Inventory Accounting and Control Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established to address global population issues, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to promote reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and sustainable development. The organization emphasizes the importance of data and evidence in policy-making and program implementation, aiming to improve the lives of women and girls worldwide. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 highlights its commitment to ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence, while also addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on reproductive health services. The Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU), operational since January 2022, is self-funded and plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective delivery of life-saving reproductive health products and supplies.

Job Overview:
The Inventory Accounting and Control Assistant position is situated within the Inventory Accounting and Control Team of the Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU) at UNFPA. This role is pivotal in supporting the Inventory Accounting and Control Manager in ensuring effective day-to-day operations through the application of inventory control mechanisms and processing transactions in line with established procedures. The Assistant will collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including other SCMU colleagues, finance branches, regional offices, country offices, and external partners. The position requires a proactive approach to inventory management, ensuring compliance with UNFPA policies and procedures, and contributing to the overall efficiency of the supply chain. The Assistant will also engage in capacity strengthening initiatives and support knowledge sharing within the organization, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of UNFPA's supply chain operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Inventory Accounting and Control Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks aimed at supporting the Inventory Accounting and Control Manager, including:

• Strategic Leadership and Management: Conducting cost accounting reviews and analyses, ensuring accurate and timely recording of inventory transactions in UNFPA’s ERP system, assisting with periodic account closures and year-end processes for Prepositioned Stock, and checking compliance with inventory management policies in Country Offices.
• Capacity Strengthening: Supporting the implementation of UNFPA's capacity-strengthening initiatives to enhance the skills and capabilities of partners and stakeholders.
• Thought Leadership and Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to an environment of knowledge retention and sharing by incorporating best practices into daily activities and supporting improved supply chain execution.
• Partnerships and Resource Mobilization: Assisting with the preparation of resource mobilization proposals for SCMU, primarily through data collection and analysis, and maintaining effective collaboration with supply chain partners.
• Collaboration and Representation: Attending and participating in SCMU and UNFPA meetings related to supply chain management functions, and maintaining relationships with supply chain partners to increase efficiency.
• Additional Duties: Carrying out any other responsibilities as assigned by the Chief of SCMU.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, inventory management, accounting, and control, or a related area. This requirement is reduced to two years for candidates with a relevant first-level or advanced university degree. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain diverse partnerships are essential. Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is required, along with professional written and spoken presentation skills. Candidates should also have the ability to synthesize complex supply chain documents for both technical and non-technical audiences. Familiarity with UNFPA’s strategic plans and operational frameworks is advantageous, as is basic knowledge of sexual and reproductive health commodities in global development.

Educational Background:
Completion of secondary education is required for this position. A university degree at the Bachelor level in accounting, finance, supply chain management, business administration, international commerce, or a related field is considered an asset. Additionally, a professional Supply Chain Management certification such as Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) at Level 3 or Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT-UK) at Level 3 would be beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in financial management, inventory management, accounting, and control. However, this requirement can be reduced to two years for candidates who hold a relevant first-level or advanced university degree. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of progressively responsible experience and possess strong interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics.