Finance and Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment. The organization merges the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system focused on gender issues, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives. UN Women has a significant presence in various countries, working on initiatives like the Zimbabwe Spotlight Initiative and the new UN Joint Programme on gender equality and women's rights in Zimbabwe, which aims to strengthen accountability systems and mechanisms for gender equality.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Programme Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the financial and administrative functions of the UN Women Country Office in Zimbabwe. This position is responsible for executing a wide range of financial services, ensuring compliance with UN Women and EU financial regulations, and providing timely and efficient support for project management. The assistant will work closely with the programme and operations teams to address complex finance and programme-related issues. The role involves budget formulation, monitoring expenditures, preparing financial reports, and ensuring the transparent use of financial resources. The assistant will also contribute to capacity building and knowledge sharing within the organization and with partners, enhancing the overall effectiveness of project implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Programme Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: providing financial support in compliance with UN Women rules; assisting in budget formulation and monitoring expenditures; preparing supporting documents for payments and financial reports; conducting regular spot checks on implementing partners; preparing documents for audits; advising on financial issues; tracking financial resources; monitoring transactions; providing inputs for financial reports; supporting project management through documentation and partner selection; assisting in the development of work plans; organizing workshops and events; maintaining project files; supporting data collection and analysis; contributing to budget management; and organizing training on financial matters for partners. The assistant will also be involved in knowledge sharing and capacity building initiatives, ensuring that lessons learned and best practices are disseminated effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Diploma or intermediate qualification in Business Management, Finance, or Administration. Specialized national or international certification in accounting and finance is considered an asset. A Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting is also advantageous. Successful completion of the UN Women Accounting and Finance Test is required. Candidates should have strong knowledge of financial rules and regulations, accounting principles, and IT tools, as well as the ability to evaluate financial data and present findings meaningfully. Experience in handling web-based management systems is essential, and familiarity with modern ERP systems, particularly Oracle Cloud, is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a completed Diploma or intermediate qualification in Business Management, Finance, or Administration. Specialized certifications in accounting and finance are beneficial, and a Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting is an asset. Additionally, candidates must have successfully completed the UN Women Accounting and Finance Test to qualify for this role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 4 years of progressively responsible work experience in finance. This includes experience in using computers and office software packages, such as MS Word and Excel, as well as spreadsheet and database packages. Experience with web-based management systems is required, and familiarity with EU-funded projects is considered an asset. The role demands a strong understanding of financial management practices and the ability to handle complex financial transactions and reporting.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Additionally, fluency in a local language is desirable, as it may facilitate better communication with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and is based in Harare, Zimbabwe. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or ability. The organization has a rigorous recruitment process that includes background checks and verification of academic credentials and employment history. Candidates are advised to complete all sections of the application form to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.