Programme Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance the impact of gender equality and women's empowerment initiatives. The organization merges the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women Somalia specifically focuses on advancing gender equality and women's empowerment by supporting government institutions, civil society, and communities, with a focus on key priorities such as Women, Peace and Security, Women's Economic Empowerment, and gender-responsive humanitarian action.

Job Overview:
The Programme Finance Associate plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Strengthening the Resilience of Displaced and Host Communities in Dolow (SRDHT) programme, which is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and implemented in collaboration with various UN agencies. The associate will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist and closely with the Programme Officer for Women's Economic Empowerment and Operations teams. The primary responsibilities include providing programme, administrative, and logistical support to ensure effective delivery of the programme. This includes managing financial processes, documentation, and coordination with partners, while ensuring compliance with UN Women rules and regulations. The role also involves contributing to joint programme coordination processes and assisting in monitoring and reporting activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Finance Associate is responsible for implementing financial strategies and adapting processes in compliance with UN Women regulations. Key duties include reviewing and verifying financial transactions, monitoring financial resources management systems, maintaining internal expenditure control systems, and supporting month-end and year-end financial closure processes. The associate will prepare and administer budgets, collect and verify financial data, and monitor expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budgets. Additionally, the associate will provide finance support to the Programme and Operations teams, prepare financial transactions, and maintain proper follow-up of advances to implementing partners. The role also includes preparing cost recovery documentation, supporting resource mobilization efforts, and facilitating knowledge building and sharing through training activities and the dissemination of best practices in financial management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a minimum of secondary education, with specialized national or international certification in accounting and finance considered an asset. A Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting is desirable. Successful completion of the UN Women Accounting and Finance Test is required as part of the selection process. Candidates should possess excellent knowledge of financial rules and regulations, accounting principles, and IT tools, as well as the ability to administer and execute financial processes and transactions effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes completion of secondary education as a minimum requirement. Specialized certification in accounting and finance is an asset, while a Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting is desirable. Candidates must also successfully complete the UN Women Accounting and Finance Test as part of the selection process.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in finance. This includes experience in using computers and office software packages, as well as spreadsheet and database packages. Experience in handling web-based management systems is required, and familiarity with a modern web-based ERP System, preferably Oracle Cloud, is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, along with knowledge of the Somali language. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered desirable.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves working in Somalia. UN Women is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and adheres to a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form are completed to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.