Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Finance Assistant position is located within the Finance and Budget Unit of the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen (OSESGY). This office is part of the United Nations, which has a mission to promote peace and stability in Yemen amidst ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises. The UN aims to facilitate dialogue and support the Yemeni people in achieving a sustainable resolution to the conflict. The organization operates globally, with numerous offices and missions in various countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to humanitarian efforts, peacekeeping, and development.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant will play a crucial role in the Finance and Budget Unit, reporting directly to the Associate Finance and Budget Officer. The primary functions of this position include reviewing invoices from various sections and units to ensure compliance with United Nations Financial Regulations and Rules. The incumbent will coordinate with payment processing offices to ensure timely disbursement of funds, maintain accurate records of financial transactions, and assist in the preparation of financial reports. This role requires a strong understanding of financial procedures within the UN context and the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently. The Finance Assistant will also be responsible for monitoring budget implementation and expenditures, ensuring that all financial records are properly archived, and responding to queries from staff and vendors regarding financial transactions. The position demands a high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining a commitment to gender equality and effective communication.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will be responsible for a variety of duties, including but not limited to: reviewing invoices and verifying supporting documents for goods and services received; coordinating with payment processing offices for timely disbursement; maintaining records of incoming and outgoing invoices; providing necessary details to local banks for payments; managing local advances and ensuring timely settlements; assisting in the preparation of weekly and monthly financial reports; monitoring budget implementation and expenditures; preparing periodic financial schedules; responding to financial queries; and maintaining proper archives for all financial records. The incumbent will also assist in the preparation of year-end financial closing and perform any other duties assigned by supervisors, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, along with a technical or vocational certificate in Accounting or Finance. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in Accounting, Finance, or a related area is required, although this can be reduced to three years for candidates with a first-level degree or higher. Proficiency in MS Excel and experience with SAP or similar enterprise resource planning systems are essential. Additionally, experience working with the United Nations Systems and managing imprest funds or petty cash is desirable, as is experience in processing payments to vendors.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a high school diploma or equivalent, along with a technical or vocational certificate in Accounting or Finance. This educational background is crucial for understanding the financial regulations and procedures that govern the work of the United Nations, ensuring that the Finance Assistant can effectively perform their duties and responsibilities.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of experience in Accounting, Finance, or a related area. However, candidates with a first-level degree or higher may qualify with only three years of relevant experience. This experience should ideally include familiarity with financial systems and processes, particularly within the context of the United Nations or similar organizations. Experience in managing petty cash and processing vendor payments is also highly desirable, as it directly relates to the responsibilities of the Finance Assistant role.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages, as per the UN Language Framework. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, although not mandatory, and may enhance communication capabilities within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for 364 days, and if the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, it will be administered as a temporary assignment. The selected candidate is expected to start as soon as possible. It is important to note that this temporary assignment does not guarantee future employment in the same position. The recruitment process is subject to local recruitment rules, meaning that candidates must be based in the duty station or within commuting distance. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce and encourages female candidates to apply. Additionally, candidates must adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, as violations of human rights or other serious misconduct will disqualify them from consideration.