Finance Assistant

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, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of alleviating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's vision is to create a future workforce that is diverse, skilled, and high-performing, working in an inclusive environment that reflects its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, and continues to invest in the professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs. The organization emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collaboration to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions globally.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant position at WFP is crucial for managing financial operations and ensuring compliance with financial policies and regulations. The role involves working under the supervision of the National Finance Officer and the Head of Administration and Finance, focusing on tax-related inquiries, invoice management, and financial reporting. The Finance Assistant will be responsible for retrieving and validating financial data, assisting in budget preparation, and maintaining accurate records of expenditures. This position is designed for individuals who are detail-oriented and possess strong analytical skills, as they will need to monitor financial health and report findings to senior leaders. The role also includes providing guidance and training to support staff, promoting consistent service delivery, and ensuring adherence to WFP standards and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will have a variety of responsibilities, including: managing and responding to tax-related requests from the Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI); retrieving and downloading paid invoices and payment advice from the WINGS system; ensuring timely forwarding of invoices to spending units; serving as a backup Petty Cash Custodian; verifying vendor claims and ensuring compliance with procurement procedures; assisting in the preparation of budget, accounting, financial, and statistical reports; monitoring and recording fixed assets and expenditures; maintaining a web-based tracking system for invoices and payments; and providing guidance and training to staff. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying discrepancies in financial data and following up on corrective actions to ensure accuracy in financial reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary school education, with a post-secondary certificate in a related functional area being desirable. Fluency in both English and French is mandatory, as the role requires effective communication in both languages. Additionally, candidates should have experience in collecting and monitoring financial data, assessing financial health, and reporting findings to senior leaders. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are essential for success in this position, along with the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for the Finance Assistant position is the completion of secondary school education. A post-secondary certificate in finance, accounting, or a related field is highly desirable and will enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding financial principles and practices relevant to the position.

Experience:
Candidates should have relevant experience in financial management, particularly in collecting and monitoring financial data related to projects and programs. Experience in assessing financial health and status, as well as reporting findings to senior leaders, is crucial. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of working in finance or accounting roles, demonstrating the ability to manage financial operations effectively and efficiently.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory for this position, as the Finance Assistant will be required to communicate effectively in both languages. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but it is not a requirement for this role. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both official languages of the organization is essential for collaboration and reporting purposes.

Additional Notes:
The Finance Assistant position is offered under a Special Service Agreement (SSA) contract for a duration of 6 months. The position is based in Yaounde, Cameroon, and is classified at Grade SSA

• WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities. The organization does not charge any fees during the application process and emphasizes the importance of submitting applications through their online recruiting system. All applications must include a CV and Cover Letter, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process.