Finance and Administration Support

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Finance and Administration Support
Location: Freetown
Country: Sierra Leone
Deadline Date: 11 March 2025-23:59-GMT

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of individuals who are committed to the mission of eradicating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and beneficiaries. The organization has received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its efforts in combating hunger and promoting peace. WFP is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. To learn more about WFP, visit their official website and follow them on various social media platforms for updates and news.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Administration Support position at WFP in Freetown is crucial for coordinating and providing comprehensive finance, budget, and administrative support services. The role involves recording and interpreting financial and budgetary information to ensure the efficient functioning of support services and to inform decision-making processes. The successful candidate will work closely with the Senior Finance Associate and will be responsible for ensuring compliance with WFP financial policies, rules, and regulations. This position requires a proactive approach to financial management, including the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures, monitoring cash positions, and ensuring timely processing of payments and invoices. The role also involves collaboration with various teams to ensure that financial and administrative services are performed efficiently and effectively, contributing to the overall mission of WFP.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide procedural and technical support to staff in finance and budget areas, ensuring compliance with WFP financial policies and regulations.
• Assist in the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures, including proper accounting systems and cash controls.
• Monitor daily cash positions to optimize surplus cash usage and maximize investment returns.
• Oversee the centralized registry system for timely processing of payments to internal staff and external suppliers.
• Contribute to budget preparation, implementation, and monitoring, ensuring future funding requirements are met.
• Coordinate with other teams to ensure efficient performance of financial and administrative services.
• Monitor account balances and process financial transactions accurately to prevent overdrafts.
• Analyze general ledger accounts to initiate corrective actions as needed.
• Compile data from WFP databases to assist in generating and analyzing monthly financial reports. 1
• Allocate tasks to support staff and provide guidance and training in financial resource management. 1
• Maintain readiness for emergency preparedness to meet immediate service requirements in the field.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a post-secondary certificate in a relevant functional area, along with a minimum of six years of progressively responsible work experience in finance or general administrative roles. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of financial health assessments and compliance with local laws, as well as experience working with auditors and third-party vendors. Knowledge of WFP financial policies and procedures is highly desirable, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is the completion of secondary school education, complemented by a post-secondary certificate in a related functional area. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for effective financial management and administrative support within WFP.

Experience:
The position requires at least six years of progressively responsible work experience in finance or general administrative roles. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing financial operations, ensuring compliance with policies, and effectively collaborating with various teams to achieve organizational goals. Experience in humanitarian or development contexts is an advantage, as it aligns with WFP's mission and operational environment.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Depending on the specific location and area of responsibility, proficiency in another official UN language may be required or considered an asset. Strong communication skills in both written and spoken English are essential for effective collaboration and reporting.

Additional Notes:
This position is open exclusively to Sierra Leone Nationals. WFP offers a competitive compensation package that will be determined based on the contract type and the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. The role is full-time, and candidates are encouraged to apply by the deadline of 11 March 202

• WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. All employment decisions are made based on organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process.