Finance Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) is part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The NSP is dedicated to enabling a transition towards more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable plant production and protection. Established to address the global challenges of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and environmental sustainability, the NSP integrates various crop production policies and practices to enhance production while safeguarding natural resources. The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), which is a key component of the NSP, is an international agreement involving over 185 contracting parties and 10 regional plant protection organizations. Its mission is to protect cultivated and wild plants from pests, thereby ensuring food security and environmental health. The IPPC Secretariat, hosted by FAO, plays a crucial role in developing and implementing policies and activities that align with the mandates of the IPPC, including the establishment of International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs).

Job Overview:
The Finance Specialist position is integral to the IPPC Secretariat, providing essential technical, strategic, and operational financial and budgetary support. The role is designed to ensure the financial integrity, sustainability, and transparency of global plant health initiatives. The Finance Specialist will work closely with the Executive Management Team of the IPPC Secretariat to ensure that the work plan deliverables are executed successfully. This position requires a strong focus on harmonizing administrative, budgetary, and programming processes to maximize resource utilization and align with the FAO Strategic Framework. The Finance Specialist will also be involved in the development of financial reports and contribute to the overall financial management of the IPPC Secretariat's operations, ensuring compliance with established guidelines and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: coordinating and monitoring financial activities related to the IPPC Secretariat Work Plan and Budget; acting as a liaison between program and finance teams to ensure accuracy and compliance in grant management processes; leading the development of the IPPC Secretariat work plan and budget in collaboration with team leads; monitoring financial management of funds to ensure consistency with approved work plans; preparing cost estimates and budget proposals; extracting and analyzing financial data from FAO corporate systems; evaluating ongoing financial support requirements; developing the annual IPPC Financial Report; coordinating efforts related to sustainable funding solutions; contributing to resource mobilization activities; providing procedural guidance and financial advice to IPPC managers; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university or technical degree relevant to Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. For consultants, an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO is required, along with at least three years of relevant professional experience in finance, accounting, budget management, or financial operations. For PSAs, a university degree is sufficient, but candidates with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant experience. Proven experience in liaising with multiple stakeholders and a working knowledge of English are also essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university or technical degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. For consultants, an advanced degree is preferred, while PSAs can qualify with a bachelor's degree, provided they have the requisite professional experience. The educational qualifications must be from institutions recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of relevant professional experience in finance, accounting, budget management, or financial operations, particularly in project or program contexts. This experience should include proven capabilities in stakeholder engagement and financial management.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the international context of the IPPC.

Additional Notes:
The position is a consultancy role, with assignments ranging from 1 month to 11 months within a 12-month period. Extensions may be possible based on performance and the needs of the IPPC Secretariat. The role is designed for individuals who can work independently with minimal supervision and meet tight deadlines. The position may involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including IPPC governing bodies and partners, and may require participation in resource mobilization activities.