Organizational Setting
The Finance Division (CSF) recommends and administers financial policies and procedures that meet the highest professional standards; keeps accounts that accurately record financial activities and meet the requirements of internal and external audits; reports on the financial status of the Organization and its activities to senior management, governing bodies and resource partners; ensures the safe custody of the Organization's financial assets; oversees financial operations wherever performed in the Organization; and ensures the timely recording of receipts and disbursements in accordance with established policies and procedures.
The post is located in the office of the Director, CSF, at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Reporting Lines
The Finance Officer reports to the Deputy Director, Finance Division.
Technical Focus
In country operational support on financial matters to FAO Country Offices managing FAO projects in an Emergencies and Resilience capacity.
Key Results
Planning and delivery of financial services in accordance with internal policies, UN financial guidelines and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
Key Functions
โข ย ย Leads and/or participates in Finance Division teams, participates and provides financial expertise on Organization-wide committees or working groups, and/or supervises staff.
โข ย ย Supervises, oversees and/or contributes to the delivery of financial reporting, general accounting, project accounting, and/or investment activities/services in accordance with FAO policies and regulatory framework.
โข ย ย Develops and updates the supporting operational, policy, accounting, control and/or risk management frameworks, involving the implementation of the latest approaches and methodologies, streamlined business processes, new/revised financial policies, and related tools, systems, technologies and related procedures.
โข ย ย Analyses financial information for inclusion in statutory reports, management reports, financial statements, and/or reports to donors as well as other specific reports for Governing Bodies, donors and other partners.
โข ย ย Responds to requests for assistance and provides financial and regulatory advice and assistance to managers at headquarters and Decentralized Offices.
โข ย ย Develops effective working relationships and resolves problems with banks, other financial institutions, donors, partners, and UN financial executives as well as provides information/clarification to auditors.
โข ย ย Promotes best practices and capacity development at headquarters and Decentralized Offices, leads and/or participates in training and the development of related training materials.
Specific Functions
โข ย ย Provides leadership and support on financial processes, through extended missions to FAO local offices operating in emergencies or resilience contexts. Travel requirements of this post are approximately 60-75% of the year.
โข ย ย Ensures application of best practice and adherence to FAO Financial Regulations and Rules.
โข ย ย Analyses financial information on projects funded by voluntary contributions to ensure compliance with FAO accounting policies and procedures.
โข ย ย Provides guidance and support on the preparation of financial reports to resource partners.
โข ย ย Coordinates and provides inputs on initiatives to improve the Organizations systems, policies and procedures governing the management and implementation of voluntary funded projects.
โข ย ย Supports the Division's Global Financial Management Unit efforts to monitor financial risk and to implement mitigating measures in FAO local offices.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย Advanced university degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field and seven years of relevant experience in finance, accounting and/or business analysis OR a first level university degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field and nine years of relevant experience in similar fields and completion of a professional qualification in accountancy (Chartered Accountant [CA], Certified Public Accountant [CPA], Association of Chartered Certified Accountants [ACCA]) or the investment profession (Chartered Financial Analyst [CFA]).
โข ย ย Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
โข ย ย Extent and level of experience applying financial support in the context of emergencies and resilience.
โข ย ย Knowledge and experience in financial risk management.
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and financial reporting tools.
โข ย ย Experience in cash/voucher assistance programmes is an asset.
โข ย ย Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.