Finance Assistant

This position is located in the Djibouti country office, and the incumbent reports to the Finance Officer. 

We expect a holder at this level who demonstrates responsibility and initiative to answer questions independently while he/she only has general guidance. He/she must use judgment to manage unforeseen events on a daily basis. He/she is expected to manage resources and support and coordinate a team of support staff, or provide specific support services. 

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Coordinate and provide financial, budgetary and administrative support services requiring the recording and interpretation of financial and budgetary information to ensure the proper functioning of support services and inform decision-making. To coordinate and provide finance, budget and administration support services involving the recording and interpretation of financial and budgetary information to ensure the efficient functioning of the support services and inform decision-making.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (indicative and non-exhaustive list)

• Provide staff with assistance on applicable procedures and technical support in financial and budgetary areas to ensure compliance with financial management policies and rules and WFP Financial Regulations.
• Assist in developing and implementing financial policies and procedures, and defining and implementing appropriate accounting procedures, systems and internal controls.
• Ensure daily monitoring of the cash situation to optimize the use of surpluses and maximize investment returns using the liquidity portfolio.
• Monitor the centralized registry system to process all payments to internal staff and invoices from external suppliers in a timely manner and in accordance with WFP standards.
• Contribute to the establishment, implementation and monitoring of budgets and monitor expenditures and budget forecasts, to ensure that future financing needs are covered.
• Liaise with other teams to verify that all financial and administrative services are delivered efficiently and in accordance with the needs of the entire team.
• Monitor account balances and process financial transactions rigorously and in a timely manner to avoid overdrafts.
• Monitor and analyze general accounting accounts to undertake corrective measures and complete them successfully.
• Gather data from WFP database and systems to help generate and analyze monthly financial reports.
• Assign tasks to other support staff, provide guidance and provide on-the-job training in financial resource management (management of imprest accounts and subsidiary accounts, review and analysis of accounts payable and balance sheet accounts, etc.), to ensure that services are delivered consistently and to required standards.
• Stand by and follow emergency preparedness practices to immediately respond to financial service needs in country offices and field offices in the event of a crisis.

MINIMUM STANDARD QUALIFICATIONS

• Education:   University degree in finance, commerce, management or economics.
• Language Knowledge:   Proficiency in communicating in French, both oral and written, is required, with proficiency in other UN languages ​​such as English considered an advantage.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE FUNCTION

• Minimum 2 years of professional experience in a finance-related field, or familiarity with accounting principles and financial processes.
• Proficiency in the use of financial software and digital tools such as Excel or SAP.
• Experience in financial reporting and data analysis.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in maintaining financial records.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, as well as adaptability and willingness to learn new skills in a fast-paced work environment.

Source: https://career5.successfactors.eu//career?career_ns=job_listing&company=C0000168410P&navBarLevel=JOB_SEARCH&rcm_site_locale=en_GB&career_job_req_id=832926