National UN Volunteer Senior Finance Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a prominent organization within the UN Development System, dedicated to sustainable development. Established to integrate collective action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNDP operates globally, leveraging local knowledge and global perspectives to advocate for sustainable practices. The organization invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), which encompasses a wide range of technical expertise to support its strategic objectives. UNDP's mission is to promote sustainable development through effective policy work at various levels, including headquarters, regional, and country offices. The organization has a significant presence in numerous countries, working collaboratively with national and international partners to enhance development outcomes.

Job Overview:
The position of National UN Volunteer Senior Finance Expert is crucial for supporting the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) in strengthening its financial management systems. This role is part of the UNDP's Strengthening Ethiopia Elections for Sustainable Democracy (SEEDS2) project, which aims to enhance NEBE's capacity in preparation for the upcoming 2026 General Elections. The Senior Finance Expert will provide financial expertise for a one-year term, focusing on effective planning, budgeting, expenditure control, financial reporting, compliance, and risk management. The expert will conduct analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis, develop budgets, and ensure adherence to national financial regulations, thereby contributing to the transparency and efficiency of NEBE's operations. This position requires a strategic approach to financial planning and collaboration with various departments to meet the financial needs of NEBE.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Finance Expert will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Financial Planning and Budgeting: Develop and oversee the preparation of annual and multi-year budgets for NEBE's finance department, monitor budget implementation, and provide variance analysis with actionable recommendations.
• Financial Analysis: Conduct in-depth financial analysis, including variance analysis, and provide insights to support strategic decision-making processes.
• Financial Reporting: Reconcile ledgers with bank statements, prepare detailed financial reports, and assist in presenting these reports to senior management and stakeholders.
• Strategic Financial Planning: Assist in developing financial strategies aligned with NEBE's goals and provide strategic financial advice and scenario analysis.
• Expenditure Management: Analyze expenses across programs, identify inefficient budget utilization, and ensure effective budget implementation.
• Financial Risk Management: Identify financial risks, assess their potential impacts, and develop risk mitigation strategies.
• Financial Compliance: Ensure compliance with financial regulations and coordinate with auditors during audits.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with other departments to understand financial needs and provide necessary support.
• Expected Outputs: Develop annual budgets, monitor implementation, prepare financial analysis reports, ensure compliance, and strengthen financial coordination mechanisms.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in finance, accounting, or a related field. They should have a thorough understanding of financial management principles, budgeting processes, and financial reporting standards. Experience in the public sector or with international organizations is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly. Proficiency in financial software and tools is also required, along with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field is required. A master's degree or professional certification (such as CPA or ACCA) is preferred and would be an asset for candidates applying for this position.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in financial management, budgeting, and financial reporting. Experience working with governmental or non-governmental organizations, particularly in the context of electoral processes or public finance, is highly advantageous. Familiarity with the Ethiopian financial regulatory environment and experience in capacity-building initiatives would be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of the UN. Proficiency in Amharic or other local languages is considered an asset and would enhance communication with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national UN Volunteer assignment, which means that the selected candidate will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The contract duration is for one year, with the possibility of extension based on project needs and performance. The UN Volunteer will be part of the malicious insurance plan and is encouraged to review the full entitlements at the duty station. The living conditions in Addis Ababa are generally favorable, with a large expatriate community and access to various amenities, although some infrastructure challenges exist.