Financial Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Financial Officer
Location: Kinshasa
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees across more than 150 countries, WHO operates in various regions to address health challenges and improve health systems globally. The organization plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, and works towards the eradication of diseases such as polio.

Job Overview:
The Financial Officer position within the Polio Eradication Program (PEP) is critical for ensuring the effective management of financial resources allocated to polio eradication efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The role involves overseeing the financial operations of the program, ensuring compliance with WHO financial policies, and providing support to the Polio Incident Management Support Team (IMST). The Financial Officer will be responsible for budget management, financial reporting, and ensuring that all expenditures align with donor agreements. This position requires a proactive approach to financial management, with a focus on maintaining high standards of accountability and transparency in financial operations. The successful candidate will work closely with various stakeholders, including national authorities, to support the overall goal of eradicating polio and strengthening immunization systems in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Organize and manage the day-to-day budget and financial operations, ensuring quality control and compliance with financial policies.
• Manage funding allocations and the awards process, preparing necessary documentation and implementing budgetary actions in the Global Management System (GSM).
• Monitor donor proposals and reporting deadlines, providing budgetary clearance for resource mobilization efforts.
• Track and report on financing against budget, analyzing financial data and preparing periodic statements.
• Develop and maintain a tracking system for all financial activities related to emergency preparedness and response operations.
• Oversee the accurate recording of financial transactions and the payment of salaries and allowances.
• Support imprest account management and reconcile cash books with bank statements.
• Provide training and guidance to staff on financial rules and procedures.
• Draft audit responses and follow up on outstanding audit recommendations. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned, including managing administrative and financial services for the country office and preparing monthly accounting reports.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a university degree specializing in accountancy, business administration, or public finance. Candidates should possess a minimum of five years of professional experience in finance, budget, or accounting at both national and international levels. Demonstrated experience in using ERP systems for financial data consolidation is also required. Desirable qualifications include an advanced university degree in a related field and prior experience in emergency or health outbreak operations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree with specialization in accountancy, business administration, or public finance. An advanced degree (Masters level or above) in business administration, finance, accounting, or public administration is desirable. Professional qualifications in accounting/accountancy are also preferred.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in finance, budget, or accounting, with at least two years of international experience. Candidates should have a proven track record in managing financial operations and reporting, particularly in the context of health emergencies or outbreak responses.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of French is essential for this position, while intermediate knowledge of English is desirable. Proficiency in both languages will facilitate effective communication with diverse stakeholders and enhance collaboration within the team.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, starting with an annual base salary of USD 64,121, along with a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in Kinshasa. Additional benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates should be aware that WHO conducts background verification for final candidates and has a zero-tolerance policy towards abusive conduct. Mobility is a condition of employment, and candidates may be assigned to various duty stations globally.