Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. The organization works in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. FAO's strategic framework is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The organization is committed to environmental sustainability, which is integral to its strategic objectives and operations.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant plays a crucial role in the Finance Division (CSF) at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy. This position involves performing a variety of routine administrative and financial duties that support the control and maintenance of accounts, as well as the processing of finance, accounting, and budget-related transactions. The incumbent is expected to exercise sound judgment, identify errors, and support best practices in financial management. The Finance Assistant operates independently in routine matters, with supervision focused on the quality of work performed, allowing for on-the-job learning. This role is essential for ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of financial support services within the organization, contributing to the overall output of the work unit.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant is responsible for a comprehensive set of duties that include processing claims or invoices and other payment requests in accordance with relevant regulations and instructions. The incumbent must ensure that all supporting documents and information required to justify payments, such as receipts and banking details, are complete before releasing payments. Additionally, the Finance Assistant is tasked with settling invoices and claims after verifying supporting documents, compiling and verifying budget and accounting data, and assisting in the preparation of periodic accounting records and finance documents. The role also involves recording receipts and disbursements, reconciling data for reports, maintaining contacts with local banks, verifying account status and currency exchange rates, and obtaining approval for cheque clearance. Other duties may be assigned as required, emphasizing the importance of the incumbent's work in impacting the efficiency of financial support services.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary school education as a minimum requirement. Additionally, three years of relevant experience in finance or budget-related support work is essential. The role requires a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English, as well as good knowledge of MS Office applications and office technology equipment. Candidates should also demonstrate competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. Technical skills in financial rules and regulations, accounting policies, and corporate financial systems are also necessary for success in this position.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Finance Assistant position includes at least a secondary school education. This foundational education is critical for understanding the financial and administrative tasks associated with the role, as well as for effectively navigating the financial regulations and policies that govern the work of the FAO.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in finance or budget-related support work. This experience is vital for the Finance Assistant to effectively manage the financial transactions and support services required by the organization. Candidates should have a proven track record of performing similar duties in a professional setting, demonstrating their ability to handle financial data accurately and efficiently.

Languages:
A working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, it is desirable for candidates to have intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of one of the other official FAO languages, which include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This multilingual capability can enhance communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of the FAO.

Additional Notes:
The Finance Assistant position is classified under the General Service Staff category, which means that candidates must be nationals of Italy or possess an existing visa/work permit and reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of application. This requirement ensures that the selected candidate can easily travel to and from the workplace. The role is full-time, and the successful candidate will be expected to engage in a variety of financial tasks that contribute to the overall mission of the FAO.