Finance Assistant
Provide finance support to UNICEF Mozambique for VAT processing.
Overview
Provide finance support to UNICEF Mozambique for VAT processing.
You have:
- At least 3 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in finance, accounting, administration, invoice processing, VAT documentation, records management or related support functions; experience with invoice review, VAT claim management is an asset.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel and Word; familiarity with ERP/finance systems or database tools and AI is an advantage.
- Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.
- Strong attention to detail, accuracy and professionalism in document preparation, data entry, filing and records management.
- Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels.
- Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
- Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
- Sound security awareness.
- Have affinity with or interest in children's rights volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.
Contract
This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.
UNICEF Mozambique requires temporary finance support to strengthen timely processing and monitoring of VAT refund claims, direct cash transfer (DCT) and invoice registration, advances and related financial documentation. The assignment will support the Finance team in Maputo to improve VAT compliance and recovery rate, reduce processing backlogs and contribute to efficient support to programme delivery for children of Mozambique
Under the direct supervision of the Finance Officer/Specialist based in Maputo and in coordination with the other members of the Finance and Administrative Unit, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
• Preparation and submission of VAT Refund claims within the 3-month deadline decree of the Revenue Authority, including downloading, organizing, and processing supporting invoices and documentation. • Follow up with the Revenue Authorities on outstanding VAT refund claims and provide periodic status updates. • Coordinate with programme sections and suppliers to address cases of missing or non-compliance related to VAT requirements. • Support the registration of DCTs and invoice in the application, contributing to the successful implementation and utilization of the automated applications. • Managing UNV advance processing and timely documentation, reconciliation, and clearance. • Provide Administrative support • Provide Administrative and records-management support, including filing, archiving, and maintaining complete audit-ready records of financial documentation.
• Care • Accountability • Respect • Integrity • Trust • Sustainability
• At least 3 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in finance, accounting, administration, invoice processing, VAT documentation, records management or related support functions; experience with invoice review, VAT claim management is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; • Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel and Word; familiarity with ERP/finance systems or database tools and AI is an advantage. Strong attention to detail, accuracy and professionalism in document preparation, data entry, filing and records management. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in children's rights volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.
Mozambique is located on the southeast coast of Africa. The country lies on the east coast of Southern Africa and borders the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Swaziland. The total area of Mozambique is 799 380 km square from North to South. The land borders have a length of 4,445 km, while the coastline measures 2,515 km. Monte Binga, culminating at 2,436 m over the Zimbabwe border, is the highest point of Mozambique. With a total population of roughly 34 million people, based on the 2017 census, Mozambique is a country where 73% of the population is under 30 years old. Portuguese is the official and business language, although English is also widely spoken in business and academic settings, particularly in the capital city of Maputo. There are 11 provinces, and a wide array of local languages spoken, including Shangane, Bitonga, Xitswa, Chope, Ronga, Elomwe, Chuabo, Sena, Shona, Ndau, Nyandja, Emakua, Kimwani and Chimakon.
Mozambique's climate ranges from tropical and subtropical in the north and central regions to dry, semi-arid steppe and arid desert in the south. The hottest and wettest period occurs between December and February, with average daily temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C. The rainy season spans from October to April, while winters, from June to August, are mild with average daily temperatures between 13°C and 24°C. Maputo, the country's capital, serves as both its commercial and cultural hub. Housing in Maputo, which includes apartments and houses, can be rented for $600 to $2,000 per month, depending on the amenities and size. Restaurant meals typically cost between $10 and $15. Food, household commodities and clothing can be found in shops and local markets at reasonable prices. An entry visa is required for all travelers and must be obtained from the Mozambican Embassy prior to travelling. The metical is the local currency, and exchange rate stands at USD 1 equivalent to about 64.38 meticais (MZM) as per February 2026. Commercial banks are operational in the country and Visa cards are accepted in very limited hotels. Maputo is categorized as a family duty station offering a variety of different accommodation options. It has a vibrant international community whilst also providing excellent opportunities to work in a national, Mozambican context.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience handling VAT refund claims and the process you followed? | This question assesses the candidate's hands-on experience with VAT, important for the role. | Discuss specific experiences, mentioning any system used and challenges faced. |
| How do you ensure accuracy and professionalism in document preparation? | The interviewer seeks evidence of attention to detail, a crucial aspect of finance roles. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe how you handle tight deadlines while maintaining quality. Can you give an example? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What is your approach to working with culturally diverse teams? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Have you ever dealt with invoice discrepancies? What was your strategy? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you explain how you utilize Microsoft Excel in your previous roles? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple deadlines? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What interests you about working with UNICEF and children's rights? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |