Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is an organization established in July 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly, with the mission of promoting gender equality and empowering women. It was created as part of the UN reform agenda to consolidate resources and mandates for greater impact in the area of gender equality. UN Women merges the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM. The organization operates globally, with a specific focus on various regions, including Eastern and Southern Africa, where it provides strategic direction and operational oversight to Country Offices. UN Women is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs, regardless of race, gender, or other characteristics.

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate position at UN Women is a critical role that involves providing financial transaction processing and accounting support. The incumbent will be responsible for processing financial transactions in the Quantum system, ensuring compliance with UN Women’s rules and regulations. This includes managing vouchers, advances, reimbursements, and travel claims while maintaining accurate financial records. The Finance Associate will also assist in budget monitoring and program implementation by tracking expenditures and providing financial information to program teams. Additionally, the role involves supporting financial reporting and closure processes, ensuring timely submission of financial information to headquarters and the Virtual Global Service Centre. The Finance Associate will play a key role in supporting implementing partner financial management, ensuring that advances and liquidations are processed in accordance with UN Women policies. The position also requires supporting audit and compliance requirements, preparing documentation for audits, and following up on audit recommendations. Overall, the Finance Associate will contribute to the efficient functioning of the office and the organization by sharing knowledge on financial procedures and performing other finance-related duties as necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Associate will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Financial Transaction Processing: Process financial transactions in Quantum, including vouchers, advances, reimbursements, and travel claims. Ensure accuracy and completeness of supporting documentation. Identify and escalate unposted vouchers and budget check errors. Maintain accurate financial records and filing systems.
• Budget Monitoring: Assist in tracking program and project expenditures and commitments. Provide routine financial information to program teams.
• Financial Reporting: Assist in preparing internal financial reports and summaries. Support month-end and year-end closure processes. Ensure timely submission of financial information to HQ Finance and VGSC.
• Implementing Partner Financial Management: Track and process implementing partner advances and liquidations. Check financial reports for completeness and accuracy. Follow up on outstanding advances and escalate discrepancies.
• Audit and Compliance: Support audit preparation by organizing financial documentation. Provide support in response to audit queries. Follow up on the implementation of audit recommendations.
• Knowledge Sharing: Share information on financial procedures and Quantum processes. Perform other finance-related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A project/programme management certification such as PMP®, PRINCE2®, or MSP® is considered an added advantage. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, knowledge of results-based management, and the ability to synthesize program performance data. Familiarity with UN program management systems and basic accounting procedures is essential, along with experience using ERP systems, preferably Quantum. A client-oriented approach and the ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. A first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree if accompanied by two additional years of relevant experience. Additional certifications in project or program management are advantageous.

Experience:
At least one year of relevant experience in finance, accounting, or financial operations is required. Candidates should have experience in financial transaction processing and basic reporting support. Proficiency in using ERP systems and Excel is mandatory, while experience in the UN system or an international organization is considered an asset. Familiarity with office software packages and web-based management systems is also necessary.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile for the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working in a diverse and inclusive environment. UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and expects all selected candidates to adhere to its policies and procedures. Background checks will be conducted to verify academic credentials and employment history. Candidates must ensure that all sections of the application form are completed to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.