Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance the impact of gender equality and women's empowerment initiatives. The organization merges the resources and mandates of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues. 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, promoting mutual respect, and ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need. UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination.

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate position at UN Women is crucial for the execution of a wide range of financial services and administrative processes within the Country Office. The role is designed to ensure the timely, efficient, and transparent use of financial resources while adhering to organizational financial rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. The Finance Associate will work under the guidance of the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of Financial Management at Headquarters and will be supervised daily by the Operations Manager. This position requires a client-oriented approach and involves close collaboration with both the Programme and Operations Teams, as well as with the Operations and Programme teams at UN Women HQ. The Finance Associate will be responsible for implementing financial strategies, monitoring financial transactions, preparing reports, and providing financial advice and solutions to complex issues. The role also includes budget preparation, cost recovery, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Associate will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties including: implementing financial strategies in compliance with UN Women rules and regulations; reviewing and verifying financial transactions and documentation; monitoring financial exceptions and investigating anomalies; drafting financial status reports; assisting in the planning of financial resources; providing advice on financial issues; monitoring the financial resources management system; preparing and administering CO budgets; tracking expenditures; preparing cost recovery documents; managing petty cash funds; providing finance support to the Programme and Operations team; monitoring accounts receivables; preparing purchase orders; ensuring compliance with donor agreements; facilitating knowledge building and sharing; and participating in audits. The Finance Associate will also be expected to conduct training events and compile lessons learned in financial management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a completion of secondary education as a minimum requirement. Specialized national or international certification in accounting and finance is considered an asset, while a Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting is also advantageous. Successful completion of the UN Women Accounting and Finance Test is required as part of the selection process. Candidates should demonstrate strong knowledge of financial rules and regulations, accounting principles, and IT tools, as well as the ability to administer and execute financial processes effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Finance Associate position includes at least a secondary education. Specialized certification in accounting and finance is an asset, and a Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting is preferred. Additionally, candidates must successfully complete the UN Women Accounting and Finance Test as part of the selection process.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible experience in finance. Experience in using computers and office software packages, particularly MS Word and Excel, is essential. Familiarity with web-based management systems and modern ERP systems, preferably Oracle Cloud, is desirable. The role requires a strong understanding of financial management practices and the ability to handle complex financial transactions and reporting.

Languages:
Fluency in French is required for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable, which would enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
The Finance Associate position is a full-time role based in Dakar, Senegal. The organization is committed to recruiting internationally and values diversity and inclusion in its workforce. Candidates should be prepared for rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. UN Women emphasizes the importance of completing all sections of the application form to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.