Job Description

Please note that this vacancy is only open to eligible staff members who have been individually notified of their eligibility to apply for positions advertised in the Accelerated Posting Compendium.

June 12, 2026

C

Family

PR2

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-05-26

Associate Finance Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
In the Regional Bureaux, the incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Regional Controller or Senior Finance Officer and in functional coordination with the Division of Resource Management (DRM)'s Admin, Finance and Treasury Service (AFTS). In the Country or Multi-Country Offices, the incumbent may be supervised by a Senior Finance Officer, Assistant Representative - Administration, Head of Sub-Office, or other senior positions as delegated by the Representative.
The incumbent is responsible for coordinating, guiding, monitoring, advising on, and supporting the financial operations in the area of responsibility (AoR). With the objective to safeguard and optimize the utilization of UNHCR's monetary and physical resources, the incumbent contributes to the establishment of efficient and reliable mechanisms and processes to ensure compliance with UN financial regulations and UNHCR's rules, policies and procedures including, and not limited to, accounts payable and treasury processes, accounting, and implementation of internal control mechanisms, including support to oversight and audit functions.
The incumbent may support the supervisor with the identification and management of risks under their responsibility in close coordination with the Risk Management and Compliance Advisor. In the Regional Bureaux, the incumbent supports the work of the Regional Controller with authority to discuss problems and seek common ground on which to recommend solutions based on predetermined guidelines provided by higher authority.
The incumbent may directly supervise national professional and 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.
- Analyse, evaluate and control disbursements/receipts, as well as expenditure variances against approved budgets.
- Review and approve 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.
- Analyse and evaluate all financial reports produced on a regular basis.
- Maintain effective business relationships with local banks.
- Assist in ensuring compliance with UNHCR and UN Financial Regulations and Rules, policies and procedures.
- 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.
- Perform project control functions, in the absence of a dedicated project control position.
- Participate in the physical verification of UNHCR's local property, plant and equipment (PPE) and inventories.
- Verify that all financial transactions are correct and in accordance with UNHCR rules and procedures.
- In the absence of a senior finance position, ensure compliance with applicable financial rules, policies and procedures.
- In the absence of a senior finance position, certify country-level financial expenditure reports submitted to the regional office or Headquarters.

Regional financial services applicable to positions in the Regional Bureau only
- In coordination with relevant services in HQ, and to improve cost-effectiveness and process efficiency for operations, assist with the implementation and management of regional finance-related services such as: vendor and other related master data management and maintenance, invoice posting, travel claim processing, payments, bank reconciliations, accounting housekeeping and period cut-off activities, donor financial reporting, etc.
- Make proposals for the continuous improvement of financial monitoring and control mechanisms, including the streamlining of financial systems and procedures.
- In coordination with DRM and Field Support Section, identify and provide training on accounting matters, and recommend or develop training modules as necessary, aiming at the development of financial management skills.
- In close liaison with DRM System Administration Section and other divisions as necessary, assist the provision and planning of activities for rollout of new processes or systems; assist the Regional Controller in monitoring the implementing internal control mechanisms and compliance with UNHCR's financial policies and procedures in the region.

- 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 P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree

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

Certificates and/or Licenses
Professional accounting, auditing or financial management designation (CPA/ACCA/CIA/CMA or equivalent).
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Work experience in the field of accounting/finance, project management, business analysis, quality assurance and/or risk management. Good knowledge of, and experience in working with, international accounting and auditing standards, with a minimum of 1 year of practical experience in the audit process and/or in financial statements preparation. Working experience with accrual accounting (such as IPSAS or IFRS). Experience with financial modules of a major Enterprise Resource Planning system (such as PeopleSoft, SAP or Oracle). Good understanding of project and resource management.

Desirable
Good knowledge of UNHCR systems (such as COMPASS and CloudERP). Excellent knowledge of United Nations financial rules and procedures.

Functional Skills
FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other)
FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc)
PM-Project Monitoring
DM-Data Collection and Analysis
EL-Monitoring and Evaluation
FI-Financial Accounting - Modified cash-based accounting as per international standards
(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.

"Essential attributes:
• The ideal candidate should be a results-oriented finance professional with proven experience in financial management within complex, decentralized, and high-volume operational environments, preferably in humanitarian or large-scale field operations.
• S/He should have strong expertise in budget monitoring, financial analysis, treasury management, internal controls, and donor reporting, with demonstrated ability to ensure compliance with financial regulations and standards. Experience in managing multi-donor funding, audit processes, and financial oversight is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, coordination, and stakeholder management skills are essential, with the ability to work effectively across programme, supply, administration, field offices, headquarters, and external stakeholders.
• Previous experience in supporting the implementation and completion of the Business Operations Strategy (BOS) and providing oversight of the operation’s fleet management function, ensuring cost-efficiency, compliance, and effective utilization of assets in support of field operations.
• Previous experience with UNHCR financial systems and exposure to complex humanitarian or emergency operations.
• Fluency in French is required, with working knowledge of English considered an advantage.

Desirable attributes:
• The incumbent should demonstrate sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to perform under pressure in emergency and fast-changing operational contexts.
• The role requires integrity, adaptability, and strong communication skills."

French

,

,

,

,

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:

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) hosts one of the largest and most complex displacement situations globally and remains among UNHCR’s largest operations in Africa. The country continues to face overlapping humanitarian crises driven by protracted armed conflict, intercommunal violence, disease outbreaks, natural disasters and chronic development challenges.

These dynamics continue to generate large-scale displacement while simultaneously affecting refugee-hosting and return environments.

As of early 2026, the DRC hosts approximately 6.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), alongside over 600,000 refugees and asylum-seekers originating from neighboring countries and returning Congolese populations. Population movements remain highly fluid, particularly in Eastern DRC where deteriorating security conditions associated with AFC/M23 dynamics and the activities of multiple armed groups continue to generate recurrent displacement and increasing humanitarian needs.

The operation is currently undergoing substantial institutional transformation following major funding reductions and operational restructuring. Between 2025 and 2026, staffing levels reduced significantly, office structures were streamlined and substantial resource prioritization measures were implemented. While these adjustments enabled increased prioritization of programme delivery resources, they also significantly increased pressure on support functions and operational oversight systems.

The DRC operation currently maintains a presence through one Representation Office, two Sub-Offices, two Field Offices and five Field Units and supports one of UNHCR’s largest populations of concern globally.

The Associate Finance Officer is positioned within the Finance Unit of the UNHCR Representation Office in Kinshasa and reports to the Senior Administrative Officer. The role supports one of UNHCR’s largest and most complex operations, characterized by large-scale displacement, humanitarian emergencies, security volatility, and a broad field presence across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Operating in a decentralized and high-risk environment, the incumbent contributes to the financial stewardship of substantial multi-donor resources supporting emergency response, protection delivery, cash-based interventions, and durable solutions programmes. The position works closely with programme, supply, administration, and field teams, while coordinating regularly with Headquarters, the Regional Bureau, Global Shared Services (GSS), UN agencies, and government counterparts.

The incumbent supports financial oversight, budget monitoring, treasury management, internal controls, audit coordination, and compliance with UNHCR and UN financial regulations. In addition, the position provides direct supervision and oversight of the Administrative Unit comprising one G6, three G5, and two G4 staff members.

Following the transition of financial transaction processing to GSS in November 2024, the role requires strong coordination and communication skills to ensure efficient collaboration and timely financial service delivery in support of operational priorities.

Living and Working Conditions:

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the third largest country in Africa, presents a highly complex and diverse operational environment characterized by recurrent humanitarian emergencies, large-scale displacement, security volatility, and significant logistical constraints. UNHCR operations are geographically dispersed across remote and often hard-to-reach locations with varying living and working conditions.

Kinshasa, classified as a family duty station, serves as the administrative and diplomatic hub of the operation, offering relatively better access to services, healthcare, education, and commercial facilities. However, infrastructure and public services remain inconsistent, and the cost of living is high due to reliance on imported goods and limited housing availability.

Field operations are conducted in challenging environments where infrastructure, banking services, electricity, water supply, and telecommunications may be limited. Operational delivery therefore, requires strong adaptability, effective risk management, and robust business continuity mechanisms, particularly in emergency and insecure contexts.

The Congolese Franc (CDF) is the official currency, although the United States Dollar (USD) is widely used throughout the country. French is the official working language, while Lingala, Swahili, Kikongo, and Tshiluba are broadly spoken across different regions, requiring strong intercultural communication and coordination capacities.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

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

Certifications

Accounting - Other, Auditing - Other, Financial Management - Other

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration

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

Compendium

Accelerated Posting Compendium 2026 - Part B

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance