Administrative and Finance Associate, G-6, WCARO, Dakar, Senegal

The Position:

The Administrative and Finance Associate delivers effective financial advice and services to internal and external clients, providing finance related guidance to both Country Office (CO) and UNFPA supported projects. He/She will report to the Regional International Operations Manager and will work in collaboration with the Finance Associate.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.

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 Administrative and Finance Associate will support the effective management of UNFPA programme activities in the Region Office for the RO and the Country Offices (CO’s). He/She will perform a variety of standard financial and administrative processes. He/She Possessing a depth of knowledge of UNFPA financial rules, guidelines, and processes, he/she will demonstrate a client-oriented, results-focused approach to interpreting rules, procedures and guidelines. He/she will act in an advisory manner to programme/project staff to maximize the impact of financial resources in delivering programmes/projects.

You would be responsible for:

• Supporting the monitoring of programme financial performance, by providing necessary financial information and analysis, including implementation rate against indicators/results; detecting potential over/under expenditure problems and proposing remedial action;
• Following up on the submission of financial reports by Country Offices (CO’s), Regional Office and partners;
• Examining and processing payroll entitlements and submit to UNDP on a timely basis, including ensuring that overtime calculations are submitted and approved;
• Developing effective mechanisms for monitoring programme and project budgets; coordinating compilation of financial data; and regularly providing accurate, up to date financial information to HQ through the IOM;
• Interpreting financial policies and procedures and providing training and guidance to staff and project managers. Striving to identify innovative ways in which programme financial needs can be met within existing policies;
• Assisting in the management of the RO budget, by budget formulation, controlling allotments, monitoring expenditures, and preparing revisions as required;
• Supporting the different RO units with the hiring and onboarding of consultants according to the UNFPA rules and procedures and ensuring the consultant policies are observed;
• Maintaining an effective financial recording and reporting system, internal control and audit follow-up; and processing financial transactions in an accurate and timely way;
• Reviewing and monitoring charges for common services and cost recovery, taking into account maximum cost efficiency; representing UNFPA’s interests in financial negotiations and agreements;
• Supervising administrative and clerical staff as required;

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• Completed Secondary Level Education required. First level university degree is desirable.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Six years of relevant experience in administration, finance or office management;
• Proficiency in current office software applications, web-based management and ERP financial systems;
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of clerical, administrative, secretarial best practices and procedures within a multicultural corporate environment;
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills;
• Computer literacy – Word, Excel, Power-point, etc.;
• Previous experience in the UN is an asset;
• Good writing and communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment;

Languages:

Fluency in French is required. Working knowledge in English is highly desirable.

Required Competencies:

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity,
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
• Embracing cultural diversity,
• Embracing change

Core Competencies:

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
• Communicating for impact

Functional Competencies::

• Managing the organization’s financial resources
• Providing procurement services
• Ensuring facilities and assets management

Managerial Competencies (if supervising staff):

• Providing strategic focus,
• Engaging in internal/external partners and stakeholders,
• Leading, developing and empowering people, creating a culture of performance
• Making decisions and exercising judgment

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus annual leave, sick leave, health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

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 the LGBTQIA+ community, 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 - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance 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.

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.