Associate Programme Officer (Finance)

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Unit of the Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN), which is part of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The UNODC was established to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs and international crime. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various issues including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and organized crime. The mission of UNODC is to promote justice and the rule of law, and to support countries in their efforts to combat crime and drug abuse. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect, ensuring that all staff members are treated fairly and equitably, regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Associate Programme Officer (Finance) will play a crucial role in supporting the financial planning and implementation of projects within the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Unit. The incumbent will work closely with the Project Coordinator and the Regional Representative, ensuring that financial resources are utilized effectively in accordance with the programme budget. The position requires a proactive approach to financial management, including the preparation of budget proposals, monitoring financial transactions, and ensuring compliance with donor requirements. The officer will also be responsible for building the financial capacity of the team, providing training on financial procedures, and contributing to data analysis for informed decision-making. This role is essential for the successful implementation of projects aimed at combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and it requires a strong understanding of financial processes and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: assisting in the financial planning and implementation of project activities; preparing budgeted work plans and monitoring financial reports; drafting terms of reference; processing administrative actions; overseeing financial transactions; ensuring compliance with internal policies and donor requirements; providing training to team members on financial systems; organizing preparatory meetings; collecting and analyzing data; and performing other related duties as required. The role demands meticulous attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively, ensuring that all financial activities align with the project's objectives and contribute to its overall success.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of internal policies and procedures related to programme/project administration, implementation, and evaluation. They should be able to identify and resolve issues, work well with figures, and conduct basic research. The ability to analyze and interpret data is essential, as is the capacity to convey information effectively to management. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to achieving results while incorporating gender perspectives in their work. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment are also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, budget, accounting, management, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in similar fields combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of financial management within the context of international projects.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of experience in programme/project administration and planning is required. Candidates should have experience in financial management, budget organization, and monitoring. Experience in organizing meetings and training sessions, particularly in areas related to crime prevention and criminal justice, is desirable. Familiarity with SAP system-based applications and data analytics is also advantageous, as these skills will enhance the candidate's ability to perform effectively in the role.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This is a project post, and the filling of this position is subject to funding availability. The initial appointment will be for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension depending on the continuation of the mandate and availability of funds. Candidates should be aware that staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to different functions as needed. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.