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 resources and mandates from four previously distinct parts of the UN system, focusing exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment. 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, employing a workforce that reflects the diversity of the world and ensuring mutual respect among all employees.

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate position is crucial for the UN Women West & Central Africa Regional Office, where the incumbent will be responsible for executing a wide range of financial services and administrative processes. This role involves ensuring the timely, efficient, and transparent use of financial resources while adhering to the organization's financial rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. The Finance Associate will work closely with both the Regional Office and Headquarters operations teams to resolve complex financial and reporting issues. The position requires a client-oriented approach and the ability to implement financial strategies, adapt processes, and maintain compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). The Finance Associate will also be involved in financial planning, budget formulation, and monitoring expenditures to ensure that resources are utilized effectively and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Associate will perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to: implementing financial strategies and adapting processes for expenditure recording and financial reporting; ensuring compliance with UN Women's financial rules and regulations; reviewing and verifying financial transactions and records; monitoring financial exception reports for unusual activities; assisting in the planning of financial resources and formulating work plans and budgets; providing advice on financial issues; monitoring the functioning of financial resource management systems; preparing and administering office budgets; creating projects in Atlas and preparing budget revisions; managing petty cash; reviewing accounts receivable for UN Women projects; preparing financial reports for donors; and participating in internal and external audits. The role also involves providing administrative support for resource mobilization and facilitating knowledge development and sharing within the organization.

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

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes completion of secondary education as a minimum requirement. Specialized certification in accounting and finance is an asset, while a Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting is highly desirable. Candidates must also successfully complete the UN Women Accounting and Finance Test as part of the selection process.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in finance. This experience should include proficiency in using computers and office software packages, such as MS Word and Excel, as well as experience with web-based management systems. Familiarity with modern web-based 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, while proficiency in English is desirable. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is also considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve working in a diverse and inclusive environment. UN Women is committed to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the world and promotes mutual respect among all employees. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form are completed to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.