Program and Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health and rights agency, was established to expand the possibilities for women and young people to lead healthy and productive lives. It is the lead UN agency focused on ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Since its establishment in 2003, UNFPA Timor-Leste has been instrumental in supporting the Government of Timor-Leste in conducting census activities and promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as gender equality. The organization has contributed significantly to establishing basic social services and generating essential socio-demographic data for the country. UNFPA's primary mission is to support national efforts to achieve universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, aligning with its transformative results aimed at ending maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups such as women, adolescents, youth, and those living in rural areas.

Job Overview:
The Program and Finance Associate plays a crucial role in supporting the effective implementation of UNFPA-Japan funded projects by providing integrated program, financial, and administrative support. This position is essential for ensuring accurate financial management, compliance with UNFPA rules and procedures, timely reporting, and smooth coordination between program and operations teams. The associate will be responsible for monitoring program financial performance, preparing and monitoring program budgets, and ensuring that financial transactions adhere to UNFPA financial rules. The role also involves logistical support for project activities, assisting in the management of projects, and contributing to the overall success of UNFPA's mission in Timor-Leste. The associate will work closely with various stakeholders, including implementing partners, to ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget, while also promoting the principles of volunteerism and community engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Program and Finance Associate include supporting the monitoring of program financial performance by providing necessary financial information and analysis, detecting potential over-under expenditure problems, and suggesting remedial actions. The associate will assist in the preparation and monitoring of program budgets, ensuring compliance with UNFPA financial rules and procedures. Responsibilities also include supporting financial reporting for implementing partners, performing reconciliations, and maintaining an effective financial recording and reporting system. The associate will provide logistical support for project-related meetings and events, assist in managing projects by monitoring expenditures, and preparing budget revisions as needed. Additionally, the associate will contribute to strengthening the financial management capacities of UNFPA and its partners, carry out any other duties as required by UNFPA leadership, and engage in activities that promote volunteerism within the community.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Program and Finance Associate position should possess a strong understanding of operations relevant to UNFPA, with technical capabilities or knowledge that is transferrable to UNFPA procedures and rules. The ideal candidate should demonstrate discretion, political sensitivity, and the ability to liaise and coordinate with various stakeholders, particularly in senior positions. A high degree of autonomy, personal initiative, and resourcefulness are essential, along with the ability to manage information objectively and confidentially. The candidate should also exhibit professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNFPA.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, or a related field is required for the Program and Finance Associate position. Additional certifications in financial management or accounting would be advantageous. Candidates should have a solid understanding of financial principles and practices, as well as familiarity with UNFPA's operational procedures.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of relevant experience in finance, administration, or project management, preferably within an international organization or a UN agency. Experience in financial reporting, budget preparation, and monitoring is essential. Familiarity with UNFPA's financial rules and procedures is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of UNFPA. Knowledge of Portuguese or Tetum would be an asset, as these languages are relevant to the local context in Timor-Leste.

Additional Notes:
The contract for the Program and Finance Associate position is for a specified period with the possibility of extensions based on funding availability, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. There is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. The position may require travel to the duty station, and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided if the duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. A monthly Volunteer Living Allowance will be provided to cover housing, utilities, and normal living expenses. The position includes life, health, and permanent disability insurance, as well as final repatriation and resettlement allowances for satisfactory service. In non-family duty stations classified as hardship categories D or E, a Well-Being Differential (WBD) will be provided monthly.