Finance Assistant (SC5)

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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is a leader in the global movement to achieve zero hunger. In 2020, WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to combat hunger, its contribution to bettering conditions for peace and for acting as a driving force to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict.

In Sri Lanka, WFP works every day to help improve the nutrition status and food security amongst vulnerable communities, particularly women and children. We take pride in knowing that our day-to-day work makes a difference in the lives of the people we serve.

WFP is on the lookout for multifaceted individuals to join our dynamic team in pursuing our mission in changing lives and saving lives.

Applications are invited from Sri Lankan candidates to fill the following position

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Completion of secondary school education. Part qualifications in professional accounting body such as ACCA,CIMA is preferable.

Experience:

Minimum 3 years of Finance related experience in national or international level. Preference will be given to WFP/UN experience.

Language:

Fluency in both oral and written communication in the English language

Knowledge & Skills

• Work experience in SAP or ORACLE programme
• Experience in Bank reconciliations and communications with banks and financial institutions
• Experience in preparing monthly financial statements and accounts
• Collating and analysing information for the cash forecast would be added qualifications

JOB PURPOSE

To assist effective delivery of finance, budget and administration support services in order to facilitate transparent and efficient utilization of financial resources.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

Within the delegated authority, the Finance Assistant is responsible for executing the following key tasks(Not limited to):

• Provide timely and effective assistance to facilitate Finance processes queries and follow up actions, ensuring the delivery of consistent and high-quality Finance services
• Liaise with internal units on Finance related matters and handle the, i.e. payroll processing through Local payroll processing system, Logistic Invoice Verification through Invoice Tracking system carry out petty cashier functions and record maintaining, bank reconciliations, posting of travel documents, batching of disbursement in the bank communication manager. Enrol new staff to relevant ITS system and provide necessary training for the invoice matching for the officer level approval. Liaise with Banks and coordinate for account statements, staff bank opening, banking transfer issues.
• Provide administrative support in various Finance activities including maintaining filing impress and Cash Based Transfer documents.
• Park various Accounts payable and receivable documents for Finance Officer’s posting to ensure that the expenditure are recognised within the period.
• Work as alternate to the Finance Associate specially clearing of UNDP transactions, uploading and posting of Fixed Term staff Salary, Collecting information for the cash forecast, preparation of Minimum Monthly Requirement Package etc.
• As and when required assist Finance Officer in providing necessary supporting documents for the audit verifications and uploading regular documentations to the team space.

4Ps CORE ORGANISATIONAL CAPABILITIES

Purpose

• Understand and communicate the Strategic Objectives: Helps teammates articulate WFP’s Strategic Objectives.
• Be a force for positive change: Suggests potential improvements to team’s work processes to supervisor.
• Make our mission visible in everyday actions: Articulates how own unit’s responsibilities will serve WFP’s mission.

People

• Look for ways to strengthen people's skills: Trains junior teammates on new skills and capabilities.
• Create an inclusive culture: Seeks opportunities to work with people from different backgrounds.
• Create an “I will”/”We will” spirit: Tracks progress toward goals and shares this information on a regular basis with supervisor.

Performance

• Encourage innovation & creative solutions: Explores ways to consistently be more efficient and accurate in own areas of work and shares new methods of work with colleagues.
• Focus on getting results: Focuses on getting results and tracks trends in completion rates for own tasks to identify opportunities for efficiency.
• Be Decisive: Independently decides what action to take when faced with critical choices in the workplace or in dangerous situations in the field.

Partnership

• Connect and share across WFP units: Suggests opportunities for partnering with other units to supervisor.
• Build strong external partnerships: Identifies opportunities to work with colleagues and partners in the field towards common goals.
• Be politically agile & adaptable: Develops an understanding of the value of WFP’s teams and external partners in fulfilling team’s goals and objectives.
• Be clear about the value WFP brings to partnerships: Aligns own activities with supervisor’s priorities to fulfill internal and external partner needs.

FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES

Capability Name Description of the behaviour expected for the proficiency level Internal Controls & Compliance Demonstrates basic knowledge of internal controls, risk management, and monitoring mechanisms and their applicability to WFP's critical activities. Performance Budgeting, Analysis & Reporting Demonstrates participation in business planning efforts by developing basic project-level budgets and forecasts, incorporating information from various sources as appropriate to monitor KPIs. Resource Management Demonstrates ability to track and compile reports on HQ and Field staffing and resource usage on a project-level basis. Financial Mgmt. & Accounting Principles Applies knowledge of financial and accounting principles and practices to ensure compliance with WFP policies, applicable procedures and accounting standards. Supply Chain and Operations Knowledge Demonstrates basic understanding of WFP programme, implementation, and supply chain principles (including project modalities & structures).

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

• Has experience in collecting and monitoring financial data on projects and programmes, assessing financial health and status, and reporting findings to senior leaders.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This position is available for an initial period of six (06) months and the renewal of the contract is subject to the requirements of the function, finding availability and the incumbent’s performance.

REMUNERATION

An attractive remuneration package is on offer with a starting salary of LKR 116,743.63 per month + a comprehensive medical insurance coverage.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

Wednesday 10 March 2021

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QUALIFIED FEMALE APPLICANTS ARE STRONGLY 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.