Finance Associate

The UNICEF Malawi Country Programme (2024-2028) works through a One-UN approach based on the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSCDF) Strategic Priorities (2024-2028).  All four strategic priorities of the UNSCDF2024-2028 hold significance to UNICEF and the priorities identified for children: i) Economic Development, ii) Governance, iii) Human Capital Development, and iv) Climate Change. UNICEF co-leads the further elaboration and results in developing the Human Capital Development strategic priority. The intent of the UNICEF CPD 2024-2028 is fully aligned with these priorities, which are also directly linked to the pillars of Malawi Vision 2063, and the Malawi Implementation Plan (MIP, 2030). To this extent, UNICEF’s strategy for the CPD includes Child Survival and Development (Health, Nutrition and WASH), Education, Learning and Child Protection, Social Policy (Social Protection and Public Finance for Children), Gender Equality, Inclusion and Innovation within a robust evidence-informed environment. These are focus areas under the Human Capital Development Enabler of the MIP (2030). The Country Programme envisages the progressive fulfilment of the rights to survival, development, education, protection and participation of all children, including adolescents, especially the most vulnerable and those at risk of being left behind, in an inclusive, resilient and protective environment. Besides Malawi’s 2063 vision and 2021–2030 implementation plan (MIP), the African Union’s Agenda 2063; UNICEF’s Strategic Plan, Gender Action Plan III, Innovation Strategy; and the SDGs. The country programme includes child survival and development, learning, skills development and protection, and social policy. All components are supported by the programme and operational effectiveness and efficiency imperatives. Risk-informed programming across the humanitarian and development nexus in all three outcome areas will strengthen disaster preparedness, enhance climate adaptation/mitigation and response, and increase the resilience capacity of institutions, communities and young people. Programming aligns with UNICEF Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee’s Transformative Agenda.

The Business Support Centre (BSC) in Malawi aims to provide crucial day-to-day financial management support, including transaction processing, the creation of pre-commitment documents and HACT transactions, management of the bank and cash accounts, analysis and reconciliation of general ledger accounts, accounts closure, and support to assurance activities, including the management and coordination of cash in transit and mobile money.

As Finance Associate, your efficiency and effectiveness are crucial to ensuring optimal, appropriate and robust use of resources as well as accurate financial recording, accounting and reporting. This in turn, plays a key role in facilitating management oversight, informed decision making and maintaining high standards of quality control.

How can you make a difference?

The Malawi Country Office offers an exciting and rewarding career opportunity for you to join our dynamic BSC team where you will be responsible for a variety of specialized financial tasks, ensuring delivery that is compliant with UNICEF financial rules and regulations. You will also demonstrate the capacity to research, adapt to emerging issues, and evaluate irregular cases, while recommending improvements to enhance process delivery.  In your capacity as the Finance Associate, you will report to and work under the overall guidance and supervision of the Operations Manager.    

This position therefore presents a unique and significant opportunity for a qualified, vibrant, motivated and committed person to contribute to the overall achievement of transformative results for children with professional excellence and by delivering on the following key responsibility areas, but not limited to:-

1. Review and conduct quality checks on payment request documents before processing.
2. Review pre-commitment request documents received from programme and operations sections and check supporting documents before processing.
3. Review and draft Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfer (HACT) requests/documents received and check appropriateness and adequacy of supporting documents within HACT procedures. Non-adherence to meeting timelines will cause delays in payment processing/timely clearing of liquidations, resulting in late disbursement of funds hence affecting programme implementation as well as compromise Direct Cash Transfer (DCT) aging report/indicators.
4. Process (as per delegated authority) the disbursement of payments when done locally via bank letters, checks, or petty cash. Process cash receipts and reconcile income contributions to ensure their timely deposit and recording in UNICEF systems
5. Complete applicable accounts closure activities (monthly, quarterly and yearly) on a timely basis and per closure instructions.

You are encouraged to download the detailed job description  JD_GS6 Finance Associate.pdf in order to view the full role and its requirements.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

The following minimum requirements:

Education

• Completion of secondary education is required, along with professional training in Business Administration, Business Management, Finance/Accounting or any other relevant field of discipline.

** For this position, a bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution in Business Administration, Business Management, Finance/Accounting, or any other relevant field of discipline may replace three years of related work experience. A master’s degree may replace additional two years.

Relevant Experience:

• A minimum of 6 years of clerical experience in the area of finance and accounting is required.
• Must have financial management skills and experience in the implementation of modern management systems.
• Prior hands-on experience in effectively managing the financial resources including financial monthly or year-end accounts closures is required.
• Prior experience in programme support functions will be prioritized.
• Experience in providing financial support during emergency is considered an asset.

Technical knowledge and skills:

• Solid understanding of budget preparation and implementation processes is required. Computer literacy and ability to effectively use standard office software, tools, technologies and SAP/ERP software is required.
• Technical financial skills to support during donor proposal costing and financial reporting is required.
• Ability to analyze financial reports and identify variances with recommendations is required.
• Ability to build financial capacity of non-finance staff, implementing partners and vendors is required.
• Good knowledge of United Nations financial procedures in general and UNICEF in particular is a strong asset.

Language

• Fluency in English, both sound written and verbal skills is required.