Finance Assistant
Organizational Context
This position is within the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSAF) in Pretoria, South Africa. The role reports to the Regional Representative and works under the direct supervision of the Head of UNODC Office in Mozambique and the Crime Prevention Officer (GBV), in collaboration with the ROSAF Finance Assistant.
Job Purpose
The Finance Assistant provides crucial financial and program administration support for UNODC's initiatives in Mozambique and the broader region, focusing on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) programs and grants. This role ensures adherence to UNODC financial regulations and policies, manages financial workflows through systems like UMOJA, and offers expert advice on budget planning, control, and financial implications. The position is key to maintaining accurate financial records, monitoring project expenditures, and supporting strategic financial decision-making to ensure efficient program delivery and compliance with donor requirements.
Responsibilities
The Finance Assistant is responsible for coordinating financial workflows within the UNODC Regional Office for Southern Africa, utilizing UMOJA and other UN Secretariat systems. Duties include advising senior management on budget planning, control, and financial implications, acting as an Approving Officer for core funds, and processing payments. The role involves monitoring project budget implementation, forecasting income/expenditure, and managing project finances, including grant creation, revisions, and closure in IPMR. Additionally, the Finance Assistant assists in budget preparation, expenditure monitoring against approved budgets, reviewing requisitions, and preparing financial reports. Responsibilities also encompass maintaining internal expenditure control systems, reconciling transactions, managing project-related documents, and ensuring compliance with UN policies and procedures.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of experience in finance, accounting, or a related field is required. This is reduced to five years for candidates with a first-level university degree. Experience with advanced computer applications (MS Office, email) and an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is mandatory. Experience with SAP/Umoja and within the UN system or a similar international organization is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Communication, Teamwork, Financial analysis, Budget management, Data interpretation, Compliance, Problem-solving, Attention to detail.