• 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 (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; prepares reports to accurately portray the financial status of the Organization and its activities; ensures that the Organization's financial resources are securely kept and productively employed while in FAO's custody; oversees financial operations wherever performed in the Organization; and ensures that all disbursements are timely and made in accordance with established policies and procedures.
The post is located in the Accounting, Reporting and Analysis Branch of the Finance Division (CSF) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Reporting Lines
The Finance Officer reports to the Senior Finance Officer/Head of the Accounting, Reporting and Analysis Branch.
Technical Focus
Management of accounting and reporting functions within the Finance Division.
Key Results
The collection and analysis of financial information to support the delivery of various financial services/activities.
Key Functions
• Collects, reviews for accuracy and analyses financial information and/or internal financial controls to support the delivery of various financial services/activities;
• Analyses financial reports, explains variances and/or financial regulations and takes appropriate action;
• Participates in the development of improved work methods and procedures;
• Responds to requests for assistance from managers and staff at headquarters and the Decentralized Offices;
• Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of training, workshops/seminars, etc.;
• Participates in special project/work teams.
Specific Functions
• Prepares and analyses the monthly financial statements;
• Provides assistance in the analysis of specific general ledger accounts, including a review of the monthly ledgers' reconciliation, liaising with finance business units, operating centres/divisions/offices and field offices to facilitate resolution of outstanding items;
• Provides assistance in the accounting process, and reconciliation thereof, liaising with finance business units to facilitate the resolution of outstanding items;
• Provides assistance in the staff related liability accounting process;
• Participates in the year-end closure;
• Participates in the preparation of various Committees and Oversight body documents;
• Performs ad hoc accounting and financial analysis, as required.
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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 three 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, five 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 another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Extent and relevance of experience in finance, business analysis and accounting within a computerized accounting environment.
• Working knowledge of accrual-based accounting standards such as IPSAS, IFRS, USGAAP, etc.
• Excellent computer skills and ability to analyse problems and develop effective, practical solutions.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the system development of accounting and financial applications, particularly Oracle Financials.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
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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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GENERAL INFORMATION
- 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
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salary.htm
Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:
• Dependency allowances
• Rental subsidy
• Education grant for children
• Home leave travel
• 30 working days of annual leave per year
• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
• International health insurance; optional life insurance
• Disability protection
FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes:
• elements of family-friendly policies
• flexible working arrangements
• standards of conduct.
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HOW TO APPLY
• 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 contact: Careers@fao.org
FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT