WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status, physical or mental disability.

We are seeking to fill the position of Head of Finance NOA, based in the UNHRD Brindisi Hub.

Italian Residents holding a valid passport and/or identity card, and Reside within commuting distance (100-kilometer radius or distance that can be covered within 1.5 hours by car or public transport under average conditions of traffic, weather, and roads) to the office location at the duty station (World Food Programme, UNHRD Brindisi, Ex SS 16 Km 906.9, 72100 Brindisi, Italy), or be willing to relocate to reside within commuting distance to the location of the office at your own cost before taking up the assignment.

Please note that this vacancy announcement is being issued internally and externally.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Global hunger has reached alarming levels in 2022, and WFP, the Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2020, remains dedicated and committed to address this global food crisis. The United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) is a network of strategically located hubs established to support humanitarian organizations and the broader international community in responding to emergencies and crises. UNHRD provides essential services such as storage, easy access to critical supplies, and technical assistance.

The Finance Officer at the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) supports the finance operations for the entire network, collaborating closely with a dedicated Finance unit in the Kuala Lumpur Hub. This role encompasses various financial activities such as account receivables, accounts payable, treasury management, financial accounting, operational budget provision, financial reporting, funds management, budgetary control and sales process. The Finance Officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with corporate finance and resource management strategies, overseeing budgetary control, and providing oversight and guidance to the network. Reporting directly to the Deputy Network Coordinator, this position requires knowledge and experience in finance and budgeting operations.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, nor exhaustive)

1. Manage, motivate, and empower the finance team of UNHRD. Provide guidance and direction to the team.
2. Maintain awareness of corporate finance and resource management strategies and major ongoing programmatic initiatives, actively participating where appropriate using finance and resource management expertise.
3. Contribute to the development of UNHRD plans and processes aligned with wider WFP strategy, policies, and processes to meet the needs of UNHRD partners within the network.
4. Prepare and report key financial data on the financial status and outcomes of projects, ensuring accuracy, meeting deadlines, and complying with accounting processes and corporate governance requirements.
5. Monitor budgets and conduct forecasting for new and ongoing projects according to established corporate procedures and requirements.
6. Perform bank reconciliations, disbursements, clearance of receivables, overall cash management, and monthly financial closures regularly in accordance with corporate requirements.
7. Provide core administrative services as necessary, collaborating with contractors and following standard processes to deliver cost-effective, quality, and timely services to UNHRD staff.
8. Collate data and contribute to the preparation of accurate and timely reporting, offering management financial, staffing, and resource usage information to facilitate informed decision-making.
9. Track and collate data to support improvements in policies, systems, and procedures to minimize financial risks, enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness, and align services with UNHRD objectives.
10. Contribute to the delivery of financial controls and insights into UNHRD’s performance, supporting periodic risk and internal control assessments to identify areas of potential audit, compliance, or financial risks.
11. Represent the unit at internal meetings, external meetings, and events with other UN agencies, banks, financial institutions, or other partners and entities as required.
12. Follow standard emergency preparedness practices to ensure UNHRD can rapidly respond and deploy food and necessary resources to affected areas at the onset of a crisis.
13. Other duties as required.

ACCOUNTABILITIES STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education: University degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or first-level university degree with years of experience in the functional area.

Language: Proficiency in English (Level C) and in Italian (level C) and knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.

Experience: Minimum of 1 year of professional experience, with a particular focus on service provision accounting process, preferably in an international organization or humanitarian setting

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of SAP and IPSAS.
• Strong understanding of financial principles, budget management, and financial reporting requirements.
• Experience in funds management, treasury operations, and budgetary control is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated management and supervisory skills, with the ability to guide and support junior staff effectively.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and the mission of the United Nations.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK: COMMON STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR as outlined in the Generic Job Profile “Head of Operations NOA” apply.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

WFP offers a competitive compensation package which will be determined by the contract type and selected candidate’s qualifications and experience. Please visit the following website for detailed information on working with WFP “ http://www.wfp.org Click on: “Our work” and “Countries” to learn more about WFP’s operations.

Applicants must be:

• Italian Residents holding a valid passport and/or identity card, and;
• Reside within commuting distance (100-kilometer radius or distance that can be covered within 1.5 hours by car or public transport under average conditions of traffic, weather, and roads) to the office location at the duty station World Food Programme, UNHRD Brindisi, Ex SS 16 Km 906.9, 72100 Brindisi, Italy).

Please note that applications should be sent in English. Only applications received in English will be considered.

Deadline: 24 March 2024

Ref. VA: 831974

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service