Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of eradicating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's vision for its workforce is one of diversity, commitment, and high performance, ensuring that teams are selected based on merit and operate in an inclusive environment that reflects WFP's core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP has received numerous accolades for its work, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, and continues to strive for excellence in humanitarian assistance.

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate position at WFP involves providing technical support to staff and operations within the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) finance and budget areas. The role is crucial for ensuring compliance with WFP financial policies, rules, and regulations. The Finance Associate will participate in the application of financial policies and procedures, contributing to the improvement of internal processes and corporate systems. This position requires monitoring monthly expenditure forecasts, maintaining financial records, and ensuring timely processing of payments. The Finance Associate will also represent the UNHAS Finance section in meetings and events, making it essential for the candidate to possess strong communication and interpersonal skills. The role is designed for individuals who are detail-oriented and capable of managing multiple tasks efficiently while adhering to WFP's standards and guidelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Associate will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing technical support to staff and operations in UNHAS finance and budget areas.
• Ensuring compliance with WFP financial policies and procedures.
• Contributing to the improvement of internal processes and corporate systems.
• Monitoring monthly expenditure forecasts and preparing expenditure reports.
• Regularly monitoring sub-Imprest bank and petty cash accounts.
• Verifying vendor claims and ensuring timely payments to suppliers.
• Maintaining a web-based register for invoices and payment transfers.
• Performing bank reconciliations and managing overall cash and receivables.
• Generating customer invoices and following up on payments. 1
• Representing the Finance section at internal and external meetings as required. 1
• Performing other related duties as necessary to support the finance team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Secondary School Education or a University Degree (Diploma/Bachelor) in accounting, finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have a strong understanding of financial policies and procedures, as well as experience in financial management and reporting. Proficiency in financial software and tools is also required, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and possess excellent communication skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes the completion of Secondary School Education or a University Degree (Diploma/Bachelor) in accounting, finance, Business Administration, or any other related field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of financial management and compliance within the WFP framework.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five (5) years of relevant professional work experience if they possess a Secondary School Certificate, or a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience if they hold a University Degree (Diploma/Bachelor's). This experience should be in finance, budget planning, or a related field that is necessary for the specific role. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing financial processes and ensuring compliance with organizational policies.

Languages:
Fluent knowledge (proficiency/level C) of English and Somali is mandatory for this position. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to qualified Somali national candidates only, and female candidates are highly encouraged to apply. WFP Somalia offers female-friendly spaces in the workplace to promote inclusivity. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a dynamic work environment that supports personal and professional development. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for applications or recruitment processes, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.