Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations 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 has a mission to promote the right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly in the areas of reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and population dynamics. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2026-2029 outlines its response to a complex global environment, emphasizing resilience and renewal through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending unmet needs for family planning, preventing maternal deaths, eliminating gender-based violence, and adapting to demographic changes.

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate position is situated within the Global Monitoring and Advisory Team (GMAT) of the Finance Branch in the Division for Management Services. This role is pivotal in providing guidance and oversight for financial management to UNFPA field offices, regional offices, and headquarters. The Finance Branch is responsible for global finance and accounting, ensuring compliance with financial policies, statutory and donor reporting, and treasury services. The incumbent will report to the Finance Specialist and work under the supervision of the Head of GMAT. The Finance Associate will adopt a client-oriented approach, contributing to the implementation of the Finance Branch workplan and supporting UNFPA's mission to enhance financial management practices across the organization. This role requires active participation in meetings, maintaining relationships with key partners, and providing training to enhance financial management capabilities within the UNFPA community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Partnerships, Knowledge Management, Communication, and Training: Actively participate in Finance Branch meetings, maintain relationships with key partners, and provide financial training to enhance knowledge transfer.
• Business Continuity Activities: Support the review of reports from implementing partners, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements, and provide timely guidance to UNFPA Business Units.
• Support and Guidance on Financial Management: Monitor financial accounts, prepare financial information for audits, and analyze asset transactions.
• Accounting, Statutory Reporting, and Year-End Closure: Review accounting adjustments, monitor project cash advance accounts, and support year-end closure activities.
• Business Process and Systems Efficiency: Contribute to improving policies and procedures, participate in testing new IT tools, and provide guidance on reporting tools.
• Other Duties: Carry out additional responsibilities as required by supervisors or UNFPA leadership.

Required Qualifications:
Completion of secondary level education with supplemental training in accounting is required. A first-level university degree or part-qualified accounting qualification from a recognized body is desirable. Six years of relevant finance and/or accounting experience is required, including financial management, accounts receivable, accounts payable, or general ledger maintenance. Strong attention to detail, data analysis skills, and proficiency in spreadsheets and computerized accounting systems are essential. Previous experience with UN system organizations and major ERP systems, preferably Oracle cloud, is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed secondary education with additional training in accounting. A first-level university degree or part-qualified accounting qualification from a recognized body is preferred, indicating a foundational understanding of financial principles and practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of relevant experience in finance and accounting, demonstrating a solid background in financial management, accounts receivable, accounts payable, or general ledger maintenance. Candidates should possess strong analytical skills and the ability to work with large datasets to identify trends and performance issues.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in French and/or Spanish is considered a distinct advantage, enhancing communication capabilities within the diverse UNFPA environment.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a competitive net salary along with health insurance and other benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, encouraging applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, and persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The organization emphasizes equal opportunities in recruitment and selection processes, ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to its workforce.