Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women, established in July 2010, is dedicated to the vision of equality as outlined in the Charter of the United Nations. The organization focuses on eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving gender equality in various sectors including development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The South Africa Country Office (SACO) operates from Pretoria and collaborates with government entities, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the Private Sector to promote gender equality through the development and implementation of laws, policies, and programs that uphold the human rights of women and girls while enhancing their economic participation. SACO's initiatives encompass increasing women's political participation, securing economic rights, strengthening involvement in peacebuilding, combating violence against women, and ensuring that government budgets and policies are gender-responsive.

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate plays a crucial role in the UN Women South Africa Country Office by executing a wide range of financial services and administrative processes. This position is under the overall guidance of the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of Financial Management at Headquarters and daily supervision from the Operations Manager. The Finance Associate is responsible for ensuring the timely, efficient, and transparent use of financial resources in accordance with organizational rules and regulations. The role promotes a client-oriented approach and requires close collaboration with the Operations Team and other departments to address complex finance-related issues. The Finance Associate will implement financial strategies, monitor compliance with financial regulations, and assist in the planning and execution of the Country Office's financial resources and programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Associate's duties include implementing financial strategies in compliance with UN Women regulations, reviewing and verifying financial transactions, monitoring financial exceptions, and providing assistance in the planning of financial resources. They will also prepare and administer the Country Office budgets, track expenditures, and ensure the proper functioning of financial management systems. The role involves preparing cost recovery documents, managing petty cash funds, and providing finance support to the Programme and Operations teams. Additionally, the Finance Associate will compile information for resource mobilization, conduct training events, and supervise staff as necessary. They will also be involved in internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with audit recommendations, and facilitating knowledge sharing within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of financial rules and regulations, accounting principles, and IT tools related to financial management. They should have excellent skills in spreadsheet and database management, as well as the ability to administer financial processes effectively. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders. Candidates should demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity in their work.

Educational Background:
A minimum of secondary education is required for this position. Specialized national or international certification in accounting and finance is considered an asset, while a Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting is also advantageous. Successful completion of the UN Women Accounting and Finance Test is mandatory as part of the selection process.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in finance, with a strong background in using computers and office software packages, including MS Word and Excel. Experience with web-based management systems is essential, and familiarity with modern ERP systems, particularly Oracle Cloud, is desirable. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of financial management practices and the ability to handle complex financial transactions.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve working with international teams. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and expects all personnel to adhere to its standards of conduct. Candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. It is crucial for applicants to complete all sections of the application form to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.