Finance Senior Associate
Organizational Context
The UNOPS Africa Regional Office supports over 250 projects in 40 countries, focusing on fragile settings and advancing national priorities in areas like Climate Action, Health, and Infrastructure. The West Africa Multi-Country Office (WAMCO), based in Dakar, delivers project management, infrastructure, and procurement services across 16 countries, supporting peacebuilding and sustainable development. This role is within the EU-ISEY project in The Gambia, aimed at transforming the Senior Secondary Education sector.
Job Purpose
The Finance Senior Associate is responsible for managing the day-to-day financial operations of the EU-ISEY project in The Gambia. This includes ensuring strict adherence to UNOPS and donor financial regulations, contributing to the strengthening of internal controls, and supporting budgeting, treasury, accounting, and financial reporting functions. The role is crucial for maintaining financial integrity and compliance, enabling the effective implementation of the project's objectives to enhance Senior Secondary Education quality, inclusivity, and equity.
Responsibilities
Manage daily finance operations, ensuring full compliance with UNOPS rules, policies, IPSAS, and audit recommendations. Assist in maintaining internal controls and contribute to updating Finance Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Process VAT rebate applications and follow up with the Gambia Revenue Authority. Set up project accounts, compile budget estimates, monitor allotments, commitments, and expenditures, and analyze variances. Manage treasury functions including cash positions, bank accounts, cashbooks, and reconciliations. Review and clear payment requests, process disbursements, and manage petty cash and operational advances. Maintain ledgers, ensure accurate ERP posting, and perform month/quarter close activities. Review vouchers and supporting documents, resolve discrepancies, and prepare bank reconciliations. Support travel logistics, fuel stock management, and coordinate supply and asset management. Prepare financial reports, reconcile balance-sheet accounts, and coordinate with stakeholders for data quality and audit readiness. Support finance training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Work Experience
Required: Relevant experience in project financial management, budgeting, cash management, and financial reporting. Proficiency in collaboration tools (MS Office, G-Suite) and web-based management systems. Desired: Experience in multicultural environments, UN system organizations, developing countries, development/humanitarian contexts, or ERP software.
Skills
Cash Flow Management, Finance, Financial Planning, Financial Reporting, Accounting, Financial Accounting Standards