UN Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) was established in 2010 with the mission to enhance the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union, particularly in the areas of peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UNOAU aims to provide coordinated and consistent advice to the African Union, focusing on both long-term capacity-building and short-term operational support. The organization is dedicated to streamlining the UN presence in Addis Ababa to ensure cost-effective and efficient delivery of assistance to the African Union. UNOAU plays a crucial role in implementing the Joint UN-AU Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security, which was signed on April 19, 201

• The office is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and is part of a larger network of UN operations across various countries, emphasizing collaboration and support for African initiatives.

Job Overview:
The UN Finance Assistant position is situated within the Finance Unit at UNOAU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of finance-related tasks, primarily focusing on the management and reconciliation of VAT items, vendor payments, and financial documentation. The role requires a proactive approach to follow up on open VAT items with the Ministry of Revenue and to ensure that all financial transactions are accurately recorded and discrepancies are addressed promptly. The Finance Assistant will also assist in processing vendor payments, ensuring that all necessary documentation is complete and compliant with UN regulations. This position demands a high level of attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within a team to achieve the financial goals of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the UN Finance Assistant include: reviewing all open VAT items, following up with the Ministry of Revenue on these items, prioritizing the reconciliation of VAT open items related to various funds, analyzing all related transactions, and initiating write-off requests where applicable. The incumbent will review all relevant VAT documentation, identify discrepancies, and complete a thorough review of outstanding liabilities and receivables. They will prepare write-off requests as necessary and collect all required information to facilitate the approval process. The Finance Assistant will assist in processing vendor payments, ensuring that invoices and supporting documents are complete before processing. They will also upload documents to the RSCE for payments related to salary recoveries and other invoices, liaise with the ECA & RSCE Treasury Unit for payment runs, and assist in cash functions by filing invoices and uploading them to the workplace in UMOJA. Additionally, the incumbent will perform any other duties as assigned by the Head of Unit.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates should possess at least two years of experience in finance and accounting functions. Experience with the Umoja Finance Module is desirable, and candidates must have experience in VAT claim processing and account reconciliation. The role demands a strong understanding of financial principles and practices, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret financial data effectively. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to professional integrity and efficiency in their work.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum educational requirement for this position. While no specific job-related qualifications are mentioned, a background in finance, accounting, or a related field would be advantageous for candidates applying for this role.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of two years of relevant experience in finance and accounting functions. This experience should include familiarity with VAT claim processing and account reconciliation, as well as a working knowledge of financial systems such as the Umoja Finance Module, which is considered desirable for this position.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level IV in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also recognized as a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, but English proficiency is essential for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is available for a duration of 3 months. The United Nations encourages female candidates to apply for this role, highlighting its commitment to gender equality in the workplace. The recruitment process adheres to strict ethical standards, ensuring that candidates with a history of violations of international human rights law or other serious offenses are not considered for employment. The UN emphasizes the importance of a diverse workforce and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. Candidates are advised to follow all application instructions carefully and to provide complete and accurate information in their applications.