Finance Assistant G5

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 a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of eradicating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's vision emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and the importance of a healthy work environment, where employees are selected based on merit and are encouraged to contribute to the organization's goals.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant G5 position at WFP is designed to support the effective delivery of finance, budget, and administration services. The role is crucial in ensuring the transparent and efficient utilization of financial resources within the organization. The Finance Assistant will be responsible for providing procedural and technical support to staff in finance and budget areas, ensuring compliance with WFP financial policies, rules, and regulations. This position requires a proactive approach to monitoring financial transactions, preparing reports, and assisting in the management of financial data to facilitate informed decision-making. The Finance Assistant will also play a key role in maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring timely payments to suppliers, thereby contributing to the overall financial health of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: assisting in providing procedural and technical support to staff in finance and budget areas; monitoring monthly expenditure forecasts and preparing expenditure reports; overseeing the sub-imprest bank and petty cash accounts to ensure adequate funds are available; verifying vendor claims and ensuring timely payments in compliance with WFP finance rules; compiling information for reports related to budgets, accounting, finance, and statistics; retrieving and validating information from financial systems; monitoring account balances and processing financial transactions accurately; maintaining a web-based register for invoices and payment transfers; and providing guidance and on-the-job training to other support staff to ensure consistent service delivery.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Finance Assistant position must possess a Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting. Membership in a professional accountancy body is considered an added advantage. The role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to work with financial data, ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to WFP's values and mission, and possess the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting. This foundational education is essential for understanding the complexities of financial management and accounting practices within a large humanitarian organization. Additional qualifications, such as membership in a recognized professional accountancy body, will enhance a candidate's profile and demonstrate a commitment to professional development in the field of finance.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have five or more years of relevant work experience in finance and accounting. Experience in public accounting is considered an added advantage, as it provides a broader understanding of financial regulations and practices. Candidates should have a proven track record of collecting, monitoring, and analyzing financial data, as well as reporting to senior management. This level of experience is crucial for effectively managing the financial responsibilities associated with the Finance Assistant role.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in regions where WFP operates, as it can enhance communication with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role within the World Food Programme, which is committed to providing an inclusive work environment. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and equal opportunity in its hiring practices. The Finance Assistant position is classified at the G5 level, indicating a mid-level role within the organization. WFP offers a competitive compensation package, which includes various benefits aimed at supporting the personal and professional development of its employees. The organization is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.