Finance Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Finance Assistant
Location: BANJUL
Country: Gambia
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on reproductive health and rights, and population and development. Established in 1969, UNFPA works in over 150 countries, with a mission 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 operates with a workforce that embodies these values. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2018-2021 emphasizes three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, fulfilling unmet needs for family planning, and eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA employs a diverse team of professionals who are dedicated to achieving these goals and making a significant impact on the lives of individuals and communities around the world.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant position is critical within the UNFPA Gambia Country Office, where the incumbent will report directly to the Finance and Admin Associate. This role is designed to deliver high-quality and accurate financial and administrative services to both internal and external clients. The Finance Assistant will master all relevant rules, guidelines, processes, and procedures to ensure quality assurance and compliance. The position requires a client-oriented and results-focused approach to interpreting rules and providing support and guidance, ensuring timely follow-up actions for guaranteed compliance. The Finance Assistant will play a vital role in supporting the financial aspects of program planning and implementation, ensuring that all financial processes align with UNFPA policies and regulations. This position is essential for maintaining the integrity of financial records and ensuring that all transactions are processed accurately and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will be responsible for a variety of duties, including ensuring full compliance of financial processes and records with UN/UNFPA rules and regulations. The incumbent will work closely with program and project staff to provide financial support for program planning and implementation. Key responsibilities include providing quality assurance on supporting documents for payments, ensuring that payment processes are completed according to UNFPA policies, and reviewing travel claims to ensure compliance with UNFPA Travel Policy. The Finance Assistant will prepare monthly aging reports for monitoring receivables, track payments processed by UNFPA, assist with HACT audits and spot checks, and provide support during year-end closure activities. Additionally, the Finance Assistant will manage physical inventory items and ensure proper handling of assets. The role may also involve performing other duties as assigned by the Finance and Admin Associate to ensure seamless financial support to the country office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess completed secondary level education with a minimum of five years of relevant experience, or a first-level university degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Finance, Social Sciences, or related fields with at least two years of relevant experience. Recognized training or certification in Business Administration, Finance, or related fields is considered an asset. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams. Familiarity with UN procedures and working methods is highly desirable, as is proficiency in office software applications and corporate ERP/PeopleSoft systems. Relevant certifications in IT services and software management are also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes either completed secondary education with significant relevant experience or a first-level university degree in a related field. Candidates with a secondary certificate should have at least five years of progressively responsible experience, while those with a bachelor's degree should have a minimum of two years of relevant experience. Specialized certification in Finance or Accounting is preferred and will enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The Finance Assistant position requires candidates to have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in finance or a related field for those with a secondary education. For candidates with a first-level university degree, at least two years of relevant experience is required. Experience in financial management, compliance with UN regulations, and familiarity with financial software applications will be critical for success in this role. The candidate should also demonstrate strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with strong verbal and written communication skills required for the position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English is the primary language of communication within the organization and for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, annual leave, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. The work environment at UNFPA reflects values of gender equality, teamwork, and diversity, and the organization is committed to maintaining a balanced gender distribution. UNFPA encourages women to apply and promotes equal opportunities for all, including persons with disabilities. The organization reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions at the same grade level. UNFPA does not charge any fees during the application or recruitment process.