Assisting more than 90 million people in 83 countries each year, the World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. As the international community has committed to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition by 2030, one in nine people worldwide still do not have enough to eat. Food and food-related assistance lie at the heart of the struggle to break the cycle of hunger and poverty.

In Lebanon, WFP works to support approximately 700,000 people with regular assistance using e-cards. WFP also supports Lebanese schools with school meals, and has run over 300 development activities which include supporting rural infrastructure, as well as education and training opportunities for vulnerable individuals in families. WFP also supports Lebanon’s National Poverty Targeting Programme.

JOB PURPOSE

To support the internal oversight of the work in the Finance unit, ensure its compliance to corporate guidelines and procedures, review the set internal controls and propose alternate solutions, support the collation, analysis and reporting of financial information to maximize the effectiveness of financial services under the supervision of the Head of Finance unit. Furthermore, the incumbent will provide basic administrative and human resource functions that enable effective management of funds, and ensure assistance to beneficiaries is undertaken in the most efficient and effective way possible.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

Within delegated authority and under the supervision of the Head of Finance in the WFP Country Office, the Finance Officer tasks involve the following:

• Contribute towards the development of country specific plans and processes, aligned with Regional and wider WFP strategy, policies and processes to meet the food assistance needs of beneficiaries within the Country.

• Participate in preparation of the budget proposals for contributions providing statistical data on WFP related costs with the detailed breakdown (Country office (CO), Field offices (FO) and staff related costs) and implementation other costs.

• Monitor and analyze budgets for new and ongoing projects according to established corporate procedures and requirements.

• Participate in the downstream financial management through developing monthly internal reporting framework providing timely accurate information.

• Conduct cost structure analysis of financial data of CO different fund allotments examining the trends of expenditures, the financial status, and present in monthly reports to support management informed decisions.

• Prepare the expenditure plan in line with the approved budgets of earmarked contributions and follow up the costs charged to associated costs of earmarked grants supporting timely spending and proper, accurate reporting in accordance with corporate financial rules and regulations and corporate requirements

• Track the financial processes in the country office, review the existing set controls and propose improvements in the set up contributing to risk management and internal controls framework. Be responsible for delegation of financial authorities in the country. Review existing delegations in WFP Lebanon office and update when required in consultation with Head of Finance unit.

• Be responsible for Review and analyses of Cooperating Partners (CP) budget proposals assessing their financial efficiency, ensure that they are in line with WFP financial policies and regulations. Provide feedback to technical review committee, WFP partnership unit and the partners when required.

• Review the WFP Lebanon cooperating partners internal controls during the spot-checks and advise on improvements of the financial control systems.

• Represent unit/CO at internal meetings, external meetings and events with other UN agencies, banks and other financial institutions, or cooperating partners.

• Actively participate in financial assessment of economic situation in Lebanon, closely monitor the developments in the financial market, summarize the available information and update the financial market assessment document.

• Conduct Financial capacity assessment of major players in the Financial market including different classes of potential Financial Service Providers in banking sector and remittance companies. Search for the new developments of new financial instruments in the market with the potential to enhance the design and implementation of Cash Transfer Projects in the country.

• Guide and supervise more junior staff, acting as a point of referral and supporting them with more complex analysis and queries.

• Where necessary, undertake basic human resource functions related to staff benefits, recruitment of local staff, and training.

• Follow standard emergency preparedness practices to ensure WFP is able to quickly respond and deploy food and needed resources to affected areas at the onset of the crisis.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Advanced University degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, Audit or related fields, or First University degree in the same subject(s) with additional years of related work experience.

Experience: At least five (5) years of professional experience in Finance, Accounting, Audit or relevant fields, with great independence, decision making authority, supervision of staff and managing complex funding situation.

Language: Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and Arabic. Knowledge of French is an advantage

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

• Working Experience in humanitarian organizations implementing Cash Based Transfer operations • Experience in conducting economic research and analysis, carry out financial market assessments and of financial capacity evaluation of major players in the given field. • Good knowledge of tax laws in Lebanon • Working experience in SAP-WINGS 2 software

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Qualified female applicants are especially encouraged to apply

WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.

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Added 3 years ago - Updated 3 years ago - Source: wfp.org