Business Support Assistant (Budget & Programming and Finance)
Organizational Context
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and building pathways to peace and prosperity. WFP uses food assistance to support people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. We are committed to a diverse, skilled, and high-performing workforce operating in an inclusive environment, driven by our values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion.
Job Purpose
The Business Support Assistant (Budget & Programming and Finance) will provide essential support in monitoring budgets, analyzing financial performance, and ensuring compliance with WFP's financial policies and donor requirements. This role involves day-to-day budget monitoring, grant analysis, and contributing to pipeline management to optimize resource utilization and operational effectiveness. The incumbent will maintain accurate financial records, prepare reports, and facilitate communication regarding project funds management. Additionally, they will offer procedural and technical guidance to staff, support the implementation of financial procedures, and assist in cash management and payment processing. This position is crucial for ensuring the efficient and accurate financial operations of projects, particularly within the context of climate risk management initiatives in specific districts.
Responsibilities
The Business Support Assistant (Budget & Programming and Finance) role at WFP involves crucial day-to-day budget monitoring and grant analysis. Key responsibilities include reviewing budget plans, analyzing project financial performance, and making recommendations aligned with WFP's financial policies and best practices to optimize resource utilization. The role requires providing basic analysis on fund and grant balances, identifying discrepancies, and supporting pipeline management to prevent operational disruptions. Accurate data entry into corporate systems within deadlines is essential for effective planning and decision-making. The assistant will compile data, maintain records, and prepare periodic reports for internal and external stakeholders. Maintaining communication regarding project funds management, clarifying discrepancies, and optimizing fund usage are also vital. Furthermore, the position involves providing guidance and on-the-job training to other staff in budget planning and fund management, ensuring consistency in service delivery. The role also requires adherence to standard emergency preparedness practices to facilitate rapid response during crises. Additional duties include providing procedural and technical support in finance and budget, assisting in the implementation of financial policies and procedures, monitoring cash positions, processing payments and invoices, and coordinating with other teams to ensure efficient financial and administrative services. The assistant will also monitor general ledger accounts, initiate corrective actions, and assist in generating monthly financial reports. Allocation of tasks and training to support staff in financial resource management is also part of the role.
Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years of experience in budget monitoring and finance, preferably with the UN or INGOs. This includes prior experience supporting budget preparation and management, monitoring budgets/resource plans/pipelines, assisting with budget allotment issues, and working with auditors.
Skills
Budget Monitoring, Financial Analysis, Grant Management, Pipeline Management, Data Entry, Record Keeping, Reporting, Communication, Training, Emergency Preparedness, Financial Policies, Accounting Procedures, Cash Control, Payment Processing, Expenditure Monitoring, Budget Forecasting, Coordination, Account Reconciliation, Financial Reporting, Resource Management