Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Regional Office for the Andean Region and the Southern Cone (ROCOL) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The UNODC was established to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism. The organization operates globally, with a focus on providing support to countries in their efforts to combat these issues. The UNODC aims to promote justice, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and the rule of law, and it employs a diverse workforce dedicated to these goals. The organization is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and values the contributions of its employees from various backgrounds.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant will play a crucial role in the financial operations of the UNODC's Regional Office. This position involves working closely with the Associate Finance Officer and the Operations Officer to ensure compliance with UN financial rules and regulations. The Finance Assistant will be responsible for updating banking details, approving disbursements, processing travel claims, and maintaining internal control databases. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying areas for improvement within financial processes and supporting project assistants in managing commitments. The Finance Assistant will also be tasked with generating reports and assisting in data analysis and presentation, contributing to informed decision-making within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant's duties include updating banking details of payees in the Umoja system, acting as an approving officer for disbursements, processing travel claims, and reviewing travel arrangements for personnel. The role also involves maintaining and updating databases for internal control, generating performance reports, and following up on open commitments. The Finance Assistant will recommend process improvements, act as a backup for the Finance and Budget Assistant, and submit monthly reports to Headquarters. Additionally, the position requires assisting in data collection and analysis, preparing presentations, and updating informational materials such as web pages and brochures. Other tasks may be assigned as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of financial rules and regulations, as well as accounting policies and practices. The ability to maintain accurate records and analyze data is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and accountability in their work. The role requires a commitment to gender equality and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues. Candidates should be able to identify and resolve discrepancies and challenges in financial data, and they must be efficient in meeting deadlines and achieving results.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a first-level university degree is required for candidates, with a reduction in the required experience to three years for those holding such a degree. Candidates without a degree must have five years of relevant experience in accounting, finance, or a related field. Knowledge of computer software, particularly MS Word and Excel, is essential, along with advanced skills in spreadsheet and database management.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of experience in accounting, finance, or a related area. For those with a first-level university degree, the required experience is reduced to three years. Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is mandatory, and familiarity with the Financial Regulations and Rules of the United Nations or similar organizations is desirable. Experience with UMOJA/SAP and working in fast-paced environments is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish and English is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's profile for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work in Colombia. Candidates selected from outside the duty station will be responsible for their relocation expenses. Local recruits are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment process, and it is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, and the organization adheres to strict standards regarding human rights and ethical conduct.