Roaming Finance Associate (Budget), G6 at World Food Programme (WFP)

JOB PURPOSE

This position will report to the Head of Unit, Chief, Finance Officer, or the designate.  At this level job holders are expected to take responsibility for completion of a range of finance/budget related processes and activities requiring some interpretation of standard guidelines/practices. Job holders are able to recommend a course of action to staff at various levels and may allocate tasks to other support staff. To provide a range of specialised support for efficient planning, monitoring and analysis of project financial performance to enhance optimal use of financial resources.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

• Review budget plans, monitor and analyse project financial performance and make recommendations in compliance with WFP financial policies and procedures and best practices, to support financial analysis and optimisation of resources.
• Act as the link between Outcome/Activity managers and the field offices on budget related matters.
• Assist the Heads of Field Offices, working closely with the Head of Field office support, in the timely preparation and review of the Annual County Work Plans and related budgets.
• Contribute to the improvement of internal processes, enhancement of corporate systems and design of tools, to facilitate the overall planning, expenditure forecasting, and budget management and monitoring of resource utilisation.
• Enter project budget plans/ revisions and actual expenditures in the corporate systems (e.g. Budget Tracker), to ensure data is timely and accurately captured enabling easy access to information and supporting planning and decision-making.
• Review, compile and analyse data, maintain accurate records and files, and prepare periodic and ad hoc reports, to support accuracy and efficiency of information presented to internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain communication with several stakeholders regarding project funds management matters and related processes, to clarify any discrepancies and optimise use of funds.
• Provide guidance to other support staff and contribute to their learning and development in budget planning, fund management and operational planning, to facilitate continued development and consistency in services delivered.
• Be Decisive: Independently decides what action to take when faced with critical choices in the workplace or in dangerous situations in the field.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (Cont'd)

• Monitor & record implementation of the workplans with the various counties in collaboration with Heads of Field offices and various stakeholders.
• Assisting the timely coordination with all stakeholders to ensure aligned understanding of government policies, guidelines, progress, challenges etc.
• Keeping financial records to support the joint workplans; Coordination with all project implementation stakeholders to ensure the in-time submission of necessary financial reports and consolidate data as needed;
• Support the harmonization of reporting requirements between UN Agencies and CGs/GoK to facilitate compliance with the applicable laws, policies, regulation costs related to the to the workplans. Participate in the HACT working group meetings.
• Document best practices for knowledge sharing with regards to technical knowledge for programme cycle management and stakeholder engagement.
• Support project monitoring and evaluation, including internal and external assessments and/or evaluations;
• Liaison with the finance and programme teams to support enforcement of all mitigation measures against any identified possible risks.
• Facilitate timely communication between Treasury, WFP and the UN Agencies where applicable, relevant budget submission timelines to ensure WFP is able to facilitate timely budget submissions.
• Other duties as required.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: 

• Completion of a post-secondary certificate in the related functional area is desirable.  An advanced Diploma in Finance, Accounting or in the related field is also desirable. A Degree in the same field and membership in a professional accountancy body is an added advantage.

Experience: 

• Five or more years of progressively responsible work experience in the field of Finance and Accounting

Language: 

• General Service (Field): Fluency in both oral and written communication in the UN language in use at the duty station and in the duty station’s language, if different.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Proficient in the use of office equipment and computer software packages, such as Microsoft Word.
• Knowledge of work routines and methods in order to complete processes under minimal supervision.
• Uses tact and courtesy to give and receive information to a wide range of individuals.
• Ability to identify data discrepancies and rectify problems requiring attention.
• Ability to offer guidance or basic on-the-job training to more junior staff.