Finance Assistant (Payments)

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the Regional Office of the Near East and North Africa (RNE), which is headed by an FAO Assistant Director-General, is to assist governments in developing policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and nutrition and reduce hunger and malnutrition, promote sustainable agricultural development, reduce rural poverty, develop inclusive agri-food systems and strengthen livelihood resilience – in line with the Organization’s Strategic Objectives and United Nations’ global and Government of Egypt’s national Sustainable Development Goals.

Reporting Lines

The Finance Assistant (Payments) will report to the Senior Admin Officer, RNE. He or she will work closely with RNE Finance Unit team.

Technical Focus

The Payment Finance Assistant will support the RNE finance team in ensuring timely and accurate processing of payments and financial transactions ensuring full compliance with FAO financial rules, regulations, policies and strategies, and implementation of effective internal controls framework. 

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Process payments in GRMS for third-party suppliers and vendors; NSHR and RNE staff in a timely and accurate manner and according to FAO Rules and Regulations. 
•    Keep track of and monitor office payments of Letter of Agreements (LOA), office rent and utilities etc.; 
•    Provide financial support to RNE Regular program and projects’ to ensure correct processing of payment requests through GRMS;
•    Prepare payment vouchers and ensure all supporting documentation is complete and properly authorized for authorization of office signatories. 
•    Ensure timely review of RNE cash position for the office EGP and USD bank accounts; prepare cash forecasts and assist to initiate bank cash replenishments on regular basis;
•    Maintain a proper filing system for retrieval of financial payment records;
•    Assist with reviewing and preparing of payment information to assist in office VAT claim exercise, and follow-up until VAT is claimed;
•    Assist with processing various payment requests such as travel advances and claims, and ensure that supporting documents are always adequate and complete;
•    Assist with preparing of monthly and annual expenditure reports and various forms of financial data for decision making, as requested;
•    Assist with liaising with RNE corporate bank to make inquiries and obtain account information;
•    Assist with monitoring the expenditure of RNE’s landmark events including the FAO Representative Global Conference scheduled to take place in Egypt;
•    Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in Management, Finance, or Administration
•    Four years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, cash management and/or asset management related support work
•    Working knowledge of English
•    National of Egypt

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Extent of knowledge of financial rules and regulations, accounting policies and practices
•    Extent of knowledge of the processing and approval process of a variety of transactions
•    Familiarity with ERP corporate financial systems
•    Knowledge of the communication and documentation standards

Selection Criteria

•    Experience in the United Nations or other international organizations is considered an asset.
•    Advanced proficiency in data analysis, data visualization, and Microsoft Excel is mandatory.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION