Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members dedicated to helping those in need. The organization focuses on providing protection, assistance, and solutions for refugees and displaced persons, working closely with governments, NGOs, and other partners to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate position is a critical role within the UNHCR's Global Shared Services (GSS) framework, specifically within the Finance section. The incumbent will be supervised by a senior finance colleague who will provide guidance and define general work objectives. The Finance Associate will assist in processing financial transactions, maintaining financial records, and ensuring compliance with UNHCR's financial policies and procedures. This role requires frequent interaction with staff at various levels and local bank officials, making effective communication and interpersonal skills essential. The Finance Associate will also be responsible for preparing financial reports, advising staff on financial matters, and ensuring the accuracy of financial transactions. The position is temporary, with a target start date of September 1, 2026, and an end date of August 30, 2027.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Associate will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: maintaining financial records and monitoring systems to accurately record and reconcile expenditures, payments, and other financial data; selecting and entering data from various documents while verifying accuracy; preparing recurring and special financial reports for budget preparation and audits; advising staff on allowances, salary advances, and travel claims; liaising with local bank officials for information on exchange rates and account maintenance; preparing detailed cost estimates and participating in budget analysis; initiating correspondence to verify data and answer queries; ensuring financial transactions comply with UNHCR rules; identifying and managing risks; and performing other related duties as required to support the finance function.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high level of IT affinity, particularly with MS Office applications and PeopleSoft. Knowledge and work experience with Cloud ERP systems are desirable. A good understanding of UN/UNHCR financial rules and procedures is essential, along with completion of relevant UNHCR learning programs or specific training. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. Experience in financial transaction processing, such as accounts payable and receivable, is crucial, as is proficiency in preparing financial reports and reconciliations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma with three years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree or equivalent with two years of relevant work experience. Candidates should have certifications in Accounting, Business Administration, or Finance, which are essential for the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of three years of relevant experience for those with a High School Diploma, or two years for those with a Bachelor's degree or higher. Experience in financial transaction processing, particularly in an international or shared-service environment, is highly valued. Familiarity with financial modules of major ERP systems such as Oracle or SAP is also important, along with an understanding of internal controls and financial operations.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, and proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station is required if it is not English. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language of the duty station is necessary, and knowledge of the local language is also beneficial.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning candidates must have the legal right to work in Hungary from their first day of employment. UNHCR does not facilitate visa procurement for recruitment purposes. The role is temporary, with a competitive salary range of NET 854,066.5 HUF to NET 1,000,381.9 HUF, depending on relevant experience. Benefits include annual leave accrual at a rate of 1.5 working days per month, participation in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund for appointments of six months or more, and enrollment in a Medical Insurance Plan for locally recruited staff. Shortlisted candidates may be required to take a test, and late applications will not be accepted. UNHCR is committed to diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of various personal characteristics.