Job Description

Deadline for Applications

September 23, 2026

Hardship Level

A (least hardship)

Family Type

Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Grade

GS5

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2026-10-01

Standard Job Description

Senior Finance Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Senior Finance Assistant is normally supervised by a more senior finance colleague who defines work objectives and provides regular advice and guidance. The incumbent also refers to UNHCR Manuals and relevant policy papers on financial issues.

The incumbent assists with the processing of financial transactions. S/he keeps frequent contact with staff at various levels in the office and with bank officials to exchange information.

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

• Maintain financial records for project or other office accounts for which responsibility is assigned.
• Record receipts and payments, assure accuracy of computation and completeness of documents and maintain continuing status of allotments against obligations.
• Prepare recurring reports on assigned accounts, noting problems resulting from excess cost or less-than-expected receipts.
• Prepare special reports to clarify problems or as requested for other reasons.
• Calculate and compile cost estimates and projected budget requirements and assist in preparation of budget statements for area of assignment.
• Prepare routine correspondence and maintain contracts with others to discuss matters concerning accounts and related assignments.
• Maintain contacts with local banks to clarify questions pertaining to office bank accounts.
• Brief and assist new staff on basic financial procedures and requirements with respect to payments, entitlements, banking and currency provisions and other requirements relating to accounts and finance.
• Initiate correspondence to verify data, answer queries and obtain additional information on accounts and financial transactions, as required.
• 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

Education & Professional Work Experience

Years of Experience / Degree Level

For G5 - 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education

Not applicable

Certificates and/or Licenses

Accounting; Business Administration; Finance; HCR Learning Prog;

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Not specified

Desirable

Not specified

Functional Skills

IT-Computer Literacy

FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other)

IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software

(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.

Desired Candidate Profile

Given the evolving institutional arrangements and resource-constrained operating environment, the position requires a candidate who can adapt to changing financial processes and systems while supporting timely and continuous service delivery, including the financial processing of procurement-related transactions. In addition to the requirements contained in the standard job description, the following position-specific experience and skills would be particularly relevant.

The candidate should possess:

· Experience supporting financial operations in a complex institutional environment, including the processing and monitoring of financial transactions.

· Recent hands-on experience using an integrated ERP platform to process financial transactions, monitor workflow status and extract financial reports is desirable.

· Experience working with banks, office accounts, payments, entitlements or budget monitoring.

· Experience in vendor performance monitoring, contract management, logistics coordination, asset tracking and infrastructure-related support

· Experience briefing or assisting colleagues on basic financial and administrative procedures.

The ability to interpret and apply UNHCR’s financial and administrative rules and procedures accurately and consistently is essential.

The candidate should be able to manage competing priorities, maintain high attention to detail, and ensure timely follow-up on payments. Strong planning and organizational skills are critical to maintaining workflow efficiency and avoiding operational bottlenecks.

Proven experience in the use of UNHCR’s Business Transformation Programme (BTP) applications will be a significant asset, including familiarity with Cloud ERP (finance and procurement modules) and Workday (administrative and financial processes). The ability to navigate integrated digital systems and generate accurate reports for management decision-making will be particularly valuable

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

Desired languages

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

Living and Working Conditions:

Additional Qualifications

Skills

FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other), IT-Computer Literacy, IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software

Education

Certifications

Accounting - Other, Business Administration - Other, Finance - Other, HCR Learning Program - UNHCR

Work Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness

UNHCR Salary Calculator

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

Compendium

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance