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 the resources and mandates of 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 communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate position at UN Women Nigeria Country Office is crucial for the execution of a wide range of financial services and administrative processes. The role is designed to ensure the timely, efficient, and transparent use of financial resources in accordance with organizational financial rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. The Finance Associate will work under the guidance of the Country Representative and the Operations Manager, promoting a client-oriented approach consistent with UN Women’s standards. This position involves close collaboration with the Operations Team in the Country Office and with the Operations and Programme teams in the Regional Office and HQ to address complex finance-related issues. The Finance Associate will implement financial strategies, adapt processes, and ensure compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Associate will be responsible for a variety of tasks including ensuring compliance with UN Women financial regulations, reviewing and verifying financial transactions, monitoring financial exceptions, and providing assistance in the planning of financial resources. Specific duties include preparing and administering CO budgets, tracking financial resources, preparing cost recovery documents, managing petty cash funds, and providing finance support to Programme and Operations teams. The role also involves preparing financial reports, assisting with audits, and facilitating knowledge sharing and capacity building within the organization. The Finance Associate will be expected to supervise and guide staff, conduct training, and contribute to financial business operational practices and management innovations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of financial rules and regulations, accounting principles, and IT tools. They should have excellent skills in spreadsheet and database management, as well as the ability to administer and execute financial processes. A specialized national or international certification in accounting and finance is an asset, along with a Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting. Successful completion of the UN Women Accounting and Finance Test is required as part of the selection process.

Educational Background:
Completion of secondary education is required for this position. A specialized certification in accounting and finance is considered an asset, and a Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting is also advantageous. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional development in financial management.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in finance, with a strong background in the usage of computers and office software packages, including MS Word and Excel. Experience with web-based management systems is required, and familiarity with modern web-based ERP systems, preferably Oracle Cloud, is desirable. Previous finance experience within the UN system or international organizations is also a plus.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational needs. 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.