The Position:
The Admin/Finance Assistant post is located in the UNFPA Somalia Country Office (CO) in Mogadishu. Under the overall guidance of the UNFPA Representative and International Operations Manager, and the direct supervision of the Admin/Finance Associate, the Admin/Finance Assistant ensures the effective functioning of financial operations and systems in support of the programme and office management. S/he works closely with programmes and project staff, providing financial monitoring and
analysis of projects and advising managers on expenditure trends and implementation rates.
S/he ensures the effective and efficient functioning of financial operations and systems.
How you can make a difference:
UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022- 2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals. The new Strategic Plan (2026-2029) aims to continue concerted efforts to accelerate the progress towards the three transformative results, and support countries in adapting to demographic changes in order to build resilient societies.
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.
Job Purpose:
The Admin/Finance Assistant delivers quality services in Financial Management to internal and external clients mastering all relevant rules, guidelines, processes and procedures. S/he takes a client-oriented results-focused approach to interpreting the rules, procedures and guidelines in service of the Country Programme, providing support and guidance to colleagues and UNFPA Somalia project offices in the provinces. S/he works closely with Programme and Project staff providing financial monitoring and analysis of projects and advising managers on expenditure trends and implementation rates.
You would be responsible for:
Assisting the Senior Admin/Finance Associate and International Operations Manager in the control of operational expenditure of the CO, performing evaluation of expenditure versus budget and assisting in securing proper cost sharing and allocation within available source of funding. Responsible for the control of Accounts Payables of the Country Office, securing timely payment to suppliers, checking the integrity of payment process and having periodic reconciliations of balances with suppliers, for this, required in having proactive communication with Finance Areas for suppliers. Supporting the monitoring of programme financial performance for all core and non-core resources by providing necessary financial information and analysis, including implementation rate against indicators/results. Detecting potential over-under expenditure problems and suggests remedial action; Facilitating all payment requests, financial record-keeping and preparation of financial reports required in line with NEX and HACT financial rules and procedures; Assisting in developing tools and mechanisms for effective monitoring of programme and project budgets, assist in the compilation of financial data and in providing accurate and up-dated financial information to UNFPA Somalia project offices in the provinces; Integrating financial policies and procedures, particularly relating to National Execution (NEX), into standard operational procedures, and providing guidance and training to staff and project managers accordingly; Assisting in the control of Accounts Receivables derived from UNFPA administering offices for other agencies, recoveries from partners sponsoring surge positions and staff accommodation. Ensuring the effective financial recording and reporting system, internal control and audit follow-up and processes financial transactions in an accurate and timely way. Providing logistical and technical support to UNFPA programme staff and Implementing Partners (IPs) in Programme Financial Management; Review and monitoring charges for common services and cost recovery, taking into account maximum cost efficiency and represents UNFPA’s interest in related negotiations and agreements; Assisting in the formulation of programme/project budgets; Providing quality services in administration, procurement, communication and management of office equipment and infrastructure to internal and external clients, mastering all relevant rules, guidelines, processes and procedures; Establishing and maintaining contacts with Government counterparts and Implementing Partners to ensure an effective and efficient collaboration; Facilitating the conduct of NEX audits and ensures the development and implementation of follow-up actions; Assisting in the organization of training activities, ensuring logistical and, where applicable, financial arrangements; As needed, supporting in the preparation and submission of the monthly VAT (Value Added Tax) claim requests to local VAT Authority. Undertaking proper follow-up and preparing monthly VAT reconciliations; Supporting in the revision and processing of payments and claims for reimbursements. Undertaking any other duties as assigned by the International Operations Manager or Admin/Finance Associate.Qualifications and Experience:
Education:
Completed secondary level education (high school or equivalent) is required. A first-level or advanced degree in Public Administration, Accounting, Business, Economics, or related field is an asset. Certifications in Accounting such as CPA or ACCA will also be considered an added advantage.Knowledge and Experience:
Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, including at least 3 years in the same functional area. Familiarity with UN Operational Rules and Regulations; direct working experience applying and handling UN Operational Rules and Regulations, an advantage and familiarity with ERP systems such as Quantum will be an asset. Proficiency in the current Microsoft Office Suite and other accounting software is essential. In particular, this role requires an intermediate to advanced level of expertise in Excel, which will be assessed through testing.Languages:
Solid command of spoken and written English and Somali languages.
Required Competencies:
Values:
Exemplifying integrity, Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, Embracing cultural diversity, Embracing changeCore Competencies:
Achieving results, Being accountable, Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen, Thinking analytically and strategically, Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,Functional Competencies:
The ability to interpret rules, regulations and procedures and explain them clearly and concisely; Computer literacy – proficiency in Oracle or similar systems, Word, Excel, PowerPoint; and other computerized applications; experience in Google workspace is ideal Good writing and communications skills; Strong interpersonal and organizational skills;Required Skillset:
Strategically positioning UNFPA programmes Providing conceptual innovation to support programme effectiveness Generating, managing and promoting the use of knowledge and information Providing a technical support system Strengthening the programming capacity of implementing partners Facilitating quality programmatic results Internal and External relations and advocacy for results mobilization.UNFPA Work Environment
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce. UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, embracing diversity in all its forms, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply.
UNFPA promotes equal opportunities for all including persons with disabilities
UNFPA has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNFPA, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UNFPAs policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UNFPA personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include verifying academic qualifications and employment history. Candidates' names will also be checked in the UN's central database for sexual exploitation and abuse offenders. Selected candidates may need to provide more information for the background check.
Note: UNFPA reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNFPA at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience, and educational requirements.
Applications that do not meet the above requirements will be disregarded. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Compensation and Benefits:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package commensurate with the level of the post. The package includes a competitive net salary plus annual leave, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable
Disclaimer:
Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements.
UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.