Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to promote reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and population and development strategies. The organization is committed to ensuring that every individual has access to the necessary resources and support to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. UNFPA employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively to achieve its goals and objectives, particularly in the areas of maternal health, family planning, and gender-based violence prevention. The organization is guided by its strategic plan for 2022-2025, which emphasizes transformative results and the importance of ethical and principled staff who uphold international norms and standards.

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate plays a crucial role in delivering effective financial advice and services to both internal and external clients, specifically within the Country Office (CO) and UNFPA-supported projects. Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Finance Associate is expected to provide finance-related guidance and support to ensure the effective financial management of UNFPA programme activities. This position requires a client-oriented and results-focused approach to interpreting financial rules, procedures, and guidelines. The Finance Associate will act as an advisor to programme and project staff, helping to maximize the impact of financial resources in delivering programmes and projects. The role involves monitoring financial performance, providing necessary financial information and analysis, and developing mechanisms for budget monitoring. The Finance Associate will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with financial policies and procedures, training staff, and identifying innovative solutions to meet financial needs within existing policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Associate will be responsible for a variety of duties, including but not limited to: supporting the monitoring of programme financial performance by providing necessary financial information and analysis; detecting potential over/under expenditure problems and proposing remedial actions; developing effective mechanisms for monitoring programme and project budgets; coordinating the compilation of financial data; regularly providing accurate and up-to-date financial information to CO, HQ, and regional offices; interpreting financial policies and procedures; providing training and guidance to staff and project managers; assisting in the management of the CO budget; drafting accurate donor financial reports in collaboration with the programme team; reviewing payment requests for accuracy and completeness; processing payments in a timely manner; maintaining an effective financial recording and reporting system; reviewing and monitoring charges for overtimes and cost recovery; representing UNFPA’s interests in financial negotiations; and supervising administrative and clerical staff as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree with at least three years of relevant experience or a High School certificate with six years of relevant experience. A completed Secondary Level Education is required, and a first-level university degree in Finance, Business, Public Administration, or a similar discipline is desirable. Candidates should have a strong understanding of UNFPA financial rules, guidelines, and processes, as well as proficiency in current office software applications and ERP financial systems. Additionally, candidates should exemplify integrity, demonstrate commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, embrace cultural diversity, and be adaptable to change.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business, Public Administration, or a related field, or a High School certificate with significant relevant experience. A completed Secondary Level Education is mandatory, and candidates with a first-level university degree in a relevant discipline will be preferred.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of six years of relevant experience in finance or office management. This experience should include proficiency in current office software applications and web-based management systems, as well as experience with ERP financial systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in financial management and a proven track record of delivering results in a similar role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while knowledge of other official UN languages, particularly Tajik and/or Russian, is desirable. Candidates who can communicate effectively in multiple languages will have an advantage in this role, as it will enhance their ability to work with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve supervising administrative and clerical staff. UNFPA is committed to promoting gender equality and diversity within its workforce, encouraging applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. The organization provides a work environment that reflects its values of integrity, diversity, and healthy work-life balance. Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.