Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's core functions include providing global health leadership, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries, and monitoring and assessing health trends. The WHO Country Office in Ukraine works closely with national authorities to achieve the highest standard of health as a fundamental human right, emphasizing equity and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant position at the WHO Country Office in Ukraine is crucial for providing financial and accounting support to ensure adherence to WHO financial rules, regulations, and policies. The role involves managing financial documentation, records, and reporting, as well as cash and advance reconciliations. The Finance Assistant will assist the Administrative Officer by performing specialized tasks to ensure accurate information is recorded in the accounting system. This position requires a proactive approach to financial management, ensuring efficient operations in support of project and program activities. The Finance Assistant will act as the focal point for managing Imprest accounts, overseeing cash and bank balances, and monitoring financial transactions. The role also includes preparing financial reports for management, supporting planning and budgeting exercises, and providing capacity building to colleagues in the Country Office.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will perform a variety of specialized finance functions, including: acting as the focal point for the management of Imprest accounts; overseeing financial documentation and reporting; monitoring income and expenditure; organizing vendor payments; maintaining regular contacts with national banks; monitoring availability of funds for project budgets; providing support during planning and evaluation exercises; preparing financial reports; establishing an online monitoring tool for collaboration oversight; reviewing and analyzing expenditure data; providing capacity building and training to colleagues; acting as the focal point for VAT aspects; and providing backup for other finance assistants during their absence. The Finance Assistant will also be responsible for ensuring timely reconciliation of VAT refunds and advising on tax regulations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a completion of secondary school or equivalent technical or commercial school. A higher education degree in business, accounting, or finance is desirable. Essential qualifications include at least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting or finance, with a preference for experience in an international environment or institution, particularly within WHO or the UN. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of accountancy principles and information technology, particularly in extracting information from financial databases and using Excel spreadsheets effectively.

Educational Background:
The essential educational requirement for this position is the completion of secondary school or an equivalent technical or commercial school. A desirable qualification is a higher education degree from a recognized college or university in business, accounting, or finance, which would provide a strong foundation for the financial responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting or finance. Experience in an international environment or institution is desirable, particularly relevant experience within WHO or the UN. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing financial operations and providing financial support in a complex organizational setting.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English and Ukrainian is essential for this position. A working knowledge of other official WHO/EURO, WHO, and/or UN languages is considered desirable, as it would enhance communication and collaboration within the organization and with international partners.

Additional Notes:
The position offers an attractive remuneration package, including an annual net base salary starting at USD 25,364, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. The role includes 30 days of annual leave. This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test or asynchronous video assessment may be used as part of the screening process. Candidates must provide scanned copies of required degrees and certificates, and WHO only considers higher educational qualifications from accredited institutions. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The position is subject to local recruitment, and candidates must confirm vaccination as required by WHO before undertaking assignments.