Finance Analyst (SC8)

Organizational Setting

The key mission of the FAO Representation in Somalia, which is led by FAO Representative (FAOR), is to assist and support the national government to develop policies, strategies and programme aimed at accelerating the Implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in FAO's global mandate and Strategic Objectives. More specifically, FAO's response aims to address national needs and priorities in achieving food security, reducing hunger and malnutrition, developing agricultural, fishery and forestry sectors, and ensuring the sustainable use of environmental and natural resources and respond to recurrent emergencies. The current portfolio of activities of the FAO Representation in Somalia includes a wide scope of technical support interventions ranging from policy support through livestock and crop production, to natural resource management, Nutrition, value chain, food security analysis and water and land information management. FAO is also implementing several emergency, resilience-building, and development interventions, with the support of its five field offices and close to 400 staff in partnership with the Federal and State line ministries.

Reporting Lines

The position is under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Somalia, the role directly reports to administration and Finance Specialist

Technical Focus

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Somalia and the direct supervision of the administration and Finance Specialist, the Finance Analyst, will provide administrative, financial and accounting support activities for the FAO Somalia Office Finance team and the Cash Based Intervention Unit. The incumbent will perform the

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Assist in managing data in the areas of FAO’s activities in the country, analyze and summarize data from various sources including corporate systems such as GRMS. 
•     Assist in preparing correspondence of administrative and financial nature, draft correspondence of verify data. Answer queries and obtain additional information on transactions and financial matters as required 
•     Assists in the maintenance of imprest/petty cash accounts and monitor general office accounts. 
•     Maintain accurate financial records, including data entry into accounting systems and ensuring proper documentation of financial transactions. 
•     Process payments, including verifying invoices, obtaining necessary approvals, and arranging for disbursements. 
•     Assist in posting of invoices in GRMS, running and recording payments as per set out finance guidelines in bank and MV modules. 
•     Examines, evaluates and processes a wide variety of payment authorizations (disbursement authorizations) to money vendors and other financial institutions contracted by FAO Somalia. 
•     Training and daily supervision to Finance Associate and Assistants.
•     Coordinates CFW beneficiaries’ payment and input distribution payments through Money Vendors (MVs), mobile network operators (MNOs) and other financial institutions using a wide variety of existing modalities. 
•     In consultation with Operations, IM and CBI units troubleshoots and timely resolves constraints faced by MNOs in the payment process and evaluates proposed solutions. 
•     Ensures compliance with MS702 rules and regulations. Produces if required cash transfer POs (CTPOs). 
•     In consultation with the Contracts Manager, decides on the opportunity to proceed with the suggested modality within MS 702 guidelines. 
•     Assist in the maintenance of impress/petty cash accounts and monitor general office accounts. 
•     Assist in performing reconciliation of payables and receivable accounts of suppliers and sharing remittances of payments done. 
•     Participate in Tender Opening Panels as directed by the supervisor. 
•     Assist in filling of technical and administrative documents and correspondence. 
•     Perform timely reconciliations for MV and MNO accounts. 
•     Counter-check payment supporting documents are in line with FAO Financial policies. 
•     Ensure payments are processed in a timely manner either via MV or EFT. 
•     Ensure workload is properly balanced among the finance team. 
•     Perform invoice validations in GRMS. 
•     Be the focal point for all queries to the Finance unit. 
•     Ensure cash counts are done every end month and during replenishments. 
•     Ensure signed payment DVs and their supporting documents are archived online daily. 
•     Ensure the financial archive files in the storage space are well taken care of. 
•     Approve payments in FIDAM & FMM. 
•     Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     University degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or any other relevant field from a recognized institution.
•     At least 3 years of relevant experience in financial and administrative support, preferably within international organizations or development projects. Previous experience working with international organizations, preferably within the UN system or FAO is an asset.
•     Working knowledge (level C) of English and Somali 
•     Nationals of Somalia.

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Strong knowledge of the essential elements of a range of finance, accounting and budget-related activities
•     Extent of knowledge of financial rules and regulations, accounting policies and practices
•     Extent of knowledge of the processing and approval process of a variety of transactions 
•     Demonstrated analytical and judgment skills and ability to apply rules and regulations in the subject field
•     Knowledge of the MS Office applications and Oracle ERP application or similar ERP systems
•     Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural background
•     Strong organizational skills.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION