The World Food Programme (WFP) is United Nations frontline agency in the fight against hunger, WFP is continually responding to emergencies. We save lives by getting food to the hungry fast. But WFP also works to help prevent hunger in the future. We do this through programmes that use food as a means to build assets, spread knowledge and nurture stronger, more dynamic communities. This helps communities become more food secure. On average, WFP aims to bring food assistance to more than 80 million people in 80 countries. WFP Ethiopia is working with the Government and humanitarian partners to strengthen the resilience of Ethiopia’s most vulnerable population and to chart a more prosperous and sustainable future for the next generation. The Country Office also supports programmes that use food assistance to empower women, transform areas affected by climate change and keep children in school. It aims to contribute to Ethiopia’s five-year development agenda, the Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP), through which the Government combats food insecurity.
JOB PURPOSE
To manage the stewardship of WFP’s resources through monitoring financial and accounting data, analyzing, and reporting and providing technical advice to enable effective management of funds, and ensure assistance to beneficiaries is undertaken in the most efficient and effective way possible. To establish team priorities and work plan.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)
Support corporate finance and resource management strategies by contributing to the development of policies and procedures for COs or HQ based units, participating in key programmatic initiatives, and embedding value for money in these initiatives through advice on financial assessment, reporting and accounting.
Lead on the implementation of CO finance, budgeting and resource management operations, in order to support the timely and effective supply of food assistance, and comply with WFP standards and processes.
Carry out regular visits to Area/Field Offices as appropriate and assist in clarifying and improving proper application of policies and procedures, and prepare comprehensive reports on findings with improvement action plans.
Lead on the delivery of accurate financial reporting and analyses in accordance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), ensuring accuracy, deadlines and compliance with accounting processes and corporate governance requirements.
Provide financial assessment of partners, service providers, and other entities as needed, providing conclusions to management to enable them to make informed decisions and minimize financial risk to the organisation.
Design, implement, monitor and analyse budgets for new and ongoing projects according to the established corporate procedures and requirements.
Ensure that bank reconciliation, disbursements, clearance of receivables, overall cash management and monthly financial closures are performed regularly and in accordance with corporate requirements.
Where necessary, manage and deliver administrative services, negotiating contracts and following standard processes to provide cost-effective, quality and timely services to WFP staff.
Where necessary, oversee human resource functions related to staff benefits, recruitment of local staff, and training.
Monitor and analyse financial and accounting data, identifying and forecasting trends, anomalies or issues, and proposing solutions to management with regards to: status of budgets, availability of funds, programme effectiveness and financial viability.
Identify and develop improvements to policies, systems and procedures in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations, minimise risk, and ensure services are aligned with business objectives.
Coordinate and deliver financial controls and insight into WFP performance, undertaking periodic risk and internal control assessments to identify areas which may present potential audit, compliance or financial risks.
Lead a team of finance staff, establishing priorities and work plans, monitoring progress, and providing coaching, training and guidance to ensure appropriate development and enable high performance.
Represent unit/CO at internal meetings, external meetings and events with other UN agencies, banks and other financial institutions, or other partners and entities as required.
Contribute to preparedness actions such as early warning, risk analysis and contingency planning and make recommendations. Periodically monitor the management of risks and report on any action taken.
Other as required.
Job Requirement
DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE
Has experience in specialized finance area in a country office.
Has developed financial policies and procedures.
STANDARD MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience: University Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related subject, with 7 years of professional experience in related field and certification in an international recognized professional accountancy body such as Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Institute of Certified Public Accounts (ICPA) or equivalent OR a Master degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related subject with at least 5 year of professional experience in related field.
Language: Fluency in both oral and written communication in English. Knowledge of the local language is added advantage.