Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting is for a position within the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), an organization established to protect and support refugees and displaced persons worldwide. UNHCR's mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring they find safe refuge and can rebuild their lives. The organization operates in over 130 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to humanitarian efforts. UNHCR's core values include professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity, which guide their operations and interactions with displaced populations.

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate position is a critical role within the UNHCR, primarily responsible for assisting in the processing of financial transactions and maintaining accurate financial records. The incumbent will work under the supervision of a senior finance colleague, who will provide guidance and define general work objectives. This role requires frequent communication with various staff levels and bank officials to ensure the smooth operation of financial processes. The Finance Associate will be expected to adhere to UNHCR's regulatory framework, including the UN Charter and relevant policies, while demonstrating accountability in their duties. The position also involves supporting risk management and decision-making processes related to financial operations, ensuring compliance with UNHCR rules and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Associate will be tasked with maintaining financial records and monitoring systems to accurately record and reconcile expenditures, balances, payments, and other financial data. Responsibilities include selecting and entering data from various documents, preparing recurring and special reports for budget preparation and audits, and advising staff on financial matters such as allowances and travel claims. The incumbent will liaise with local bank officials to stay updated on exchange rates and banking procedures, prepare detailed cost estimates, and verify the accuracy of financial transactions. Additionally, the Finance Associate will support risk identification and management, ensuring that any issues are raised to supervisors or relevant colleagues. Other related duties may be assigned as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high level of IT affinity, particularly with MS Office applications and financial management systems such as PeopleSoft. Knowledge of UN/UNHCR financial rules and procedures is essential, along with completion of relevant UNHCR learning programs or training. The position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage high-volume workloads effectively. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and integrity in their work, as well as the ability to handle ad-hoc tasks under pressure.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a High School Diploma with three years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree with two years of relevant work experience. While specific fields of education are not applicable, certifications in Accounting, Business Administration, or Finance are considered essential for this role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of relevant experience in finance or accounting, with a preference for those who have worked in high-volume transaction environments. Experience in payroll functions and familiarity with financial rules and regulations, particularly in the context of the UN or humanitarian sectors, is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing financial operations and resolving discrepancies efficiently.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, along with knowledge of the UN working language of the duty station, which in this case is Ukrainian. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language is required, and familiarity with local languages is advantageous. Candidates are expected to demonstrate at least a B2 level of overall ability in the required languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS6 grade level, with a regular assignment type. The target start date for the position is September 2, 2025, and the application deadline is October 21, 202

• The role is based in Kyiv, Ukraine, with a residential location in Budapest, Hungary. The position does not require functional clearance and may involve hardship considerations due to the nature of the work environment. The selection process may include a written test, and candidates should be prepared for assessments related to their financial expertise.