National Professional Officer (Finance)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to its strategic objectives and operations, focusing on improving agricultural productivity, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable management of natural resources.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer (Finance) position is located within the FAO Shared Services Centre (SSC) in Budapest, Hungary. This role is pivotal in providing effective and efficient administrative support in the area of finance. The officer will report to the SSC Finance Officer, Head of Finance Unit, and will be responsible for advising and supporting the Head of SSC Finance Unit in all areas of finance and accounting. The position requires a strong focus on programme administration and financial management, including accounting, ensuring compliance with organizational rules and regulations, and leading the creation and maintenance of Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs). The officer will also monitor performance management within the finance function and coordinate training and process improvement initiatives, making it essential for the candidate to possess a blend of technical skills and interpersonal competencies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Professional Officer (Finance) include advising on and supporting the Head of SSC Finance Unit in all finance and accounting areas, supervising an operational team in banking, accounts payable, assets, and bank reconciliation, and participating in work planning within the SSC. The officer will ensure that financial transactions comply with organizational rules and regulations, act as a certifying officer, and lead the creation and maintenance of SOPs in relevant areas. Additionally, the officer will monitor the performance management of the finance function, ensuring timely completion of tasks within established Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and tracking relevant statistics. The role also involves coordinating the development of training materials, promoting best practices, and collaborating with Decentralized Offices and the Finance Division on process improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be nationals of Hungary and possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a field related to business or public administration, along with three years of relevant experience in office management, administration, accounting, and/or audit, budget, or finance. Alternatively, candidates with a first-level university degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field, along with five years of relevant experience and a professional qualification in accountancy (CA, CPA, ACCA) or investment professional (CFA) are also eligible. Proficiency in English and Hungarian is mandatory, with a working knowledge (level C) required for both languages.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, or a first-level university degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field. Candidates with professional qualifications in accountancy or investment are also preferred, highlighting the importance of formal education in finance and management for this role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in office management, administration, accounting, and/or audit, budget, or finance if they hold an advanced degree. Those with a first-level university degree must have at least five years of relevant experience. Experience in finance, business analysis, banking, and accounting, as well as payment processing and reconciliation, is essential. Experience in a shared services or business support center is highly desirable, indicating the need for practical experience in similar environments.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Hungarian is mandatory for this position, with a working knowledge (level C) required for both languages. Additionally, intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish is highly desirable, reflecting the international nature of the organization and the need for multilingual communication.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role based in Budapest, Hungary, and is open to nationals of Hungary. The job entails a significant level of responsibility and requires a commitment to the principles of the FAO, including environmental sustainability and service excellence. The role may involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including Decentralized Offices and the Finance Division, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and effective communication in achieving organizational goals.