Business Support Assistant G4 (Finance)

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, with a mission to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people in need. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from various backgrounds to apply. WFP has a vision of a diverse, committed, skilled, and high-performing workforce that operates in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living by its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP has received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to global humanitarian efforts. The organization invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, offering exciting career paths across its country, regional, and global offices.

Job Overview:
The Business Support Assistant G4 (Finance) position at WFP UNHRD Brindisi hub is crucial for supporting the finance function of the UNHRD Network. The incumbent will be responsible for managing accounts payable, customer billing, master data management, cash administration, and internal control activities. This role requires a proactive approach to support the drafting of documents and preparing reports, responding to queries, and managing routine administrative and financial tasks. The position is designed for individuals who are detail-oriented and capable of handling multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy. The successful candidate will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure effective business support delivery, contributing to the overall mission of WFP in providing humanitarian assistance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Business Support Assistant G4 (Finance) include:

• Gathering information to support the drafting of documents and preparing reports by other staff.
• Responding to queries and escalating issues as necessary to provide timely and accurate service to clients.
• Supporting the processing and management of routine administrative and financial tasks across various functional areas.
• Providing revision and proofreading services for standard documents to ensure accuracy.
• Maintaining standard systems and files to ensure information is accurate and readily available.
• Identifying discrepancies in statistics and data, reporting them to senior staff to support clients in their work.
• Ensuring data integrity to facilitate the availability of accurate information in corporate systems.
• Providing guidance on routine business support methods and practices to junior colleagues.
• Managing accounts payable by receiving and processing vendor invoices, verifying supporting documents, registering transactions, and ensuring timely approval and payment. 1
• Assisting with SAP financial entries, monitoring outstanding items, and supporting reconciliations and financial documentation for internal control and audit purposes. 1
• Managing petty cash in accordance with WFP procedures and providing general administrative and finance support as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Business Support Assistant G4 (Finance) position include:

• Knowledge of finance and accounting principles.
• Some experience using office equipment and computer software packages, particularly MS Word and MS Excel (including pivot tables and lookup functions).
• Ability to identify data discrepancies and rectify problems requiring attention.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, using tact and courtesy to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn, with the ability to adapt to different tasks and priorities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes completion of secondary school education. A post-secondary certificate or diploma in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field is desirable, providing a foundational understanding of financial principles and practices that are essential for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, budget, treasury, or related business support functions. Experience in accounts payable, invoice processing, and financial reconciliation activities is essential. Familiarity with ERP systems, preferably SAP or similar platforms, is also required. Experience working in an international organization, humanitarian environment, or shared service setting is desirable, as it provides context for the role's responsibilities and expectations.

Languages:
Fluency in English (Level C) is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication capabilities within the diverse environment of WFP.

Additional Notes:
The World Food Programme offers a competitive compensation package, which will be determined based on the contract type and the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. Applicants must be Italian or other EU citizens, or hold a valid permit to live and work in Italy. Candidates should live within commuting distance (100 km or approximately 1.5 hours of travel time) of the WFP UNHRD Brindisi Hub or be willing to relocate at their own expense. WFP will not be responsible for any costs associated with relocation, nor will it assist in obtaining residency status or legal work permits. Preference will be given to candidates residing within commuting distance of Brindisi, Italy. The position is full-time, and the recruitment process is committed to inclusivity, ensuring a fair and equitable selection process.