Finance Officer

IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

Organizational Setting
The Finance Division 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 the financial status of the Organization and its activities to senior management, governing bodies and resources 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 Trust Fund Liaison Unit of the Finance Division at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines
The Finance Officer reports to the Senior Finance Officer in the Trust Fund Liaison Unit.

Technical Focus
Review and clearance of financial aspects of funding agreements with resource partners and providing financial management support and reporting on voluntary contributions to resource partners, management and External Auditors.

Key Results
Financial services and related assistance in accordance with internal policies, UN financial guidelines and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

Key Functions
• Provides financial reporting, general accounting, project accounting, and/or investment related services in accordance with FAO policies and regulatory framework.
• Collects and analyses financial information for inclusion in statutory and/or management reports, financial statements and/or reports to donors as well as specific reports for Governing Bodies, donors and other partners.
• Contributes to updating financial policies and related tools, systems, technologies and related procedures.
• Responds to requests for assistance from managers and staff at headquarters and the Decentralized Offices.
• Exchanges and/or provides information to banks, other financial institutions, donors and partners and provides information/clarification to auditors.
• Participates in the development of training and related training materials and promotes best practices and capacity development at headquarters and the Decentralized Offices.
• Participates in Finance Division teams, leads working groups and/or collaborates with other divisions on short-term assignments.

Specific Functions
• Provides guidance and advice to various organizational units during the negotiation and implementation of project funding agreements.
• Reviews financial aspects of agreements with resource partners to ensure that they are in line with FAO rules and procedures.
• Ensures that financial reporting to resource partners is prepared and submitted in accordance with the terms of the funding agreement.
• Monitors ongoing cash requirements for projects in accordance with the terms of funding agreements and FAO rules and procedures.
• Supervises and mentors other team members.
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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field and five 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, seven years of relevant experience and completion of professional qualification in accountancy (CA, CPA, ACCA) or investment professional (CFA).
• Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of one of the other official FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish).

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

Technical/Functional Skills
• Extent and relevance of experience in accounting and in managing accounting functions.
• Experience in negotiating funding agreements with resource partners and knowledge of the main financial compliance obligations set out in these agreements.
• Experience in preparing financial reports to resource partners for projects funded by voluntary contributions and of providing financial guidance and support to project budget holders during their implementation.
• Experience in use of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, excellent computer skills and ability to analyse problems and develop effective, practical solutions.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.

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FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

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• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds
• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http\://www.whed.net/
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp

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