Finance Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is dedicated to eradicating hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. Established in 1945, FAO has grown to include 194 member countries and operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on improving agricultural productivity, ensuring sustainable management of natural resources, and enhancing the livelihoods of rural populations. In Somalia, FAO's mission is to support the national government in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, reducing hunger, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The FAO Representation in Somalia has a diverse portfolio that includes technical support interventions, emergency response, and resilience-building initiatives, with a workforce of nearly 400 staff members across five field offices.

Job Overview:
The Finance Analyst position is crucial for providing comprehensive administrative, financial, and accounting support to the FAO Somalia Office Finance team and the Cash Based Intervention Unit. The role requires a proactive approach to managing financial data, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and maintaining accurate financial records. The Finance Analyst will work under the supervision of the FAO Representative in Somalia and the administration and Finance Specialist, contributing to the effective management of financial resources and supporting the implementation of FAO's programs in the country. The incumbent will be responsible for processing payments, maintaining financial records, and assisting in the preparation of financial reports, thereby playing a key role in the financial operations of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Analyst will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: managing data related to FAO's activities, preparing administrative and financial correspondence, maintaining imprest/petty cash accounts, processing payments, verifying invoices, and ensuring compliance with financial guidelines. The incumbent will also assist in posting invoices in the corporate financial system (GRMS), evaluate payment authorizations, provide training and supervision to finance associates, coordinate beneficiary payments, troubleshoot payment process issues, and ensure timely reconciliations of accounts. Additionally, the Finance Analyst will be responsible for archiving financial documents, approving payments, and performing other duties as required to support the finance team and ensure smooth financial operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field from a recognized institution. A minimum of three years of relevant experience in financial and administrative support is required, preferably within international organizations or development projects. Experience working with the UN system or FAO is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate strong knowledge of finance, accounting, and budget-related activities, as well as familiarity with financial rules and regulations. Proficiency in MS Office applications and ERP systems is also essential.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a relevant field from an accredited institution. Candidates must ensure that their educational qualifications are recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED), which is maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) and UNESCO.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least three years of relevant experience in financial and administrative support roles. Experience within international organizations, particularly in the UN system or FAO, is highly desirable. The candidate should demonstrate a strong understanding of financial processes and regulations, as well as the ability to apply analytical skills in financial management.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of English and Somali is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication within the diverse environment of FAO.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve full-time work, and candidates are encouraged to visit the FAO employment website for additional opportunities. It is important to note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from recognized institutions.