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 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 staff members who are committed to the mission of eradicating hunger and ensuring security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all. 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 emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging individuals from various backgrounds to apply for positions within its ranks. WFP is committed to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves, and it actively promotes equal employment opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, gender, or other characteristics.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant G5 position is crucial for supporting the effective delivery of finance, budget, and administration support services within the World Food Programme. This role is designed to facilitate the transparent and efficient utilization of financial resources, ensuring that the organization can effectively carry out its humanitarian missions. The Finance Assistant will report directly to the Finance Associate and will be responsible for processing financial transactions, maintaining accurate accounting records, and providing finance-related guidance to various stakeholders. The position requires a proactive approach to financial oversight and a commitment to continuous improvement of finance processes and systems. The Finance Assistant will play a key role in budget monitoring, cash management, and analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis, contributing to the overall financial health of WFP's operations in Harare.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: processing financial transactions such as supplier invoices, staff claims, payments, and payroll accounting entries accurately in SAP and other corporate systems; reviewing supporting documentation for compliance before processing transactions; maintaining accurate accounting records and financial files to support internal controls and audits; preparing and reviewing reconciliations for various finance-related accounts; supporting VAT and Excise Duty refund processes; contributing to budget monitoring and cash management; providing finance-related guidance to staff and vendors; and contributing to the continuous improvement of finance processes and systems. The role may also involve liaising with Financial Service Providers and monitoring exceptions in Cash-Based Transfer operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Finance Assistant position must possess a secondary school education, with a post-secondary certificate in a related functional area being desirable. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in collecting and monitoring financial data on projects and programs, assessing financial health, and reporting findings to senior leaders. The role requires strong analytical skills and attention to detail, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to WFP's values and mission.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Finance Assistant position includes the completion of secondary school education. A post-secondary certificate in finance, accounting, or a related field is highly desirable and may enhance a candidate's application. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the financial processes and systems that the Finance Assistant will be working with.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in finance or accounting roles. Candidates should have a proven track record of collecting and monitoring financial data, assessing financial health, and reporting findings to senior management. Experience in working with financial software systems, particularly SAP, is highly advantageous. The ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment is also essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, with a requirement for level C proficiency. Depending on the location and area of responsibility, fluency or intermediate knowledge of another official UN language may also be required. For positions in the field, candidates must demonstrate fluency in both oral and written communication in the UN language in use at the duty station, as well as proficiency in the local language if it differs from the UN language.

Additional Notes:
The Finance Assistant position is a full-time role based in Harare, Zimbabwe. The contract duration and specific terms of employment will be outlined in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process, and all applications must be submitted through the online recruiting system. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the recruitment process.