Associate Finance Officer

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Position Title: Associate Finance Officer
Location: Panama City
Country: Panama
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network established in 1965, with a mission to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address development challenges. The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, valuing the multiplicity of nations and cultures where it operates. UNDP is committed to ensuring that all personnel are empowered to contribute to its mission, and it actively encourages applications from marginalized or excluded populations. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, ensuring rigorous reference and background checks for selected candidates.

Job Overview:
The Associate Finance Officer plays a crucial role in the operationalization of financing and administration within the Humanitarian Financing Unit (HFU) of the Latin America and the Caribbean Humanitarian Fund (LAC HF) and the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Reporting to the Pooled Fund Manager and Head of Office, the Associate Finance Officer is responsible for overseeing financial budget revisions, conducting financial spot checks, managing financial reporting and audit processes, and providing advisory services. The role also involves contributing to research, analysis, and reporting on financial-related questions, as well as participating in knowledge development and sharing activities with stakeholders regarding humanitarian funds. The Associate Finance Officer collaborates closely with various units and field offices within OCHA, other UN agencies, and partners to ensure effective financial and administrative processes within the HFU and LAC HF.

Duties and Responsibilities:
1) Support the day-to-day management of the Regional Humanitarian Financing Unit, ensuring effective management and smooth functioning of the HFU, particularly in finance-related issues. This includes coordinating with OCHA’s Units and Offices, providing training on funding guidelines, and liaising with contributing donors. 2) Ensure effective operationalization of financing and administration of pooled funds, including overseeing daily operational and financial processes, monitoring contributions, and reviewing budget proposals. 3) Act as the primary liaison with partners, providing guidance on compliance with established guidelines and overseeing the registration and capacity assessment of new partner organizations. 4) Oversee budget implementation and revision, financial spot checks, reporting, and audit processes to ensure compliance with Grant Agreements and Global Guidelines. 5) Contribute to research and analysis of humanitarian financing information, documenting and disseminating results and good practices. 6) Facilitate knowledge building and sharing with stakeholders about humanitarian funds through training and contributions to knowledge networks. 7) Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of HFU.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in business administration, finance, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates must have at least two years of relevant experience with a master’s degree or four years with a bachelor’s degree in finance, budget, business administration, or related areas. Experience in a UN common system field operation or similar international organization is desirable, along with familiarity with IPSAS, advanced Microsoft Office skills, and experience with ERP systems such as SAP.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in business administration, finance, or a related field. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree, provided the candidate has the requisite experience.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of relevant experience in finance, budget, or business administration for candidates with a master’s degree, or four years for those with a bachelor’s degree. Experience in a UN common system field operation or similar international organization is desirable, particularly in conflict or post-conflict settings. Proficiency in advanced Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Power BI, and experience in data analysis and management are essential. Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish and English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Haitian Creole and/or French is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in the region's diverse linguistic landscape.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to local recruitment, and candidates selected may be subject to UNDP’s policy on probation upon assignment. UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for other similar positions. The organization is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce and encourages all qualified applicants to apply, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. All applications will be treated in strict confidence. UNDP does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.