Local Post: Finance/Administrative Associate, Johannesburg, South Africa, GS7

The Position:

The Finance/Admin Associate will contribute to the implementation of the Safeguard Young People Programme - a youth programme implemented in twelve countries in East and Southern Africa by providing financial support to the youth team and the Integrated SRHR Unit at large. As appropriate and under the direction of the Youth Team Lead and SYP Regional Coordinator the Finance/Admin Associate will also contribute to research, financial management, procurement and operational and procedural guidance preparation and implementation.

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. 

UNFPA is supporting the implementation of the Safeguard Young People (SYP) Programme as of November 2013. The programme aims to empower adolescents and young people aged 10-24 to protect themselves from STIs including HIV, unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, early marriages, gender-based violence and harmful cultural practices while promoting gender equitable norms and protective behaviours in twelve counties in East and Southern African Countries (Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe).

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:

You will play an instrumental role in the implementation of the Safeguard Young People Programme, contributing to research, financial management, procurement and operational and procedural guidance preparation and implementation.

You will apply established systems and procedures and assist in financial and administrative management by compiling, synthesizing and analyzing relevant information, developing appropriate mechanisms and systems and ensuring compliance with procedures.

• Works closely with the Regional Programme Coordinator and Country Focal Points for the Swiss Agency for Development and Condition (SDC) and Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN) funded SYP programme to assist the country specific projects in financial and administrative matters in line with the Proposal, results framework and proposed budget as well as UNFPA policies and procedures;
• Contributes to the monitoring of the financial execution of the projects in the twelve countries and at regional level. This includes reviewing and analyzing implementation level of country projects to determine status of project activities on a continuous basis;
• Prepares financial reports on the programme to be submitted to the SYP regional programme coordinator and team for review on a regular basis as requested by the Coordinator and also liaise with UNFPA HQ and UNFPA COs if needed;
• In consultation with Regional Coordinator and COs, reviews and harmonizes annual implementation plans and budgets;
• Supports the preparation and consolidation of reports including annual reports (technical, substantive and financial) pertaining to the project;
• Facilitates initiation of all procurement processes, including payments, working closely with the operations unit and the overall guidance of the international operations manager;
• Provides support to administrative and logistical arrangements for all meeting, workshop and courses in connection with the project taking place in Johannesburg or in one of the project countries in collaboration with the Programme Associate;
• Assists the Regional Programme Coordinator in the design of project specific material pertaining to management and financial issues in support of project implementation;
• Participates in the annual planning, reviews and final evaluation of the project in collaboration with the SYP coordination team;
• Trains the Programme IPs in UNFPA's financial policies and procedures and monitor application of procedures; and, 
• Carries out any other duties as may be required.

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education: 

Completed Secondary Level Education required. First level university degree desirable in public administration, finance, accounting or economics is desirable.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Seven (7) years of relevant experience in programme/ project management.
• Proficiency in current office software applications and corporate IT systems.

Languages: 

Fluency in oral and written English. Knowledge of French or Portuguese is an asset.

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:

• Advocacy/ Advancing a policy-oriented agenda
• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/ building strategic alliances and partnerships
• Delivering results-based programmes
• Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilization.

Compensation and Benefits:

 This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus 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.