Administrative and Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every individual has access to reproductive health services and the ability to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. The organization is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls, which is reflected in its strategic initiatives and programs. UNFPA's mission is to support countries in achieving their development goals, particularly in relation to population and development, reproductive health, and gender equality. The organization employs thousands of staff members worldwide, all dedicated to advancing human rights and improving the lives of individuals and communities.

Job Overview:
The Administrative and Finance Associate will play a crucial role in supporting the financial and administrative needs of the EU-funded Joint Programme on Women’s Economic Empowerment in Uzbekistan. This position involves working closely with project staff, including the Communications Analyst and implementing partners, while also coordinating with the UNFPA Brussels Office as necessary. The Associate will be responsible for delivering effective administrative, financial, and logistical services in accordance with UNFPA policies and EU regulations. This role is vital for ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and supporting project planning, financial transactions, procurement, travel arrangements, partner coordination, and documentation. The Associate will contribute to fostering an inclusive economic environment for women in Uzbekistan by enabling access to decent work, education, and entrepreneurship opportunities, thereby enhancing their economic independence and well-being.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Financial Management and Transactions: The Associate will assist in preparing and monitoring annual and quarterly budgets and expenditure reports, maintain accurate financial records, and ensure timely processing of financial transactions in compliance with UNFPA and EU procedures. Responsibilities include preparing payment requests, vouchers, and other documentation in Quantum (ERP), monitoring budget utilization, supporting donor financial report preparation, and ensuring compliance with cost-sharing agreements. The Associate will also follow up on outstanding payments and monitor partner financial reporting to ensure documentation is complete and expenditures align with approved budgets.
• Administrative and Operational Support: The Associate will organize and manage travel arrangements, DSA payments, and travel claims for project staff, partners, and consultants. They will provide logistical and administrative support for meetings, workshops, study tours, and field missions, draft routine correspondence and meeting minutes, and maintain the project filing system. Additionally, the Associate will support procurement and contracting processes, including preparation of RFQs/RFPs and vendor creation.
• Support to Programme Implementation and Coordination: The Associate will liaise with implementing partners, vendors, and government counterparts to ensure timely submission of deliverables and financial reports. They will monitor the implementation status of activities, provide updates to the Project Coordinator, and support the compilation and formatting of reports and presentations for stakeholders. The Associate will also assist with monitoring visits and data collection related to implementation tracking and evaluations. Other Duties (10%): The Associate will ensure compliance with UNFPA’s operational rules and EU donor regulations, support internal and external audit processes, and undertake any other administrative or financial tasks as assigned by the Project Coordinator or the UNFPA Operations team.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires completed Secondary Education as a minimum, with a university degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field considered an asset. Candidates should have a minimum of six years of relevant experience in operations or administrative functions, including at least two years in finance or accounting. Proven experience in managing and implementing financial policies, processes, and systems in development organizations or the private sector is essential. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word, is required, along with experience using ERP systems such as PeopleSoft, Oracle, or SAP. Candidates should possess the ability to interpret financial rules and regulations and explain them clearly and concisely, with working experience in UN organizations or other international development organizations being desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed Secondary Education, with a university degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field being an asset. This educational background is crucial for understanding the financial and administrative functions required in this role and for effectively managing the financial resources of the project.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of relevant experience in operations or administrative functions, with at least two years specifically in finance or accounting. Candidates should have a proven track record in managing financial policies and processes within development organizations or the private sector, demonstrating their capability to handle the financial responsibilities of the role effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English, Uzbek, and Russian is required for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with project staff, partners, and stakeholders, ensuring that all financial and administrative tasks are carried out smoothly and efficiently.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization is committed to ensuring gender parity and encourages women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA is dedicated to equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.