Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries and employs thousands of staff members who are committed to its mission. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, and it strives to create a diverse and inclusive work environment. The organization has been recognized for its efforts, notably being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security globally. WFP is committed to equal employment opportunities and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate position at WFP Lebanon Country Office is crucial for supporting efficient financial management within the organization. The role involves coordinating finance processes, analyzing financial data, and providing timely and accurate information to enhance operational performance and decision-making. The Finance Associate will work closely with the Finance Officer and will be responsible for ensuring compliance with WFP financial policies and regulations. This position is designed for individuals who are detail-oriented, possess strong analytical skills, and are capable of working in a fast-paced environment. The Finance Associate will play a key role in budget planning, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring that financial resources are utilized effectively to support WFP's mission of providing humanitarian assistance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Associate will have a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: providing procedural and technical support to staff in finance and budget areas; developing and implementing financial policies and procedures; monitoring daily cash positions to optimize surplus cash usage; processing payments to internal staff and external suppliers; preparing and monitoring budgets; coordinating with other teams to ensure efficient financial and administrative services; monitoring account balances and processing financial transactions; analyzing general ledger accounts; compiling data for financial reports; allocating tasks to support staff and providing guidance; and remaining on standby for emergency preparedness. The role requires a proactive approach to financial management and a commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy and compliance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of internal controls, risk management, and monitoring mechanisms. They should have the ability to develop budgets and forecasts, incorporate information from various sources to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and track and compile financial reports. Knowledge of financial and accounting principles and practices is essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is the completion of secondary school education. However, a post-secondary certificate or university degree in Accounting and Finance is highly desirable. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding financial principles and practices relevant to the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 6 years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, or administrative support functions. Experience in data processing, reconciliation, and financial record-keeping is mandatory. This level of experience is crucial for ensuring that the Finance Associate can effectively manage the financial responsibilities associated with the position and contribute to the overall success of the Finance Unit.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is strong communication skills in these two languages to facilitate effective collaboration and reporting within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is initially for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based on the availability of funds, business needs, and performance. The role is full-time and is based in Beirut, Lebanon. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for applications or recruitment processes, and all applications must be submitted through the online recruiting system. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks to ensure compliance with WFP's standards.