Finance Assistant SC5

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance as a means to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates in numerous countries around the globe, focusing on providing food assistance and support to those in need. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has a strong emphasis on creating a healthy and inclusive work environment, where employees are valued and supported in their professional development. The organization has received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts worldwide. WFP's mission is driven by its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and communities.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant position at WFP Sri Lanka is crucial in supporting the financial operations of the organization, particularly in light of the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters in the region. The role involves assisting in the management of financial processes and ensuring compliance with WFP's financial policies and regulations. The Finance Assistant will work closely with various stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, and community organizations, to facilitate effective financial management and reporting. This position requires a proactive approach to monitoring financial transactions, preparing reports, and providing technical support to staff. The Finance Assistant will play a key role in ensuring that financial resources are utilized efficiently and effectively to support WFP's humanitarian efforts in Sri Lanka, particularly in response to the challenges posed by disasters such as cyclones and floods. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of finance and accounting principles, contributing to the overall success of WFP's mission in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: providing procedural and technical support to staff in finance and budget areas, ensuring compliance with WFP financial policies; monitoring monthly expenditure forecasts and preparing expenditure reports to aid decision-making; processing and reviewing financial transactions such as payments, receipts, and journal entries; liaising with financial service providers for cash-based transfers, including issuing payment instructions and processing invoices; verifying vendor claims and ensuring timely payments in accordance with procurement procedures; compiling information for reports related to budgets and finance; retrieving and validating information from financial systems and addressing discrepancies; performing administrative duties related to fixed assets and monitoring expenses; and ensuring that all financial activities align with the approved budget and are processed in a timely manner. The Finance Assistant will also be expected to assist in the development of financial reports and provide insights into financial health and status to senior leaders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Finance Assistant position should possess a strong foundation in finance and accounting principles, with experience in financial data collection and monitoring. They should have the ability to assess financial health and status, and effectively communicate findings to senior leadership. The role requires proficiency in financial software and systems, as well as strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Attention to detail and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to WFP's values and mission, and be able to navigate complex financial environments with integrity and professionalism.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for the Finance Assistant position is the completion of secondary school education. A post-secondary certificate in a related functional area, such as finance, accounting, or business administration, is desirable. This educational background will provide the foundational knowledge necessary for the candidate to effectively perform the duties associated with the role and contribute to WFP's financial operations.

Experience:
Candidates should have relevant experience in finance and accounting, particularly in roles that involve financial data management and reporting. Experience working with government bodies, NGOs, and other stakeholders in financial contexts is highly valued. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully managing financial processes and providing support in budget-related activities. Familiarity with WFP's operational context and challenges, particularly in relation to disaster response and recovery, will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, with a requirement for level C proficiency in both oral and written communication. Depending on the specific location and responsibilities of the role, fluency in another official UN language may also be required. Intermediate knowledge of another language may be beneficial, particularly if it aligns with the local context of the duty station.

Additional Notes:
The Finance Assistant position is classified as a Service Contract and is based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This role is open to nationals only, and the application deadline is set for September 4, 2026, at 23:59 GMT+05:3

• WFP emphasizes the importance of an inclusive work environment and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for applications or recruitment processes, and all applications must be submitted through WFP's online recruiting system. Candidates are encouraged to ensure their profiles are complete and accurate before applying.