Associate Finance Officer - Audit and Verification

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East, established to provide assistance and protection to Palestine refugees. With over 30,000 staff members, UNRWA operates across five areas of operation, focusing on education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance. The agency is committed to helping Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development despite the challenging circumstances they face. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual contributions. For more information, visit https://www.unrwa.org.

Job Overview:
The Associate Finance Officer - Audit and Verification plays a crucial role in supporting the Audit and Verification Specialist in coordinating audits and verifications conducted by the UN Board of Auditors (UNBoA) and the European Union (EU). This position involves engaging with various departments and fields, preparing plans for meetings, and managing audit requests and queries. The officer will develop tracking mechanisms for audit queries and responses, coordinate logistics for audits, and maintain communication with relevant stakeholders. Additionally, the role includes preparing summaries of outstanding audit recommendations, maintaining an updated list of audit focal points, and supporting finance functions by reviewing and reconciling financial transactions. The officer will also assist in quality assurance activities and present findings to staff and management, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the audit and verification processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the supervisor in coordinating the UNBoA interim and final audits and EU expenditure verifications, including engagement with departments and fields, preparation of plans for meetings, and communication of audit requests.
• Develop a tracking mechanism to capture audit queries and responses from departments and fields.
• Coordinate logistics for audits, including travel arrangements, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security access, and meeting room bookings.
• Provide regular updates on audit progress and coordinate orientations and trainings between departments and auditors.
• Prepare lists and summaries of outstanding audit recommendations and coordinate responses from departments.
• Maintain an up-to-date list of departmental and field audit focal points and organize audit meetings.
• Support colleagues in finance functions by reviewing and reconciling financial transactions to ensure compliance with donor agreements and IPSAS.
• Assist in coordinating quality assurance activities, including presentations on lessons learned from audits and verifications.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree from an accredited institution in accountancy, finance, audit, business administration, or a related discipline. A minimum of four years of relevant experience in finance or audit within a governmental, international, or large commercial organization is required, with a focus on auditing, finance, accounting, budgeting, and financial management. Experience in a UN common system audit or finance office is desirable, as is partial qualification or membership in a professional accounting body. Familiarity with IPSAS or IFRS is also advantageous. Candidates must demonstrate their current involvement in outside activities, which may include employment, consulting, board memberships, or volunteer work.

Educational Background:
A university degree from an accredited educational institution in accountancy, finance, audit, business administration, or a related discipline is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that candidates possess the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform the duties associated with the role effectively.

Experience:
Candidates are required to have a minimum of four years of relevant experience in finance or audit departments, specifically within governmental, international, or large commercial organizations. This experience should emphasize auditing, finance, accounting, budgeting, and financial management, particularly with computer-based financial systems. Experience in the UN common system is considered an asset, and candidates should also indicate any involvement in professional accounting bodies or relevant certifications.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is mandatory. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages, as per the UN Language Framework. This requirement ensures effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a Fixed Term Appointment for one year, subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory performance, and continuing need. The monthly basic salary for this role is JD 919.80, which may be subject to a reduced work schedule. Additional benefits include a monthly Provident Fund contribution, compulsory medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, and a dependency allowance if applicable. The position is open to internal candidates only, and applicants must reside in Amman and have authorization to work in the duty station at the time of application. The Agency will not facilitate work permits, and the appointment may be rescinded without a valid work permit. The incumbent may be required to work outside normal duty hours and on a call basis. Preference will be given to registered Palestine refugees and candidates who assist the Agency in achieving gender parity.