ICT Associate - Quality Assurance, IPSAS at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Role Purpose

• The QA Associate ensures the quality and reliability of UNOPS IT applications, with a primary focus on financial management systems and IPSAS-compliant solutions, through comprehensive testing strategies, contributing to the successful delivery of projects and the efficiency of organizational operations. The role involves close collaboration with development teams, finance business stakeholders, and solutions designers to identify and resolve defects, validate financial data integrity, improve testing processes, and promote a culture of quality within the IT Group.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Software testing

• Liaise with Product Managers and Solutions Designers to understand business and functional requirements for test case creation
• Write and execute test cases for given requirements/user stories on time with high quality
• Perform end-user testing based on the provided requirement specifications/user stories;
• Review and analyse users' stories / use cases/requirements for validity and feasibility
• Provide continuous feedback (both written and verbal) to development team members, business analysts, product owners, and end users in a clear and concise manner
• Identify and communicate the test schedule or testing-related risks to the QA Team Lead
• Test software using appropriate techniques and support data quality verification
• Adopt AI-powered solutions to assist in creating test plans, scenarios, and documentation
• Liaise with development team members to identify and reproduce bugs and errors identified by end users
• Execute all levels of software testing (System, Integration, and Regression) for UNOPS IT applications
• Work together with development team members and business analysts to understand the scope of the projects and provide objective feedback
• Act as a backup tester for other functional areas than the primary assigned area
• Validate financial data accuracy and integrity through end-to-end transaction tracing, ensuring correctness of GL postings, debit/credit balances, and cross-module reconciliation.
• Test period-end closing processes (month-end, quarter-end, year-end) and validate the accuracy of resulting financial statements and management reports.
• Verify completeness and integrity of audit trails in financial systems, ensuring compliance with IPSAS requirements and internal financial control standards.
• Test multi-currency transaction processing, including exchange rate application, rounding rules, and currency conversion across financial modules.
• Support financial data migration testing, including validation of opening balances, historical transaction data, and cutover accuracy.
• Test user access controls and segregation of duties (SoD) configurations in financial systems in line with financial governance and audit requirements.

Test automation and process improvement

• Support the implementation of automated software testing;
• Propose solutions for increasing testing efficiency and simplifying root cause analysis.
• Test design and execution tools that adapt to the increasing complexity of UNOPS IT applications
• Proactively identify risks and possible improvements for software testing processes and procedures
• Stay updated with guidelines, policy, and documentation to better understand testing processes and best practices

Knowledge Management

• Contribute to knowledge-sharing activities from the QA team, identifying relevant successes and failures through which the team can benefit
• Support the continuing effective collaboration between ITG internal teams through proactive communication with all ITG personnel
• Assist in the development of documented, standard processes for QA

Skills

• Agile Methodologies, Financial Systems, Regression Testing, Software Testing, Test Automation, Test Cases

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

• Secondary school (or equivalent) with 6 years of relevant experience OR
•  Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), preferably in Computer Science or Information Technology, with 2 years of relevant experience is required
•  QA Testing Certification required.

Desired

Experience Requirements

Required

• Minimum 6 years of experience in the software industry, working with software and web-based testing, is required, with secondary education OR minimum 2 years of experience in the software industry, working with software and web-based testing, with a Bachelor's/University Degree is required.
•  An understanding of different types of tests and approaches to testing is required.
•  Knowledge of test automation and SQL required
•  Experience in writing high-quality test cases, performing end-user testing, documenting, and communicating test results is required.
•  Experience with, or a strong interest in, using Generative AI (like Claude, Gemini, or Copilot) to assist in test case generation and execution is required.
• Experience testing financial management or ERP systems (e.g. Oracle, SAP, or equivalent) in a Finance, Accounting, or Public Sector context) is required.
• An understanding of core accounting principles (double-entry bookkeeping, chart of accounts, GL structure, period-end close cycles) is required.

Desired

• Prior exposure to Payroll, HR, or Project Management modules
• Experience with end-to-end financial transaction tracing and reconciliation across integrated modules (AP, AR, GL, Assets)
• Familiarity with audit trail requirements, segregation of duties (SoD), and financial internal controls in ERP environments
• Knowledge of or exposure to IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards) or similar public sector financial reporting frameworks
• Experience with varying levels of testing/project complexity and understanding of different software methodologies or frameworks such as Waterfall, Agile or Prince2
• Experience working in International Organizations