Finance Associate

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 individuals who are committed to the mission of eradicating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP is recognized for its efforts and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting peace. The organization values diversity and inclusion, striving to create a workplace that reflects the communities it serves, and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP is committed to professional development, offering training, mentorship, and opportunities for career advancement across its global offices.

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate position at WFP involves coordinating and providing finance, budget, and administration support services. The role is crucial for the efficient functioning of support services and involves the recording and interpretation of financial and budgetary information. The Finance Associate will work closely with the Finance Officer and other teams to ensure compliance with WFP financial policies and procedures. This position requires a proactive approach to managing financial resources, monitoring cash positions, and ensuring timely processing of payments. The Finance Associate will also contribute to budget preparation and monitoring, ensuring that future funding requirements are met. This role is essential for maintaining the financial health of WFP operations in Monrovia and supporting the organization's mission to provide humanitarian assistance effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide procedural and technical support to staff in finance and budget areas, ensuring compliance with WFP financial policies, rules, and regulations.
• Assist in the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures, and establish proper accounting systems and cash controls.
• Monitor daily cash positions to optimize surplus cash use and maximize investment returns.
• Process payments to internal staff and external suppliers in a timely manner, adhering to WFP standards.
• Contribute to budget preparation and monitoring, ensuring relevant future funding requirements are met.
• Coordinate with other teams to ensure efficient performance of financial and administrative services.
• Monitor account balances and process financial transactions accurately to prevent overdrafts.
• Analyze general ledger accounts to initiate corrective actions as needed.
• Compile data from WFP databases to assist in generating and analyzing monthly financial reports. 1
• Allocate tasks to support staff and provide guidance and training in financial resource management. 1
• Remain on standby to meet immediate emergency requirements as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a post-secondary certificate in a relevant functional area and have completed secondary school education. Additionally, candidates should have a strong understanding of financial policies and procedures, as well as experience in financial management and compliance. The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders is essential. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to WFP's values and mission, and possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is the completion of secondary school education. A post-secondary certificate in a related functional area is also required, which provides foundational knowledge in finance and budget management. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial operations within WFP and ensuring compliance with organizational policies.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least six years of progressively responsible work experience in a relevant business stream, with a focus on general administrative work. This experience should include assessing financial health and stability of projects, working with auditors, and managing financial transactions. A strong background in financial management and compliance is essential for success in this role, as well as experience in a humanitarian or international development context.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in the UN language in use at the duty station (English) is mandatory. Additionally, proficiency in the local language (Liberian English) is advantageous, as it facilitates better communication with local stakeholders and enhances the effectiveness of financial operations.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Monrovia, Liberia, and is a full-time role. WFP offers an attractive compensation package, which includes benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. All applications must be submitted through WFP's online recruiting system, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the recruitment process. WFP emphasizes the importance of an inclusive work environment and adheres to strict policies against discrimination and harassment.