Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships This position is located in the Crisis Response Division (CRD), in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). OCHA is part of the United Nations Secretariat, which is responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response efforts. OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions. ย This position-specific job opening is being advertised for the Finance Associate position, based in Panama City, Panama. Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office, OCHA Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, the incumbent reports to the Administration/Finance Officer. ย Location: ย This position will be located in City of Knowledge, Arnoldo Cano Arosemena Ave. with Vicente Bonilla Ave., Building No. 128, Panama City, Rep. of Panama. ย ย Duties and Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Finance Associate will be responsible for the following duties: ย Budget:
Works with minimal amount of supervision; independently provides accurate reports and timely support to Finance & Budget Officers and/or manager with respect to the development of well-formulated medium-term plan and budget proposals and administration of all facets of approved budget, claims administration and treasury remittances/payments. ย ย Competencies Professionalism (Integrated throughout): Knowledge of, and ability to apply financial rules, regulations and procedures in the UN environment. Knowledge, skills and ability to extract, interpret, analyse and format data across the full range of finance and budget functions, including programme development and database management, claims and treasury operations. ย Ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies and operational problems. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. Able to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Accountability (Deliver Results with Positive Impact): Takes ownership of 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. Client Orientation (Deliver Results with Positive Impact): Considers all those to whom services are provided to be โclientsโ and seeks to see things from clientsโ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clientsโ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clientsโ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. ย Required Skills and Experience ย Education: Secondary Education, with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance, is required or University Degree (Bachelorยดs degree) in Finance, Business, or Public Administration will be given due consideration. ย Experience, Knowledge and Skills: Minimum 6 years (with secondary school education) or 3 years (with a Bachelorโs degree) of relevant experience in finance at the national or international level is required. Experience in the usage of computers and MS Office packages is required. Advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages is required. Experience with UMOJA is desired. Experience with Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP), preferably with PeopleSoft/Oracle is desired. Prior experience with the UN in a similar role is considered an asset. ย Additional Desirable Criteria: Experience within OCHA, the UN humanitarian system, or working with an international organization will be considered a strong asset in the selection process. Experience working in humanitarian operations and in humanitarian coordination in the field is desirable. Experience working with humanitarian databases and platforms will be considered a strong asset in the selection process. Experience drafting information management products and reports, flash updates, situational reports, briefings, humanitarian and risk alerts is desirable. Experience preparing inputs or reports to donors, and high-level visits to field humanitarian operations humanitarian operations is desirable. Languages: Fluency in Spanish and English is required. Working knowledge of French is an asset. ย Important applicant information All posts in the FTA categories are subject to local recruitment. ย Equal opportunity As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP 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.ย ย UNDP 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. ย Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority UNDP 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. ย Right to select multiple candidates UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements. ย 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.