Programme and Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health and rights agency, was established to expand the possibilities for women and young people to lead healthy and productive lives. It is the lead UN agency focused on ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Since its establishment in 2003, UNFPA Timor-Leste has been instrumental in supporting the Government of Timor-Leste in conducting Census and promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as gender equality. The organization has contributed significantly to establishing basic social services and generating essential socio-demographic data for the country. UNFPA's mission is to support national efforts to achieve universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, aligning with the UNFPA transformative results aimed at ending maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence, particularly focusing on marginalized groups such as women, adolescents, youth, and those living in rural areas.

Job Overview:
The Programme and Finance Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the effective implementation of the UNFPA-Japan funded project by providing integrated programmatic, financial, and administrative support. This position is essential for ensuring accurate financial management, compliance with UNFPA rules and procedures, timely reporting, and smooth coordination between program and operations teams. The assistant will be responsible for monitoring the financial performance of non-core resources, preparing and monitoring program budgets, and ensuring that financial transactions adhere to UNFPA financial rules. The role also involves logistical support for project-related meetings and events, as well as collaboration with various stakeholders to enhance the quality of financial management and reporting. The assistant will contribute to strengthening the internal capacities of UNFPA and its implementing partners to manage funds effectively, thereby supporting the overall mission of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme and Finance Assistant include:

• Monitoring the financial performance of program non-core resources by providing necessary financial information and analysis, including implementation rates against indicators/results.
• Preparing and monitoring program budgets, ensuring financial transactions comply with UNFPA financial rules and procedures.
• Proposing procedures to improve internal controls and efficiency, and responding to audit issues.
• Supporting financial reporting of Implementing Partners and ensuring timely clearance of direct payments.
• Performing quarterly reconciliations of eFACE to OFA and FACE to CDRs, ensuring approvals and proper filing.
• Providing logistical support for project implementation, including coordinating meetings, workshops, and events.
• Collaborating with the IOM and inter-agency HACT working group to ensure quality assurance in planning and implementation.
• Assisting in project management by monitoring expenditures and preparing budget revisions as needed.
• Maintaining an effective financial recording and reporting system, ensuring timely processing of financial transactions. 1
• Reviewing and monitoring charges for common services and cost recovery, ensuring compliance with UNFPA regulations. 1
• Contributing to the capacity building of UNFPA and Implementing Partners in fund management. 1
• Carrying out any other duties as required by UNFPA leadership. Additionally, UN Volunteers are encouraged to engage with communities and promote voluntary action through various activities, including strengthening knowledge of volunteerism, participating in UNV activities, and contributing to local volunteer initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Programme and Finance Assistant position include a strong understanding of operations relevant to UNFPA, technical capabilities or knowledge transferable to UNFPA procedures and rules, and the ability to apply good judgment in various situations. Candidates should demonstrate discretion, political sensitivity, and diplomacy in dealing with clients, as well as the ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, particularly in senior positions. A high degree of autonomy, personal initiative, and resourcefulness are essential, along with the ability to manage information objectively and confidentially. Candidates should also exhibit responsiveness and a client-oriented approach.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Programme and Finance Assistant position should possess a relevant educational background, typically a degree in finance, business administration, or a related field. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the financial management and administrative processes required for the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a certain level of experience in financial management, program support, or administrative roles, preferably within an international organization or a similar context. Experience in monitoring financial performance, preparing budgets, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNFPA procedures and rules would be an advantage.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of UNFPA. Knowledge of local languages spoken in East Timor would be considered an asset, as it would facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the role.

Additional Notes:
The contract for the Programme and Finance Assistant position is for a specified duration, with the possibility of extensions based on funding availability, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. There is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. The position may require travel to the duty station, and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided if the duty station is not within commuting distance from the recruitment location. A monthly Volunteer Living Allowance is provided to cover housing, utilities, and living expenses. Additionally, life, health, and permanent disability insurance are included, along with health insurance for up to three dependents. Final repatriation and resettlement allowances are also provided for satisfactory service. In non-family duty stations classified as hardship categories D or E, a Well-Being Differential (WBD) will be provided monthly.