Finance Associate Job Opportunity at VGSC Financial – UN WOMEN

Overview

Are you a finance professional looking to make a meaningful impact? Join the UN Women team and be a part of our mission to promote gender equality and empower women and girls worldwide. We are currently seeking a dedicated Finance Associate to join our Virtual Global Service Centre (VGSC) for financial donor reporting and project closure. If you’re passionate about financial reporting, project closure, and supporting gender equality initiatives, this could be your opportunity to shine!

About Us

UN Women, guided by the UN Charter’s vision of equality, strives to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men in various domains, including development, human rights, humanitarian action, peace, and security.

Job Details

• Position: Finance Associate
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Application Deadline: October 20, 2023 (Midnight New York, USA)
• Type of Contract: Fixed-Term Appointment (FTA) Local
• Post Level: GS-7
• Languages Required: English
• Duration of Initial Contract: 1 Year

About the Role

As a Finance Associate at VGSC Financial, you will play a vital role in preparing financial donor reports, managing project closures, and providing essential financial support to our regional office. Working under the guidance of the Finance Specialist, you’ll ensure timely and accurate financial reporting and support other finance-related activities. Your contributions will directly impact the success of UN Women’s initiatives, making a lasting difference in the world.

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Donor Reporting:

• Prepare and submit financial reports for donors in a timely manner.
• Monitor outstanding donor reports and initiate follow-up actions.
• Ensure accuracy in chart fields and make necessary adjustments.
• Assist in maintaining the General Ledger and reconcile accounts.
• Respond to financial data inquiries.
• Prepare various financial indicators and management reports.
• Maintain organized records of supporting documents.
• Provide budget setup support for donor-specific reporting requirements.

Project Closure:

• Administer and advise on financial project closures for UN Women offices.
• Monitor and reconcile closed projects’ status.
• Prepare reports on project closure status.
• Control supporting documents for refunds and journals.
• Ensure accuracy in chart fields and make necessary adjustments.
• Assist in maintaining the General Ledger and reconcile accounts.
• Respond to financial data inquiries.
• Maintain organized records of supporting documents.

Administrative Support:

• Prepare and review payment vouchers based on supporting documents.
• Monitor unpaid vouchers and initiate follow-up actions.
• Ensure proper control of supporting documents for payments and accounts.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Assist as an ATLAS (ERP) focal point when required.
• Manage asset and inventory.
• Coordinate and facilitate project audits.
• Maintain and update the Internal Control framework matrix.

Competencies

Core Values:

• Respect for Diversity
• Integrity
• Professionalism

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
• Accountability
• Creative Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Inclusive Collaboration
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leading by Example

For more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies, click here.

Functional Competencies:

• Strong accounting skills
• Knowledge of financial rules and regulations
• Strong IT skills
• Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering
• Results and client-oriented approach
• Strong communication and relationship management skills

Required Skills and Experience

Education and Certification:

• High School (Secondary Education) completion is required.
• University Degree in Accounting or Finance is an advantage.
• Successful completion of UN Women Accounting Technical Test as part of the selection process.

Experience:

• At least 7 years of progressively relevant finance work experience.
• Proficiency in computer usage and office software packages.
• Knowledge of web-based ERP financial systems (SAP, PeopleSoft, Oracle, etc.).
• Knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS is desirable.
• Experience in developing complex financial reports.
• Experience in developing reports for donors within an international organizational context is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of any other UN language is an advantage (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish).

Application Process

To apply, please ensure your application includes the following:

1. A completed UN Women Personal History form (P-11) available here. Attach it as a document.
2. Links to your previously published reports and articles from the last two years.

Applications without the completed and signed UN Women P-11 form will be considered incomplete and will not be assessed.

About UN Women

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly established UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. UN Women brings together resources and mandates from four previously distinct parts of the UN system, focusing exclusively on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Diversity and Inclusion

At UN Women, we are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment that respects all individuals. We hire, train, compensate, and promote without discrimination based on various factors, including race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, and national origin. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need.

If you require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please indicate your needs in your application.

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Showcase your experience in financial reporting and project closure, especially within an international context.
• Demonstrate IT Proficiency: Emphasize your IT skills and familiarity with financial software packages.
• Showcase Compliance Knowledge: Mention your knowledge of financial rules, regulations, and accounting standards.
• Highlight Communication Skills: Highlight your strong communication and relationship management skills, which are crucial in this role.
• Provide Evidence: When mentioning accomplishments, include specific examples to illustrate your capabilities.
• Embrace Diversity: UN Women values diversity; emphasize your commitment to a diverse and inclusive work environment.
• Stay Current: Stay informed about IPSAS and IFRS changes to ensure compliance.
• Demonstrate Accountability: Show your accountability and responsibility for achieving results in your previous roles.

Your application is your first impression – make it count! Join us in making a difference in the world through gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Ready to take on this exciting opportunity? Apply now and be a part of our mission!