Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as a response to the United Nations General Assembly's call for a dedicated entity to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women. The organization is committed to eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women operates globally, bringing together resources and mandates from various parts of the UN system to create a greater impact on gender equality. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, ensuring a respectful environment for all employees, regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate position at UN Women in Dakar is crucial for the execution of a wide range of financial services and administrative processes within the Country Office. The role is guided by the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of Financial Management at Headquarters and supervised daily by the Operations Manager. The Finance Associate is responsible for ensuring the timely, efficient, and transparent use of financial resources, adhering to organizational financial rules and regulations. This position requires a client-oriented approach and involves close collaboration with both the Programme and Operations Teams, as well as with HQ teams to address complex finance-related issues. The Finance Associate will implement financial strategies, monitor financial transactions, prepare reports, and assist in the planning of financial resources, among other responsibilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Associate will perform a variety of duties including but not limited to: implementing financial strategies in compliance with UN Women regulations; reviewing and verifying financial transactions; monitoring financial exceptions and investigating anomalies; drafting financial status reports; assisting in the preparation of annual work plans; providing advice on financial issues; managing budgets and expenditures; preparing cost recovery documents; maintaining internal expenditure control systems; managing petty cash funds; and supporting the Programme and Operations teams with financial reporting and audits. The role also involves compiling information for resource mobilization efforts and facilitating knowledge sharing through training and capacity building activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of secondary education, with specialized national or international certification in accounting and finance considered an asset. A Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting is also an asset. Successful completion of the UN Women Accounting and Finance Test is required as part of the selection process. Candidates should demonstrate strong knowledge of financial rules and regulations, accounting principles, and IT tools, as well as the ability to administer financial processes effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for the Finance Associate position include completion of secondary education as a minimum. Specialized certifications in accounting and finance are advantageous, and a Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting is preferred. Candidates must also complete the UN Women Accounting and Finance Test as part of the selection process.

Experience:
The position requires at least 6 years of progressively responsible experience in finance. Candidates should have experience with office software packages, including MS Word and Excel, as well as familiarity with web-based management systems. Experience with modern web-based ERP systems, particularly Oracle Cloud, is desirable. The role demands a strong background in financial management and the ability to handle complex financial transactions and reporting.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language in Senegal. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as English, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Dakar, Senegal. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of their background. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and expects all employees to adhere to its standards of conduct. Candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. It is essential for applicants to complete all sections of the application form to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.