Finance Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to its mission. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, which underscores its commitment to humanitarian work and the importance of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security globally. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and beneficiaries. The organization invests in the professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Job Overview:
The Finance Officer position at WFP is crucial for supporting the organization's financial and resource management strategies. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Finance & Management Services, contributing to the development of country-specific financial plans and processes that align with WFP's regional and global strategies. This role involves analyzing financial data, monitoring budgets for projects, and ensuring compliance with corporate governance requirements. The Finance Officer will also be responsible for performing bank reconciliations, managing cash flow, and providing administrative support to ensure effective management of funds. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improving financial policies and systems, as well as delivering financial controls and insights into WFP's performance. The Finance Officer will engage with various stakeholders, including financial authorities and other UN agencies, to ensure compliance and support organizational accountability. This role is integral to ensuring that WFP can effectively respond to emergencies and deliver assistance to those in need.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support corporate finance and resource management strategies and major ongoing programmatic initiatives, utilizing finance and resource management expertise.
• Contribute to the development of country-specific plans and processes aligned with WFP's regional and wider strategies to meet food assistance needs.
• Analyze and report on key financial data, ensuring compliance with corporate governance requirements.
• Monitor and analyze budgets for new and ongoing projects, adhering to established corporate procedures.
• Perform bank reconciliations, manage disbursements, and oversee cash management and monthly financial closures.
• Deliver core administrative services, ensuring cost-effective and timely support to WFP staff.
• Undertake basic human resource functions related to staff benefits and recruitment.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial reports to support management decision-making.
• Identify opportunities for policy and procedural improvements to minimize financial risks. 1
• Conduct periodic risk assessments to identify potential audit and compliance risks. 1
• Guide and supervise junior staff, providing support for complex analyses. 1
• Represent the unit at internal and external meetings with partners and financial institutions. 1
• Follow emergency preparedness practices to ensure rapid response capabilities. 1
• Engage with financial authorities to ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks. 1
• Maintain partnerships with fiscal authorities for timely VAT reimbursement claims. 1
• Perform any other tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University Degree (Master's or equivalent) in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of overall experience is required, including at least 4 years of professional experience in finance or related fields, with a minimum of 3 years post-graduation experience. Professional certification from an internationally recognized accountancy body, such as ACCA or CPA, is desirable but not mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

Educational Background:
The position requires an Advanced University Degree (Master's or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Finance, Business Administration, or Accounting. This educational background is essential for understanding complex financial concepts and practices necessary for effective resource management within WFP.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 7 years of overall experience in finance or related fields, with a minimum of 4 years in a managerial or supervisory role. Within this experience, at least 3 years must be post-graduation, demonstrating a solid track record of financial management and resource allocation in a professional setting.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written English and Bangla is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a Fixed Term contract for a duration of 12 months, based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It is specifically open to Bangladeshi Nationals. WFP offers a competitive benefits package, including salary, leave, and medical insurance. All application documents will be verified, and discrepancies may lead to disqualification. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Candidates are encouraged to ensure their application profiles are complete and accurate, including employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified, and all employment decisions are based on organizational needs and individual qualifications.