Education: Secondary school completed/Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related fields(check detail)

General Information
• Position Title: Finance Associate
• Job Category: Finance
• Duty Station: Mekele
• Seniority Level: Associate
• ICS Level: ICS 06
• Contract Type: ICA – LICA – Support – Regular
• Contract Level: LICA 6
• Posting Start Date: 04 December 2025
• Posting End Date: 14 December 2025
• Duration: Six months with possibility of extension

Job Highlight
Ensure smooth, accurate and compliant financial operations by supporting accounting, budget administration, cash management, and financial reporting functions in alignment with UNOPS financial rules and regulations.

About the Region
The UNOPS Africa Regional Office in Nairobi oversees more than 250 projects across 40 countries, many in fragile or conflict-affected settings. Supported by over 1,000 personnel across multiple subregional offices, it advances regional priorities in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and SIDS. Through strategic leadership and operational support, the office enhances sustainable infrastructure development, transparent resource management, and improved quality of life across the continent.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office
The Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO), headquartered in Addis Ababa, delivers procurement, project management, and infrastructure services across Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan, and South Sudan. It focuses on health, agriculture, education, energy, and resilience programming. Since 2024, HAMCO has expanded support for healthcare access, research capacity, education and energy systems, and livelihood enhancement. Its work strengthens community resilience and supports national development priorities in alignment with the SDGs.

Job Specific Context
Based in Mekele, the Finance Associate works under the Support Services Senior Analyst and the Finance Specialist. The role supports financial verification of payment claims, ensuring high accuracy, consistency and a client-oriented approach. The position requires close collaboration with operations, programme and project teams to resolve finance-related issues and ensure efficient financial processes.

Role Purpose
The Finance Associate provides accounting, budgeting, treasury, and financial reporting support to ensure efficient, compliant and transparent financial operations. The role requires accurate processing of financial transactions in accordance with UNOPS financial rules, policies and donor requirements.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Budget Administration and Cost Recovery
• Support preparation, monitoring and revision of project and office budgets
• Compile financial data on budget utilization, expenditure trends, and funding needs
• Assist in developing cost-recovery models and maintaining allocation systems
• Support preparation of cost-sharing and trust-fund agreements and monitor partner contributions
• Provide inputs on financial implications of operational plans
• Contribute to project financial closure and completeness of financial records

Accounting, Payments and Payroll
• Verify payment requests and ensure compliance with UNOPS financial rules
• Prepare and process vouchers for accounts payable, payroll and journal entries
• Ensure timely recording of goods receipt, services delivered and accruals
• Maintain internal expenditure controls and ensure proper documentation
• Reconcile accounts receivable and payable and follow up on pending items
• Perform monthly and quarterly reconciliations and resolve discrepancies
• Support payroll processing and respond to related queries
• Ensure timely month-end and year-end closure and required financial submissions
• Address HQ queries regarding financial data and audits

Office Cash and Treasury Management
• Monitor cash positions to support ongoing operational disbursements
• Oversee zero-balance accounts, imprest management and recording of receipts
• Prepare monthly cash flow forecasts and consolidate cash requirement estimates
• Perform bank reconciliations and resolve variances
• Initiate and record transfers, replenishments and foreign exchange entries
• Manage petty cash and operational advances in compliance with financial rules

Financial Reporting and Analysis
• Prepare and review financial reports, donor reports and expenditure statements
• Support preparation of variance analysis, cost distribution summaries and reconciliations
• Contribute to quarterly and annual financial closure
• Support internal and external audit processes, ensuring timely submissions
• Maintain updated records of VAT, prepayments, advances and other accounts
• Prepare adjusting journal entries and ensure accuracy of financial postings

Knowledge Building and Sharing
• Assist in organizing finance training sessions and learning events
• Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and contribute lessons learned
• Conduct research and support preparation of finance-related reports and briefs

Skills
Cash Management, Finance, Financial Accounting, Financial Planning, Financial Reporting, Accounting Standards, Budgeting

Education Requirements

Required
• Secondary school education with 6 years of relevant experience
• Or a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related fields with 2 years of relevant experience

Desired
• Professional certifications such as CPA, ACCA, CA or CIMA

Experience Requirements

Required
• Relevant experience in project financial management, budgeting, cash management or financial reporting
• Proficiency in MS Office, G-Suite and web-based systems

Desired
• Experience in multicultural or UN system environments
• Experience in humanitarian or development contexts
• Experience using ERP or financial management systems

Language Requirements
• English: Fluent (Required)

Additional Information
• UNOPS does not request any form of payment during recruitment
• Applications must be received before midnight Copenhagen time on the closing date
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
• UNOPS promotes an inclusive and diverse workforce
• Reasonable accommodation is available for shortlisted candidates upon request
• Background checks apply to all selected candidates

Terms and Conditions
• UNOPS may appoint at a lower level than advertised
• Retainer contracts require completion of mandatory courses prior to service
• All personnel must adhere to UN values, UNOPS policies and the UN Common Agenda
• Recruitment is contingent on satisfactory background verification

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