Finance Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC) is a key component of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Established to address regional priorities for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, agriculture, and rural development, the RLC plays a crucial role in identifying, planning, and implementing FAO's priority activities across Latin America and the Caribbean. The office oversees a network of Country Offices and FAO Subregional Offices, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to programs and identifying priority areas of action for the organization. The RLC collaborates with various divisions, offices, and centers at FAO headquarters to develop and promote strategic responses to regional priorities. It also supports the formulation and implementation of Country Programmes and Projects, contributing to the FAO Strategic Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The RLC is responsible for leading the preparation of Regional Conferences and Statutory Bodies, maintaining relations with regional institutions, and enhancing operational efficiency and compliance with internal controls.

Job Overview:
The Finance Officer position is integral to the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, where the incumbent will lead the delivery of financial services, internal control, and risk management. This role requires a deep understanding of financial policies, UN financial guidelines, and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). The Finance Officer will be responsible for planning and delivering financial services in accordance with these standards, ensuring that all financial reporting, general accounting, and project accounting services comply with FAO policies. The position involves supervising staff, participating in organization-wide committees, and providing financial expertise. The Finance Officer will also develop and update operational, policy, accounting, control, and risk management frameworks, implementing streamlined business processes and new financial policies. The role requires analyzing financial information for various reports, responding to requests for assistance, and promoting best practices in financial management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Officer will manage the finance function of the FAO Regional Office, supervising the Finance Unit to ensure timely service delivery and customer satisfaction. Key responsibilities include interpreting and implementing FAO financial rules and procedures, coordinating with Regional Management to maintain internal control systems, and providing training and support to FAO personnel on finance and risk management issues. The Finance Officer will coordinate financial and administrative aspects of agreements, liaise with auditors, and ensure timely implementation of audit recommendations. Additionally, the officer will advise on the preparation of the Programme of Work and Budget (PWB), prepare periodic budget reports, and contribute to the development of results-based management concepts and policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field, along with seven years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, or business analysis. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in the same fields combined with nine years of relevant experience and a professional certification in accountancy (such as CA, CPA, CIMA, or ACCA) is acceptable. Proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field. Candidates with a first-level university degree must also have completed a professional certification in accountancy or the investment profession, such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, or business analysis for candidates with an advanced degree. For those with a first-level degree, nine years of relevant experience is necessary. Experience in managing finance, accounting, and internal control functions is essential, as well as work experience in multiple locations or areas, particularly in field positions.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language. A working knowledge of Spanish is highly desirable, as it is one of the official languages of the FAO.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Santiago, Chile, and is part of the FAO's Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean. The role is full-time and involves significant interaction with various stakeholders, including banks, financial institutions, donors, and UN financial executives. The Finance Officer will also be involved in training and capacity development initiatives within the organization.