National Professional Officer (Finance)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an international organization that leads global efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. FAO's strategic framework emphasizes the importance of transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, thereby contributing to better production, nutrition, environment, and life, while ensuring that no one is left behind. The Shared Services Centre (SSC) within FAO plays a crucial role in managing quality assurance activities and improving service delivery through process standardization and automation.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer (Finance) position is integral to the FAO Shared Services Centre, focusing on program administration and financial management, including accounting. The role involves providing effective and efficient administrative support in finance, ensuring compliance with organizational rules and regulations, and acting as a certifying officer for financial transactions. The officer will supervise an operational team responsible for banking, accounts payable, and asset management, while also participating in work planning and monitoring performance management within the finance function. This position requires a proactive approach to process improvement and capacity development, ensuring that the finance operations align with established Service Level Agreements (SLAs). The officer will also coordinate training initiatives and promote best practices across the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Professional Officer (Finance) include advising and supporting the Head of SSC Finance Unit in all finance and accounting areas, supervising the operational team in banking, accounts payable, and asset management, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies. The officer will lead the creation and maintenance of Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs), monitor performance management within the finance function, and coordinate the development of training materials. Additionally, the officer will engage in process improvement initiatives and collaborate with Decentralized Offices and the Finance Division to gather requirements and enhance financial operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be nationals of Hungary and possess either an advanced university degree in business or public administration with three years of relevant experience in office management, administration, accounting, or finance, or a first-level university degree in accounting, finance, or a related field with five years of relevant experience and a professional qualification in accountancy (CA, CPA, ACCA) or investment (CFA). Proficiency in English and Hungarian is required, along with competencies in results focus, teamwork, communication, and building effective relationships.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a field related to business or public administration, or a first-level university degree in accounting, finance, or business administration. Candidates with professional qualifications in accountancy or investment are also considered qualified for this role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in office management, administration, accounting, or finance for those with an advanced degree, or five years of relevant experience for those with a first-level degree. Experience in finance, business analysis, banking, or accounting, as well as payment processing and reconciliation, is essential. Experience in a shared services or business support center is highly desirable.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and Hungarian. Additionally, intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish is highly desirable, enhancing the candidate's profile for this position.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Budapest, Hungary, and is part of the FAO Shared Services Centre. The role is expected to contribute to the organization's mission of achieving food security and sustainable agrifood systems. The position may involve full-time engagement, and candidates should be prepared to work collaboratively within a diverse and international team environment.