Programme Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every individual has access to reproductive health services and the ability to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. The organization is committed to advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls, and it plays a crucial role in addressing issues related to population dynamics, reproductive health, and gender-based violence. UNFPA's mission is guided by the principles of human rights and social justice, and it aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 through its strategic plan for 2026-2029, which emphasizes resilience and renewal in a complex global environment.

Job Overview:
The Programme Finance Associate position is integral to the UNFPA Papua New Guinea Country Office, where the incumbent will provide essential financial, administrative, and programmatic support to enhance the delivery and management of UNFPA's programs. This role involves close collaboration with both the Programme and Operations teams to ensure that program implementation is timely and effective. The Programme Finance Associate will report directly to the Technical Specialist for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and will play a key role in the development and execution of the Country Programme. The position requires a proactive approach to financial management, ensuring compliance with UNFPA rules and regulations while also supporting the logistical and administrative needs of program activities. The incumbent will be expected to contribute to knowledge management and facilitate effective communication within the office and with external partners, thereby enhancing the overall impact of UNFPA's initiatives in Papua New Guinea.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Finance Associate will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: assisting the programme team in providing support to implementing partners, maintaining comprehensive contact lists, and facilitating knowledge management. The incumbent will support the evaluation of project activities, conduct field visits, and participate in financial review meetings, ensuring that progress reports are submitted in a timely manner. Additionally, the Programme Finance Associate will assist in the preparation of workplan budget revisions, monitor project budgetary commitments, and generate financial reports using tools like PowerBI and Quantum. The role also involves coaching implementing partners on UNFPA financial rules, coordinating operational and financial closures of projects, and supporting HACT assurance activities. Administrative responsibilities include maintaining filing systems, managing online databases, arranging procurement of supplies, and preparing documentation for meetings and events. The Programme Finance Associate will also perform ad-hoc duties as required by Programme Leads, ensuring optimal communication flows within the office and with external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Programme Finance Associate position must possess a completed secondary level education (high school diploma) as a minimum requirement. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) in Public/Business Administration, Finance, Commerce, Accountancy, or a related field is preferred. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of six years of relevant experience with secondary education or three years with a first-level university degree, particularly in programme administration, finance, or office management. Experience with UN agencies is considered an asset. Strong writing and communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in current office software applications. Familiarity with Quantum software is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Programme Finance Associate position includes a completed secondary level education (high school diploma) as a baseline. However, candidates with a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) in fields such as Public/Business Administration, Finance, Commerce, or Accountancy are preferred. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the financial and administrative processes that the role entails, as well as for effectively supporting the implementation of UNFPA's programs.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of six years of relevant experience if they only possess a secondary level education, or three years of experience if they hold a first-level university degree. This experience should be in areas such as programme administration, finance, or office management. Candidates with experience working with UN agencies will have an advantage, as they will be familiar with the specific operational and regulatory frameworks that govern UNFPA's work.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the Programme Finance Associate position. Additionally, knowledge of other official UN languages, particularly French and/or Spanish, is desirable and will be considered a valuable asset in the role.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package that includes leave days, health insurance, and additional remuneration for pensions and social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security obligations. UNFPA is committed to providing a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.