Assistant Finance Officer

November 22, 2025

A (least hardship)

FamilyFamily

NOA

National Professional Officer

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-12-01

Assistant Finance Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Assistant Finance Officer provides technical support with the processing of financial transactions, and monitors compliance with UNHCR and UN Financial Regulations and Rules.

In operations that do not have a Project Control Officer at Country or Multi-Country level the Assistant Finance Officer must also perform oversight responsibilities with regard to the execution of projects.

The incumbent directly supervises general service staff.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
- Contribute to the assessment of budgetary needs for administrative budgets (ABOD); monitor and control ABOD expenditure in the office.
- Analyze, evaluate and control disbursements/receipts, as well as expenditure variances against approved budgets.
- Review vouchers, including ABOD and project disbursements.
- Propose monthly cash requirements for the office, and ensure adequate and timely replenishments of funds;
- Contribute to the preparation and processing of monthly accounts.
- Provide financial status reports to supervisors.
- Analyze and evaluate financial reports within the area of responsibility on a regular basis.
- Maintain relationships with local bank at the transactional level.
- Ensure that payments are effectuated by the monthly deadline.
- Ensure that monthly accounts are correct and approved, and ensure timely monthly bank reconciliations, including open items, review and clearance of unwanted requisitions and PO balances.
- Conduct regular checks of petty cash and cash accounts.
- Verify that all financial transactions are correct and in accordance with UNHCR rules and procedures.
- Prepare office-level financial expenditure reports submitted to the Regional Bureau or Headquarters.
- Approve vouchers, including ABOD and project disbursements.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P1/NOA - 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Accounting; Finance; Public Administratin
Business Administration; Economics; or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Internal Auditor (CIA) Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Excellent computer skills, in particular in MS Office applications. Excellent communication skills.

Desirable
Working experience of at least one year in an intergovernmental organization (United Nations or similar). Good knowledge of United Nations financial rules and procedures. Good understanding of accrual accounting (such as IPSAS or IFRS). Working experience with PeopleSoft/Oracle Financial modules.

Functional Skills
*IT-Computer Literacy
*FI-Financial Accounting - Modified cash-based accounting as per international standards
FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc)
FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other)
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

The incumbent is required to have excellent analytical skills, allowing him/her to make judgement calls and be able to escalate sensitive issues as appropriate. The impact of the work has a high reputational risk to the organization. The incumbent must have proven experience in:

· Several years of progressively responsible experience in managing large-volume transactional finance operations, such as accounts payable or accounts receivable, preferably in an international environment.

· Experience with centralized financial services (shared service environment).

· Demonstrated experience with accrual-based accounting standards (IPSAS or IFRS) and their application to financial transactions in an international context.

· Advanced experience working with financial modules of a major Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system such as Oracle or SAP, and the ability to adapt quickly to new digital tools.

· Well-developed organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to lead and work effectively in a team-oriented, multicultural environment.

· Strong proficiency in both written and verbal communication in Spanish and English is essential.


The ideal candidate will also demonstrate:

· Ability to oversee the resolution of complex transactional exceptions, systemic discrepancies, and audit findings.

· Strong decision-making skills and sound judgement in managing financial operations and staff performance.

· Proven capacity to lead and motivate a diverse team, managing workloads, absences, and backup arrangements.

· Ability to work independently within delegated authority;

· Well-developed organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment;

· A strong client-service mentality when supporting field offices, internal and external stakeholders.

· Strong analytical skills, including monitoring KPIs and SLA metrics, reviewing open transactions, and identifying operational risks or control weaknesses.

· A proactive approach to process improvement and system optimization, with the ability to implement changes effectively.


Additional information:
Application open for all nationals with right to work in Panama.

Candidates must be nationals or legal residents of Panama. The candidates who are not nationals of Panama but are legally residing in the country must demonstrate a proof of residency and work permit at the time of application

Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a test. No late applications will be accepted. UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

Deadline for Applications: November 23rd, 2025 (Midnight, Geneva Time)

English

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Spanish

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:  

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel 

Nature of Position:

Global Shared Services (GSS) provides location-independent transactional services in Finance, Payroll, Human Resources, Supply, and IT, to enable operations to focus on strategic and context-specific priorities globally. The GSS located in Budapest serves as the backbone of the service, which is supported by satellite teams in Panama, Amman, Kuala Lumpur, Dakar, and Nairobi.  The GSS also works very closely with all enabling functions, DPM, DRM, DEPS, and ITS, to ensure policies and controls are implemented and delivered in an efficient manner. The strategic direction and operating modalities of the service are governed by the GSS Advisory Board.  

 

The Assistant Finance Officer position is a part of the GSS Regional Hub and will facilitate delivery of the GSS Finance services within the scope of responsibilities. The incumbent will administratively report to the Head of the GSS Regional Hub. Functionally, the be supervised by the relevant GSS Finance Section personnel in Budapest and play a multi-functional role across several Finance service domains of GSS. 

 

Responsibilities include: 

 

• Oversee and monitor financial operations under the responsibility of the Unit ensuring accuracy, processing efficiency and compliance with financial policies.  

• Lead, mentor and coach the team of transactional processors by actively promoting innovation and continuous improvement. Identify training needs and conduct training sessions to enhance the team's skills and knowledge in financial transactional processes and systems.  

• Manage team workflow to ensure coverage during absences, implementing backup plans and reallocating tasks as necessary to maintain seamless service delivery.  

• Act as the primary contact point for field operations within assigned countries, addressing service delivery questions, procedural queries, and resolving complex operational Finance issues.  

• Manage the preparation and presentation of detailed reports, reconciliations and audit documentation, ensuring transparency, accuracy and accountability for stakeholders.   

• Approve financial transactions within delegated authority, ensuring accuracy, compliance with financial policies, and timely execution.  

• Contribute to the periodic closure of the respective finance modules globally. Enforce quality control measures, and regularly review open financial transactions. Conduct periodic risk and internal control assessments to identify potential audit, compliance, or financial risks.  

• Proactively identify and implement process improvements and innovative solutions to effectively assist field offices and other departments in resolving complex operational finance challenges and optimize efficiency within a centralized service delivery model.   

• Support the planning, testing and facilitating the rollout of new processes or systems within a centralized operational model. Act in close liaison with other divisions; ensuring efficiency, standardization, and alignment with organizational goals.   

• Review, develop and maintain SOPs, procedures and training materials for global use, ensuring all team members are well-informed and trained on current practice.  

• Communicate effectively with peers and counterparts in Supply Management, Field Operations, and other departments to resolve transactional issues and exceptions.  

• Perform other related duties as required, contributing to the overall success of the Unit and the organization.  

Living and Working Conditions:

 

Additional Qualifications

Skills

FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other), FI-Financial Accounting - Modified cash-based accounting as per international standards, FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc), IT-Computer Literacy

Bachelor of Arts: Accounting, Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Economics, Bachelor of Arts: Finance, Bachelor of Arts: Public Professions

Certifications

Certified Public Accountant - Other, Internal Auditor - Other

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

This position requires Functional Clearance