Associate Finance Officer

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) coordinates effective and principled humanitarian response and ensures that relief assistance reaches the people in need in a timely manner. OCHA-managed Somalia Humanitarian Fund (SHF) is a multi-donor country-based pooled mechanism created in 2010 to allocate funding for the most urgent life-saving interventions in Somalia. Combining flexibility and strategic focus, the Fund ensures timely allocation and disbursement of resources, enables effective humanitarian action, and strengthens coordination.

The Associate Finance Officer - communication, under the guidance of the Head, Humanitarian Financing Unit (HFU), and direct supervision of the SHF Finance Officer, participates in the overall implementation of the SHF Accountability Framework and works in close collaboration with the HFU and other OCHA Somalia staff, as well as cluster coordination staff. He/she is expected to travel extensively to the SHF project locations within Somalia to assist with the implementation of the SHF Accountability Framework as well as provide support in communications and external relations activities of the SHF.

• Review and advise on the clearance of the project budgets and grant agreements;
• Review and advise on budget amendments or no-cost extension requests;
• Regular follow-up with IP to obtain financial reports;
• Review of interim and final financial reports and supporting documents to ensure compliance with the signed SHF agreements, budgets and guidelines;
• Follow up on disbursement of funds and refund of balances from partners; 
• Review of grant agreements and supporting documents to ensure accuracy, consistency, reasonableness, compliance with the United Nations Financial Rules and Regulations (UNFRR) and the Country-based Pooled Funds (CBPF) Guidelines;
• Receipt & review of audit reports from contractors and ensure projects records are updated as necessary.

• Conduct financial spot-checks in line with the SHF operational modalities;
• Facilitate and provide support during audits, at the project and fund level, as requested, including assistance with vendor contracting, supporting the planning process and assisting in the follow-up of critical audit findings;
• Liaise with partners, SHF/HFU staff and other third parties in verifying expenditure supporting documents during spot-checks, review of financial reports, capacity assessments and audits;
• Assist with the submission and return of Partners’ financial documentation for spot-checks in OCHA field offices.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of monitoring plans in line with allocation funding modalities; 
• Participate in planning and actual field project monitoring together with other HFU/OCHA field staff;
• Participate in the request and review of partner due diligence information/document submissions and corresponding status update in Grant Management System (GMS);
• Assist with updating the project monitoring timelines, results and recommendations in the GMS.

• Identify and synthesize finance, monitoring and evaluation best practices, lessons learned and recommendations to be integrated into fund management efforts and channeled into decision-making processes;
• Promote of awareness on SHF guidelines, operational manuals, clauses in partner agreements, UNFRR and best practices;
• Plan and participate in trainings to implementing partners and other stakeholders.

• Supports implementation of SHF communications activities, prepares public information and donor materials, and maintains the SHF website and social media.
• Serves as a focal point for the preparation of public information materials that feature information related to the implementation and impact of SHF-funded projects and interventions, including human interest stories that feature audio visual materials, text etc. across multiple platforms (website, bulletins and reports, social media). This includes proactive outreach to SHF Implementing Partners, cluster coordinators, OCHA communications teams locally and globally, HFU and other humanitarian stakeholders.  
• Utilizes and analyses SHF monitoring data from SHF accountability mechanisms (OCHA field monitoring, third-party and call monitoring, cluster monitoring tools) as basis for SHF communications deliverables, including verification with partners and beneficiaries, to demonstrate impact and accountability to affected people. 
• Supports with the preparation of donor communications materials, including briefing materials, presentations and info graphics on SHF and other humanitarian financing issues (HRP funding status etc.) 
• Supports with the coordination of regular and ad hoc SHF donor meetings, including preparing relevant communications and briefing materials, drafting minutes and ensuring follow up on any action items. 
• Supports with the production of the SHF annual and interim reports (development of the outline, drafting, data collection etc.). 
• Supports with the regular update and management of the SHF section of OCHA Somalia website and OCHA Somalia social media presence

• Professionalism: Knowledge of different aspects of humanitarian response, public information and communication. Ability to address a range of issues in the context of political developments, public attitudes and local conditions. Ability to conceptualize, design and implement major information campaigns. Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks "outside the box"; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
• Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently
• Teamwork:  Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.
• Fluency in Somali language is required.

• Advanced (Masters) University Degree in Finance/Accounting, Business, Public Administration, Communications or related field.
• A first level university degree with relevant academic qualifications with a combination of two (2) years of relevant work experience may exceptionally be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Diploma/Certificate of Professional or vocational training in the fields of Accounting, Financial Management, financial controls or auditing (Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner, Chartered Accountant or equivalent) is required.

• Applicants with Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in providing management advisory services and hands-on experience in finance, accounting or auditing is required.
• Good knowledge of internal control systems and experience with accounting and auditing tools is desirable.
• Experience in performing communications tasks is desirable.
• Experience in the use of computers, accounting information systems, Microsoft Office software packages and web-based management systems is required. 

• As an equal opportunity employer, UNOCHA values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 
• UNOCHA is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

• As an equal opportunity employer, UNOCHA values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 
• UNOCHA is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

• UNOCHA does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

• UNOCHA does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

• UNOCHA reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNOCHA at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

• UNOCHA reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNOCHA at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

• UNOCHA does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Please click here to view UNDP Data Privacy Statement