UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.
At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.
UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.
Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.
For every child, a childwood
The Finance Assistant at the G-5 level is a key member of the Operations section within the UNICEF Country Office, responsible for providing essential financial and administrative support. Operating under the supervision of the Finance Officer (NOA level), the position plays a critical role in ensuring that financial processes run smoothly, accurately, and in compliance with organizational standards. The Finance Assistant collaborates closely with other members of the Operations team, including Human Resources, Supply, and Administration, to facilitate efficient service delivery across the office. The role involves working with various systems and tools to process financial transactions, maintain accurate records, and ensure proper financial controls.
The Finance Assistant also interacts with program colleagues and external partners, such as banks and vendors, to provide support, resolve financial queries, and facilitate payments and reconciliations. This position is integral to maintaining transparency, accountability, and the overall financial health of the office, thereby contributing to UNICEF's ability to deliver on its mandate to improve the lives of children and their families.
How can you make a difference?
The purpose of the Finance Assistant role is to support the financial operations of the office through the execution of a variety of standard financial, administrative, and accounting tasks. By handling routine processes such as payment verification, bank reconciliations, expenditure monitoring, and financial reporting, the Finance Assistant ensures that transactions are accurate, complete, and compliant with UNICEF’s financial rules, regulations, and policies.
In addition to managing day-to-day financial tasks, the incumbent plays a critical role in identifying and addressing discrepancies, assisting with internal and external audits, and maintaining proper financial documentation. By performing these responsibilities effectively, the Finance Assistant enables senior finance and operations staff to focus on strategic decision-making, program support, and broader financial planning.
The role requires a strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work with financial systems to process large volumes of data efficiently. Through these efforts, the Finance Assistant helps ensure that financial resources are used optimally, contributing to the organization’s mission of delivering results for children.
Financial Data Processing and Records Management
Maintain financial records and monitoring systems for day-to-day transactions, such as accounts payable, receivable, and general ledger. Ensure the timely and accurate recording of financial data in UNICEF systems, checking completeness and compliance with regulations. Support bank reconciliation processes and review transaction details.Payment Processing
Process financial documents, such as invoices, purchase orders, travel claims, and staff advances, ensuring accuracy, authorization, and timely payment. Verify supporting documents for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with policies. Assist in clearing pending payments and resolve related discrepancies.Financial Reporting
Prepare periodic reports and financial summaries, including status reports on expenditures, fund balances, and account reconciliations. Support year-end closures and assist in financial reporting requirements for audits.Support to Staff and Partners
Assist staff with financial queries related to travel advances, claims, or payments, ensuring accurate and prompt resolution. Provide guidance to implementing partners on UNICEF financial procedures, ensuring compliance with HACT requirements.Administrative Support
Manage petty cash transactions, ensuring proper recording and reconciliation. Assist in organizing documentation for audits, reviews, and verifications. Monitor and order office supplies required for financial operations.Other Tasks
Perform other relevant financial or administrative duties as required.
The work performed by the Finance Assistant ensures the accuracy and efficiency of financial transactions and reporting. The role contributes to effective financial management, supports staff, and enhances organizational compliance with policies and procedures.
If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Minimum requirements:
[Include the vacancy requirements aligned to the category and level of the position. You can see examples in the branded VA example.]
Education: Completion of secondary education is required. Professional/university level courses in Accounting and Finance/Business administration considered as an asset.The ideal candidate will have experience working in an international or multi-stakeholder environment, preferably within the United Nations system, non-profit organizations, or large public/private sector institutions. This experience should include exposure to automated financial systems, such as SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP platforms, and proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel, for data analysis and reporting purposes. A bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution in a field relevant to the position may be considered to compensate for three (3) years of experience in case the candidate lacks the required experience.
A master’s degree from a recognized academic institution in a field relevant to the position may be considered to compensate for an additional two (2) years (in addition to the three years from above, totaling 5 years).
Identify and resolve financial discrepancies or errors effectively.
Support financial reporting and audit processes, ensuring compliance with organizational policies.
Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including program and operations colleagues, external vendors, and partners.
Prioritize tasks, meet tight deadlines, and handle high volumes of financial transactions with efficiency and accuracy.
Experience in providing support for budget preparation, financial monitoring, and the management of petty cash systems is considered an asset. The ability to interpret financial guidelines and assist in implementing financial controls to ensure compliance is essential for success in this role.
Language Requirements:Fluency in English and Spanish is required.
Desirables:
Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency. [Please do not remove this desirable; it should be present in all advertisements]For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values
The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships
(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
(3) Drive to achieve results for impact
(4) Innovates and embraces change
(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity
(6) Thinks and acts strategically
(7) Works collaboratively with others
Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.
According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.
Remarks:
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As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable diversity profile are encouraged to apply.
Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.
Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.