Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance as a means to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization operates globally, with a mission to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people in need. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 202

• The organization emphasizes a healthy and inclusive work environment, living by its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, and offers opportunities for internal mobility across its country, regional, and global offices. For more information, visit their website at https://www.wfp.org and follow them on social media for updates.

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate position is based in the Pacific Multi-country office (PMCO) in Suva, Fiji, and is integral to the implementation of activities funded under the United States Government (USG) Macro Award. The role involves reporting to the Finance Officer or designated supervisor within PMCO and requires close collaboration with programme, partnerships, and operations teams to ensure compliant, efficient, and timely financial management of USG-funded activities. The Finance Associate will coordinate and deliver finance support services for PMCO programmes, ensuring accurate recording, monitoring, and reporting of financial transactions in compliance with donor regulations, internal policies, and applicable standards. This position is crucial for supporting informed decision-making and strong financial stewardship within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Associate will be responsible for providing technical and procedural support on finance matters to PMCO teams, ensuring compliance with USG donor rules, organizational policies, and financial regulations. Key responsibilities include supporting the development and implementation of financial procedures, internal controls, and accounting systems aligned with USG Macro Award requirements. The role also involves monitoring cash flow and funding availability, ensuring optimal cash management and timely disbursement of funds. The Finance Associate will process payments to staff, partners, and vendors accurately and in a timely manner, ensuring all supporting documentation meets audit and donor standards. Additionally, the position requires monitoring account balances, processing financial transactions, analyzing general ledger accounts, compiling and analyzing financial data for reporting, maintaining accurate financial records, coordinating with various teams to align financial processes with operational needs, and supporting audit processes. The Finance Associate will also be involved in capacity building of staff and partners on financial management and donor compliance, ensuring adherence to internal controls and financial accountability standards throughout all processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of USG donor compliance requirements, including allowability, allocability, and reasonableness of costs. Experience in grant management environments with strict reporting timelines is essential. The role requires the ability to manage multiple funding streams and prioritize competing deadlines effectively. Candidates should demonstrate skills in financial reporting, account reconciliation, donor compliance, internal controls, analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis, stakeholder coordination, budget monitoring, cash management, audit support, and documentation management. Attention to detail and accuracy are critical, along with advanced knowledge of Excel and financial systems.

Educational Background:
A completion of a Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field is required. A post-secondary certificate in finance or a related discipline is desirable, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 6 years of experience in finance, audit, and risk management, particularly in managing or supporting donor-funded projects. This experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial management in a humanitarian context and ensuring compliance with donor regulations.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) in both oral and written communication is mandatory. A working knowledge of another UN language would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate in a diverse and multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as SC6 and has a duration of 12 months. It is a full-time role based in Suva, Fiji. The World Food Programme is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process. All applications must be submitted through the online recruiting system, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process. WFP emphasizes an inclusive work environment free from discrimination and harassment, ensuring that all selected candidates undergo rigorous reference and background checks.