TERMS OF REFERENCE
UNRWA is the United Nations agency responsible for responding to the humanitarian and
development requirements of a population of some 4.7 million Palestine refugees living in the Gaza
Strip, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and the Syrian Arab Republic. UNRWA is committed to
assisting Palestine refugees in maintaining a decent standard of living, acquiring appropriate
knowledge and skills, enjoying the fullest possible extent of human rights, and leading long and
healthy lives. UNRWA is the largest UN operation in the Middle East. Most UNRWA staff are
refugees themselves, working directly to benefit their communities - as teachers, doctors, nurses or
social workers. For its international team, UNRWA is seeking to employ a qualified:
IPSAS – CONSULTANT
DURATION
The position is for 12 months.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The position will be reporting to the Finance Director and will:
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Develop and update an IPSAS implementation Strategy in the context of the roll-out
strategy with the goal of achieving full IPSAS compliant reporting by the beginning of
January 2012.
Interpret Reporting requirements under IPSAS with reference to UNRWA’s
circumstances.
Supporting and testing of IPSAS-related information system solutions.
Develop a working methodology for the determination of opening balances, including the
preparation of pro-forma financial statement and notes.
Play a key role in the update of UNRWA’s many project plans for IPSAS implementation.
Maintain regular dialog on IPSAS matters with internal and external auditors as well as
UN stakeholders.
Deliver a comprehensive set of IPSAS- compliant accounting policies, guidance and
operational procedures to support the preparation of IPSAS-compliant reporting i.e. be
responsible for the development and update of all relevant Budget, Finance, Treasury
Technical Instructions to fully reflect IPSAS compliance.
Analyze, consult on and develop policy positions. Present to respective working groups
and other IPSAS relevant audiences.
Provide guidance and training to staff regarding IPSAS compliance
Play a lead role to the development of UNRWA IPSAS compliant financial statements
and reports.
COMPETENCIES
 Comprehensive knowledge of IPSAS or IFRS and knowledge of UNSAS would be an
advantage.
 Proven ability in developing timelines for project completion to include project
deliverables, measurable benchmarks and communicate regularly the project status
 Proven ability to write in clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively
orally.
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Ability to apply conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills in accounting operations.
Ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identify issues, formulate
options and make conclusions and recommendations.
Demonstrated experience in interpretation of international accounting standards and
preparation of financial statements within an ERP environment.
Very good commend of written and spoken English
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The position is based in UNRWA HQ IN Amman, Jordan.
REMUNERATION AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
Remuneration for this assignment will be based on the current UNRWA salary scale and will
depend on the qualifications and experience of the expert. A competitive remuneration offer is
available to the successful candidate.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV or UN Personal History Form via unrwaahr@unrwa.org clearly indicating the title of this consultancy “IPSAS Consultant” in the subject
line of the message. The deadline for the submission of applications is 30 April 2011.
UNRWA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from both women and men.
Only those applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted.