Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, which is the lead UN agency focused on reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls, and it plays a crucial role in addressing issues related to maternal health, family planning, and gender-based violence. UNFPA's mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate position is located in the UNFPA Moldova Country Office in Chisinau and is a full-time, fixed-term role. The incumbent will be part of the operations team and will work under the direct supervision of the Operations Manager (OM). This role is crucial for ensuring effective and efficient application of the country office's resources, particularly in finance and budget management as well as travel management. The Finance Associate will adopt a client-oriented and results-focused approach to interpreting rules, procedures, and guidelines, providing support and guidance to the country office while assisting the OM in leadership and guidance to operations staff and project support staff. The Finance Associate will contribute to building the capacity of the country office and ensuring compliance with UNFPA policies and procedures, while also driving improvements in financial processes. This position is integral to the strategic management of financial resources and the overall success of UNFPA's mission in Moldova.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Associate will have a wide range of duties and responsibilities, including assisting the Operations Manager in the strategic management of the Country Office's financial resources. This involves planning and tracking available resources, ensuring compliance with corporate financial policies, and monitoring the effectiveness of finance processes. The Finance Associate will interpret financial policies and provide guidance and training to country office personnel, assist in preparing program and operating budgets, and ensure financial transactions comply with UNFPA rules. The role also includes compiling data for financial performance analysis, processing financial transactions, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and assisting in implementing audit recommendations. Additionally, the Finance Associate will monitor funds transferred to Implementing Partners, conduct periodic spot checks, and provide training to enhance the performance of administrative and financial staff of these partners. The position also involves managing travel processes, maintaining travel plans, and ensuring timely approvals and efficient travel management.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a completed Secondary Level Education as a minimum, with a first-level university degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Management, or a similar discipline being desirable. Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in finance and budget management, with proven experience in managing financial policies and processes in development organizations. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word, is essential, along with experience using ERP systems such as PeopleSoft, Oracle, or SAP. The ability to produce analytical reports and communicate clearly and concisely is also required. Experience working with UN organizations is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed Secondary Level Education, with a first-level university degree in a relevant field such as Accounting, Finance, or Business Management being highly desirable. This educational background is essential for understanding the financial principles and practices necessary for the role.

Experience:
The Finance Associate position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in finance and budget management. Candidates should have a proven track record in managing and implementing financial policies, processes, and systems, particularly in development organizations at either the national or international level. This level of experience is crucial for ensuring compliance with UNFPA policies and for effectively managing the financial resources of the country office.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Romanian is required for this position. Additionally, working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant to Moldova, such as Russian, Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian, or sign language, would be considered an asset. This linguistic capability is important for effective communication within the diverse context of Moldova.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time, fixed-term role with a duration of one year, which is renewable based on performance and organizational needs. The Finance Associate will not be required to rotate, and the position offers an attractive remuneration package that includes a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. The organization does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process, and candidates are advised to be cautious of fraudulent offers.