven years of relevant experience in finance, accounting and/or business analysis OR a first level university degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field and nine years of relevant experience in similar fields and completion of a professional qualification in accountancy (Chartered Accountant [CA], Certified Public Accountant [CPA], Association of Chartered Certified Accountants [ACCA]) or the investment profession (Chartered Financial Analyst [CFA]).
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Extent and relevance of experience in banking, asset management or treasury management.
• Excellent computer skills and ability to analyse problems and develop effective, practical solutions.
• Extent and relevance of experience using specific risk packages including but not limited to Bloomberg, Alladin, MSCI Barra, MSCI ESG Manager, 360T, Sustainalytics.
• A professional qualification from a recognized professional institution (CFA, CCM, CA, CPA) is desirable.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.