The United Nations World Food Programme is looking for a finance officer P3, Niamey-Niger – Short Term Professional (103390)

Apply here

About WFP :

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide.  The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes.  Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.

Key accountabilities (not all-inclusive) :

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Finance and Administration, the Finance Officer will be responsible for :

• Support corporate finance and resource management strategies by contributing to the development of policies and procedures for CO, participating in key programmatic initiatives, and embedding value for money in these initiatives through advice on financial assessment, reporting and accounting ;
• Part of the leading team on the implementation of CO finance, budgeting and resource management operations, in order to support the timely and effective supply of food assistance, and comply with WFP standards and processes ;
• Carry out regular visits to Sub- Offices as appropriate and assist in clarifying and improving proper application of policies and procedures, and prepare comprehensive reports on findings with improvement action plans ;
• Lead on the delivery of accurate financial reporting and analyses in accordance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), ensuring accuracy, deadlines and compliance with accounting processes and corporate governance requirements ;
• Provide financial assessment of partners, service providers, and other entities as needed, providing conclusions to management to enable them to make informed decisions and minimize financial risk to the organisation ;
• Ensure that bank reconciliation, disbursements, clearance of receivables, overall cash management and monthly financial closures are performed regularly and in accordance with corporate requirements ;
• Where necessary, manage and deliver administrative services, negotiating contracts and following standard processes to provide cost-effective, quality and timely services to WFP staff ;
• Monitor and analyse financial and accounting data for CO and Sub Offices, identifying and forecasting trends, anomalies or issues, and proposing solutions to management with regards to: status of budgets, availability of funds, programme effectiveness and financial viability ;
• Identify and develop improvements to policies, systems and procedures in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations, minimize risk, and ensure services are aligned with business objectives ;
• Coordinate and deliver financial controls and insight into WFP performance, undertaking periodic risk and internal control assessments to identify areas which may present potential audit, compliance or financial risks ;
• Lead a team of finance staff, establishing priorities and work plans, monitoring progress, and providing coaching, training and guidance to ensure appropriate development and enable high performance ;
• Represent unit/CO at internal meetings, external meetings and events with other UN agencies, banks and other financial institutions, or other partners and entities as required ;
• Contribute to preparedness actions such as early warning, risk analysis and contingency planning and make recommendations. Periodically monitor the management of risks and report on any action taken ;
• Assess information/training needs, and prepare and deliver training programmes or information session for managers and staff in CO and Sub-office to enhance compliance with WFP policies, rules and regulations and procedures ;
• Other as required.

Standard minimum qualifications :

Education :

Advanced University degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting or related fields, or First University degree in the same subject(s) with additional years of related work experience plus membership in an international recognized professional accountancy body such as Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Institute of Certified Public Accounts (ICPA) or equivalent.

Experience :

• At least 5 years of experience of progressively responsible postgraduate professional experience in Finance ;
• Experience in roles with great independence, decision making authority, supervision of staff and managing complex budget ;
• Experience training finance teams at country office and field Offices ;
• Experience in contributing to the development of finance risk management policies and procedures on embedding value for money through advice on financial assessment, reporting and accounting.

Desired experience/knowledge for entry into the role :

• Has developed financial policies and procedures ;
• In-depth knowledge of financial management and reporting ;
• Training and/or experience utilizing computers, including word processing, spreadsheet and other standard WFP software packages and systems, including SAP and other ERP systems ;
• General knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations and procedures ;
• Ability to prioritize work and handle multiple tasks within tight timelines ;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with different stakeholders within and outside the organisation ;
• Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan and those under supervision ;
• Ability to draft clear concise reports on key issues and decisions within the delegated area of responsibility ;
• Ability to carry out the relevant financial sector assessments and analysis ;

• Ability to review and analyse financial statement ;
• Ability to implement accounting and internal control process.

Languages :

Fluency in oral and written English and French Languages.

4Ps core organisational capabilities :

Purpose :

• Understand and communicate the Strategic Objectives: Utilizes understanding of WFP’s Strategic Objectives to communicate linkages to team objectives and work ;
• Be a force for positive change: Proactively identifies and develops new methods or improvements for self and immediate team to address work challenges within own work area ;
• Make the mission inspiring to our team: Identifies opportunities to further align individual contributions with WFP’s mission of making an impact on local communities ;
• Make our mission visible in everyday actions: Helps colleagues to see the link between their individual tasks and the contributions of their unit’s goals to the broader context of WFP’s mission.

People :

• Look for ways to strengthen people’s skills: Is able to identify, support and encourage focused on-the-job learning opportunities to address gaps between current skillsets and needed future skillsets for WFP ;
• Create an inclusive culture: Recognizes the contributions of teammates, and encourages contributions from culturally different team mates to recognise the value of diversity above and beyond just including it in programming for beneficiaries ;
• Be a coach & provide constructive feedback: Provides and solicits ongoing constructive feedback on strengths and development opportunities to help develop individual skills, whilst also helping others identify areas for improvement ;
• Create an “I will”/”We will” spirit: Sets clear targets for self and others to focus team efforts in ambiguous situations (e.g., unprecedented issues and/or scenarios).

Performance :

• Encourage innovation & creative solutions: Thinks beyond team’s conventional approaches to formulate creative methods for delivering food aid and assistance to beneficiaries ;
• Focus on getting results: Maintains focus on achieving individual results in the face of obstacles such as volatile or fragile environments and/or organizational roadblocks ;
• Make commitments and make good on commitments: Takes personal accountability for upholding and delivering upon team’s commitments and provides assurance to stakeholders ;
• Be Decisive: Demonstrates ability to adjust to team’s plans and priorities to optimize outcomes in light of evolving directives, while also responding quickly in high-pressure environments, such as in emergency settings.

Partnership :

• Connect and share across WFP units: Demonstrates an understanding of when and how to tactfully engage other units in conversations on impact, timing, or planning ;
• Build strong external partnerships: Networks regularly with key external partners using formal and informal opportunities to understand each partner’s unique value proposition, and to build and strengthen relationships ;
• Be politically agile & adaptable: Demonstrates ability to adapt engagement approach in the context of evolving partner circumstances and expectations ;
• Be clear about the value WFP brings to partnerships: Demonstrates ability to articulate to internal and external audiences the value that individual contributions and immediate teams bring to partnerships.

Functional capabilities :

Terms and conditions :

• Contract Duration: 11 months  (Renewable) ;
• Remuneration: A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered ;
• WFP is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates meeting the above qualifications are encouraged to apply.

Deadline for applications :

Closing date of application : 7 February 2019

Apply here