Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) is a global initiative that aims to transform how education and skills are financed and delivered. EOF partners with governments, donors, investors, and implementers to enhance the effectiveness, equity, and accountability of education systems. The organization focuses on aligning funding with measurable results through its Outcomes Partnership model, which encourages collaboration across various sectors to ensure that investments lead to tangible improvements in learning and employment outcomes. EOF's approach is rooted in systems change, promoting a shift from input-based funding to outcome-based financing, thereby ensuring that every investment has a lasting impact on learners. The organization operates globally, working closely with major partners, including governments and international financial institutions, to deliver a wide range of services that support sustainable development goals.

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient and compliant financial operations within the Education Outcomes Fund. This position involves providing comprehensive support in accounting, budget administration, cash management, and financial reporting. The Finance Associate is responsible for performing a variety of financial transactions with a high degree of accuracy, ensuring adherence to UNOPS financial rules and regulations, policies, and donor requirements. The role requires a proactive approach to financial management, including the preparation and monitoring of budgets, financial reporting, and compliance with established financial protocols. The Finance Associate will also engage in knowledge-sharing initiatives and contribute to the development of financial models that support the organization's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Associate's duties encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• **Budget Administration and Cost Recovery**: Supporting the annual budget setting process, preparing and monitoring project and office budgets, and ensuring alignment with UNOPS financial policies. Assisting in the development of financial models for program proposals and maintaining accurate financial data for decision-making.
• **Accounting, Payments, and Payroll**: Reviewing payment requests for accuracy and compliance, processing vouchers in the ERP system, and conducting expense verifications for EOF grantees.
• **Office Cash and Treasury Management**: Monitoring cash positions, preparing cash flow forecasts, and conducting bank reconciliations.
• **Financial Reporting and Analysis**: Preparing financial reports, supporting variance analyses, and participating in financial closure activities.
• **Knowledge Building and Sharing**: Facilitating training sessions on finance topics and contributing to knowledge-sharing initiatives. The Finance Associate must ensure that all financial transactions are accurately recorded and supported by adequate documentation, and they must respond promptly to queries from headquarters and project teams.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess either a secondary school diploma with six years of relevant experience or a bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field with two years of relevant experience. Professional certification such as CPA, ACCA, CA, or CIMA is desired but not mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in financial management, budgeting, cash management, and financial reporting, as well as familiarity with collaboration and productivity tools.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a secondary school diploma or equivalent with six years of relevant experience, or a bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related discipline with two years of relevant experience. A professional certification in finance or accounting is preferred but not essential.

Experience:
The Finance Associate should have relevant experience in project financial management, budgeting, cash management, and financial reporting. Experience working in multicultural environments or within UN system organizations, particularly in developing countries, is highly desirable. Familiarity with outcome-based financing models and financial systems or ERP software is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be advantageous but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified at the Associate level (ICS 06) and is offered under an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) with a regular contract type. The contract duration is ongoing, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds, including women and underrepresented groups. The organization conducts background checks on all final candidates to ensure compliance with its standards.