Finance Associate at United Nations Population Fund - UNFPA

Job ID: 00060515

The Position

• Under the overall guidance of the UNFPA Representative and Deputy Representative and the direct supervision of the Finance & Admin Associate, the Finance Associate ensures the effective functioning of financial operations and systems in support of the programme and office management. S/he works closely with programmes and project staff providing financial monitoring and analysis of projects and advising managers on expenditure trends and implementation rates. S/he ensures effective and efficient functioning of financial operations and systems.. 
• S/he delivers quality services in Financial Management to internal and external clients mastering all relevant rules, guidelines, processes and procedures. S/he takes a client-oriented results-focused approach to interpreting the rules, procedures and guidelines in service of the Country Programme, providing support and guidance to colleagues and UNFPA supported states in Nigeria.  S/he works closely with Programme and Project staff providing financial monitoring and analysis of projects and advising managers on expenditure trends and implementation rates. 
• Finance Associate is expected to maintain collaborative relationships with all technical staff (Programme Officers and project staff) as well as government counterparts. 

How you can make a difference

• UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.
• These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.
• In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
• UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the monitoring of programme financial performance for all core and non-core resources by providing necessary financial information and analysis, including implementation rate against indicators/results. Detects potential over-under expenditure problems and suggests remedial action;
• Facilitate all payment requests, financial record-keeping and preparation of financial reports required in line with NEX and HACT financial rules and procedures;
• Develop tools and mechanisms for effective monitoring of programme and project budgets, coordinates compilation of financial data and provides accurate and up-dated financial information to UNFPA Field Office in Abuja on a regular basis;
• Integrate financial policies and procedures, particularly relating to National Execution (NEX), into standard operational procedures, and provides guidance and training to staff and project managers accordingly; 
• Ensure the effective financial recording and reporting system, internal control and audit follow-up and processes financial transactions in an accurate and timely way;
• Provide logistical and technical support to UNFPA programme staff and implementing partners in Programme Financial Management;
• Review and monitor charges for common services and cost recovery, taking into account maximum cost efficiency and represents UNFPA’s interest in related negotiations and agreements;
• Assist in the formulation of programme/project budgets.
• Provide quality services in administration, procurement, communication and management of office equipment and infrastructure to internal and external clients mastering all relevant rules, guidelines, processes and procedures.
• Establish and maintains contacts with government counterparts and implementing partners to ensure an effective and efficient collaboration;
• Facilitate the conduct of NEX audits and ensures the development and implementation of follow-up actions;
• Facilitate all payment requests, financial record-keeping and preparation of financial reports required in line with NEX and HACT financial rules and procedures;
• Assist in the recruitment and procurement processes, ensuring conformity with UNFPA and Government rules and procedures;
• Assist in the organization of training activities, ensuring logistical and, where applicable, financial arrangements; and
• Undertake any other assignments as may be required by the Heads of Sub-offices, International Operations Manager, Deputy Representative and/or Representative.

Qualification and Experience
The ideal candidate should:

• Be a Nigerian National
• Have a  secondary School Certificate or a
• Have a bachelor’s degree or Higher National Diploma in Public Administration, Accounting, Business, Economics, or related field of education. 
• Candidates holding Professional Accounting qualifications such as CPA or ACCA  will also be considered.
• Have a minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience, including at least 3 years in the same functional area.
• Be familiar with UN Operational Rules and Regulations; direct working experience applying and handling UN Operational rules and regulations, a high advantage and  familiarity with Quantum will be an asset.
• Be Fluent in oral and written English;
• Be proficient in current MS Office software applications and other accounting package is essential.

Required competencies:
Values:

• Exemplifying integrity
•  Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
•  Embracing cultural diversity
•  Embracing change

Core Competencies:

• Achieving results
•  Being accountable
•  Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen
•  Thinking analytically and strategically
•  Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships
•  Communicating for impact

Functional Competencies:

•  Strategically positioning UNFPA programmes
• Providing conceptual innovation to support programme effectiveness
• Generating, managing and promoting the use of knowledge and information
• Providing a technical support systems
• Strengthening the programming capacity of implementing partners
•  Facilitating quality programmatic result
• Internal and External relations and advocacy for results mobilization.

 Compensation and Benefits

• This position offers an attractive remuneration package commensurate with the level of the post.
• The package includes a competitive net salary plus, health insurance and other benefits.  Qualified women are encouraged to apply.