Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is the UN agency mandated to protect and assist refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced people, returnees, and stateless persons worldwide. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1950, UNHCR leads and coordinates international efforts to safeguard the rights and well-being of people forced to flee. It works to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safety, while pursuing durable solutions through voluntary return, local integration, or resettlement in a third country. Today, UNHCR employs around 12,000 personnel in more than 120 countries, supporting and protecting millions of forcibly displaced and stateless people around the world. The Global Service Centre (GSC) in Budapest supports UNHCR's worldwide operations by delivering critical services in Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Supply, Procurement, Learning, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With more than 500 colleagues representing nearly 80 nationalities, the GSC provides a diverse and inclusive work environment where professionals from a wide range of backgrounds contribute directly to UNHCR's global mission of protecting and supporting people forced to flee.

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate position is a critical role within the UNHCR's Global Service Centre, primarily focused on financial transaction processing and support. The incumbent will work under the supervision of a more senior finance colleague, who will define general work objectives and provide necessary guidance. 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 within the organization and with bank officials to exchange information. The incumbent may also supervise support staff and is expected to perform duties in accordance with UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity. The position is temporary, with a target start date of September 1, 2026, and an end date of August 30, 2027, making it essential for candidates to be available for the entire duration of the assignment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Associate will be responsible for maintaining financial records and monitoring systems to accurately record and reconcile expenditures, balances, payments, statements, and other data related to day-to-day transactions and reports. Key duties include selecting and entering data from various documents, verifying accuracy by checking sources, making necessary calculations, and ensuring the inclusion of all relevant data. The incumbent will prepare recurring reports as scheduled and special reports as required for budget preparation, audits, or other reasons. Additionally, the Finance Associate will advise and assist staff members, experts, and consultants on all aspects of allowances, salary advances, travel claims, and other financial matters, calculating and authorizing payments due for claims and services. The role also involves maintaining liaison with local bank officials to obtain day-to-day information on exchange and interest rates, changes in procedures and regulations, and matters pertaining to the maintenance of office bank accounts. The Finance Associate will prepare detailed cost estimates and participate in budget analysis and projections as required, initiate correspondence to verify data, answer queries, and obtain additional information on accounts and financial transactions. Furthermore, the incumbent will verify that financial transactions are correct and in accordance with UNHCR rules and procedures, support the identification and management of risks, and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Other related duties may be assigned as required.

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, along with a good understanding of UN/UNHCR financial rules and procedures. Completion of UNHCR learning programs or specific training relevant to the functions of the position is essential. The Finance Associate should demonstrate strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multicultural, team-oriented environment. The ideal candidate will also exhibit accuracy, attention to detail, and a commitment to data quality, as well as the ability to work independently within delegated authority, exercising sound judgment in processing financial transactions and resolving exceptions.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is 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 a background in fields such as Accounting, Business Administration, or Finance, with certifications in these areas being advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience for those with a High School Diploma, or two years of relevant work experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Experience in financial transaction processing, such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, or supplier/banking master data management, preferably in an international or shared-service environment, is essential. Familiarity with financial modules of major Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as Oracle or SAP is also required, along with proficiency in preparing financial reports, reconciliations, and audit-ready documentation.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, and candidates should also be familiar with the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language of the duty station is required. Proficiency in local languages is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a temporary appointment for an initial period of 364 days, with a target start date of September 1, 2026, and an end date of August 30, 202

• Candidates are expected to be legally present in Hungary and have the right to work in the country at the time of recruitment. UNHCR does not facilitate obtaining a visa for recruitment purposes, and this position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants selected from outside the duty station will be responsible for any expenses related to their relocation. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. The salary range for this position is NET 854,066.5 HUF - NET 1,000,381.9 HUF, and staff members holding a temporary appointment will accrue annual leave at the rate of 1.5 working days for each full calendar month of service, totaling 18 working days per year. Additionally, staff members will be enrolled in the Medical Insurance Plan (MIP) and may have coverage available for eligible family members. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a test, and no late applications will be accepted. UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.