Administrative and Finance Associate, G-6, WCARO, Dakar, Senegal

Organizational Context

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency dedicated to fulfilling a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The Administrative and Finance Associate supports the effective management of UNFPA programme activities within the Regional Office and Country Offices, reporting to the Regional International Operations Manager. This role is crucial for accelerating the implementation of the Programme of Action of the ICPD and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Job Purpose

The Administrative and Finance Associate is responsible for supporting the effective management of UNFPA programme activities across the Regional Office and Country Offices. This role involves performing a variety of standard financial and administrative processes, leveraging a deep understanding of UNFPA's financial rules, guidelines, and procedures. The incumbent will adopt a client-oriented, results-focused approach to interpreting and applying these regulations. A key aspect of the role is to provide advisory services to programme and project staff, ensuring the optimal impact of financial resources towards the successful delivery of programmes and projects.

Responsibilities

The role involves supporting the monitoring of programme financial performance by providing essential financial information and analysis, including implementation rates against indicators and results, and identifying potential expenditure issues with proposed solutions. Responsibilities include following up on financial reports from Country Offices, the Regional Office, and partners. The Associate will examine and process payroll entitlements, ensuring timely submission and approval of overtime calculations. Developing effective mechanisms for monitoring programme and project budgets, compiling financial data, and providing accurate financial information to HQ are key duties. The role also entails interpreting financial policies, providing guidance and training to staff and project managers, and identifying innovative financial solutions. Assisting in RO budget management, including formulation, allotment control, expenditure monitoring, and revisions, is required. Support for hiring and onboarding consultants according to UNFPA procedures and ensuring policy adherence is also part of the role. Maintaining an effective financial recording and reporting system, internal control, and audit follow-up, alongside accurate and timely processing of financial transactions, is essential. Reviewing common service charges and cost recovery for efficiency and representing UNFPA in financial negotiations are also included, along with supervising administrative and clerical staff as needed.

Work Experience

Requires six years of relevant experience in administration, finance, or office management. Proficiency in current office software applications and ERP financial systems is necessary. Experience in clerical, administrative, and secretarial best practices within a multicultural corporate environment is important. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and previous UN experience are assets.

Skills

Core competencies include integrity, commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, embracing cultural diversity, and change. Functional competencies involve managing financial resources, procurement services, and facilities/assets management. Managerial competencies, if supervising staff, include providing strategic focus, engaging partners, developing people, and making sound judgments. Analytical and strategic thinking, teamwork, and effective communication are also vital.

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