Finance Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

Through its Country Offices, or FAO Representations, FAO assists governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to address hunger and malnutrition, and provides technical support for the sustainable development of their agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors. The activities of the FAO Country Offices include design and implementation of country-tailored field programmes, liaison with local donor representatives, and active public awareness-raising and outreach activities related to FAO initiatives such as the World Food Day.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, the specific supervision of the Assistant FAOR-Administration and the direct supervision of the Section Head – Finance..

Technical Focus

A large variety of routine finance/administrative tasks and office support functions contributing to the smooth running and efficient running of the work unit.

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent will be required to undertake tasks as follows:

• Retrieves, enters, selects and analyses data from a wide variety of sources, verifies accuracy of data documents; makes necessary calculations and produces management accounting reports. • Reconciles expenditures, balances, payments, statements and other data; assists in the preparation of recurring and special reports by preparing and editing data in appropriate format as requested. • Reviews invoices ready to pay and their corresponding supporting documents. • Submits invoices in the GRMS accounting system. • Runs batch control reports for all invoiced batches submitted for payment indicating invoice initiator, prior to submission of batches for approval’ • Runs the payment batch (cheques and EFT); etc • Runs and analyses the outstanding Operations and Travel Advances report. • Draws up Bank Instruction Letters. • Prepares cheques for signing by signatories. • Distributes the already signed cheques to suppliers and other payees. • Compiles the Disbursement Vouchers with corresponding supporting documentation for certification and approval by signatories, thereafter, files them. • Follows up on all overdue advances. • Reviews creditors reconciliations. • Processes journal vouchers in the system for correctional entries. • Runs and analyses the transaction listing for the Regular Programme budget. • Posts security related invoices in COIN for reimbursement of staff for security services. • Assists the Administrative Officer with budgeting for the Admin Unit. • Any other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Management • Minimum of five years of experience in administrative/ finance and office support work • Excellent command of English • National of Malawi

FAO Core Competencies

• Result Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Knowledge of accounting systems and process flows • Knowledge of corporate financial/travel and administrative procedures and policies • Knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.