Funds Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance as a means to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for individuals recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates globally, with a mission centered around the principles of integrity, collaboration, commitment, humanity, and inclusion. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from various backgrounds to apply. WFP has a significant presence in numerous countries, working with local communities, governments, and other stakeholders to address security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition challenges. The organization was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its critical role in humanitarian efforts worldwide. WFP invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Job Overview:
The Funds Management Officer position is crucial for supporting the effective planning, utilization, and monitoring of funds for program activities within the World Food Programme. This role is designed to ensure that WFP's operations can strategically and compliantly utilize funds while meeting operational needs. The officer will be responsible for developing and maintaining the country office's funds management structure, monitoring fund allocations and expenditures, and ensuring compliance with donor requirements and WFP guidelines. The position requires collaboration with various teams, including Activity Managers, Finance, Supply Chain, and Resource Management, to align budgets with implementation plans and funding availability. The officer will also prepare regular and ad-hoc reports on funds utilization and planning, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of WFP's programs in Zimbabwe.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Funds Management Officer will have a range of key accountabilities, including but not limited to: supporting the development and maintenance of the country office's funds management structure within the Programme Unit; monitoring fund allocations and expenditures to ensure timely commitment and utilization in line with donor requirements and WFP guidelines; coordinating with Activity Managers, Finance, Supply Chain, and Resource Management to align budgets with implementation plans and funding availability; assisting Activity Managers in the timely preparation of project budgets, Budget Revisions (BRs), and Implementation Plans (IPs); monitoring expenditure trends against Implementation Plans and providing early warnings of over/underspending; liaising with Resource Management, Activity Managers, and Finance teams to support fund status reporting; and preparing regular and ad-hoc funds utilization and planning reports. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as required, emphasizing the need for flexibility and adaptability in this role.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Funds Management Officer position must possess an advanced university degree in International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or a related field relevant to international development assistance. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of related work experience and/or relevant training or courses may be acceptable. The role requires fluency in English and the duty station's language, if different, at a level C proficiency. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, resourcefulness, and the ability to devise solutions to operational issues. Experience in preparing, managing, and reporting on operational budgets and funds management is essential, along with the ability to work with large datasets and present information effectively to various audiences.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or other areas pertinent to international development assistance. Candidates with a first university degree may also qualify if they have additional relevant work experience and training. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of program management and financial oversight within the humanitarian context.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of postgraduate progressively responsible professional experience in supporting the effective planning, utilization, and monitoring of funds for program activities. Candidates should have experience in operational budget management and performance reporting, demonstrating a willingness to enhance their skills in these areas. Familiarity with analytical processes and the ability to work with large datasets are also important for this role, as is the capacity to meet tight deadlines and collaborate effectively with diverse teams.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, with a level C proficiency required. If the duty station's language differs from English, fluency in that language is also necessary. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the multicultural environment of WFP.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Harare, Zimbabwe, and reports to the Head of Programme. The role is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders to ensure effective fund management and program implementation. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for applications or recruitment processes, ensuring a fair and equitable hiring environment. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks to ensure compliance with WFP's standards and values.