Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) is dedicated to delivering innovative ideas and actions aimed at empowering and transforming Africa. Established to support the continent's development, UNECA aligns its mission with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 206

• The organization operates with a focus on five strategic directions: enhancing its role as a premier knowledge institution, developing macroeconomic policies for economic diversification and job creation, designing innovative financing models, addressing regional challenges, and advocating for Africa's position in global governance. UNECA employs a diverse workforce and operates across multiple countries in Africa, contributing to the continent's socio-economic development.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant position is situated within the Division of Administration at UNECA, specifically within the Staff Union. The role involves a range of specialized and complex accounting and finance responsibilities, including but not limited to bank reconciliations, preparation of financial statements, loan recovery, and management of financial records. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Vice-President of the Staff Union and will be expected to perform duties independently, ensuring compliance with UN financial standards. The position requires a proactive approach to financial management and the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. The Finance Assistant will also be responsible for overseeing the financial operations related to gymnasium and restaurant services, ensuring that all financial transactions are recorded accurately and timely, and that financial documents are properly filed and safeguarded.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will undertake a variety of duties, including: 1) Accounting-Related Duties: Reconciling cash books with bank statements, scrutinizing source documents for accuracy, computing exchange rate gains or losses, recording income from the staff union café, preparing cash receipt vouchers, and issuing checks for staff loans. 2) Finance-Related Responsibilities: Compiling financial data, performing analyses, drafting financial statements, preparing loan recovery schedules, ensuring fund transfers are correctly processed, and preparing summaries of uncollectible debtor balances. 3) Budget-Related Duties: Compiling data for financial statements, liaising with auditors, preparing budget performance submissions, analyzing variances, and developing financial forecasts. 4) Administrative Responsibilities for Gym and Restaurant Staff: Supervising gym and restaurant staff, processing contractor invoices, coordinating procurement and maintenance of equipment, and handling inquiries from union members. 5) Filing and Safeguarding Financial Documents: Ensuring secure storage of financial documents, maintaining an organized database, and implementing measures to safeguard sensitive information. 6) Management of Emergency Loans: Reviewing requests for emergency loans, preparing loan agreements, maintaining records of disbursed loans, and monitoring repayments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A technical certificate or diploma in accounting, finance, or related fields is desirable. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate knowledge of financial rules and regulations within the UN environment, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret financial data. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Candidates should also exhibit professionalism and a commitment to gender equality in the workplace.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, candidates with a technical certificate or diploma in accounting, finance, or related fields will be preferred. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial management and accounting practices within the UN framework.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of experience in financial management, budget management, or a related area is required. This experience should include a strong understanding of UN financial rules and regulations. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may have the minimum experience requirement reduced to five years. Experience in data analytics or related areas is also desirable, as it will enhance the candidate's ability to perform financial analyses and support decision-making processes.

Languages:
Fluency in English or French is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of the other language is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration within the diverse UN environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Selected candidates from outside the duty station will be responsible for their relocation expenses. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for allowances or benefits that are exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization also emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce.