Program Finance Associate

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.
Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With over 194 member states, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. We believe that everyone can play a part in ending hunger.

Join us in creating a #ZeroHunger world.

FAO Nepal is looking for a dynamic candidate to support financial part of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Green Climate Fund (GEF) projects that is being implemented by the partner Ministry at federal and provincial level. All these vertical funds are on budget on treasury system of the Government of Nepal. The incumbent will be working closely with the project team i.e. FAO-TA (GCF) and project management unit (PMU) of the Operation Partner (government) i.e., federal Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE) and provincial Ministry of Tourism, Forests and Environment (MoTFE) with focus on maintaining coordination amongst key stakeholders and actors.

Under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative in Nepal, under technical and operation supervision of AFAOR (Programme and Admin), direct supervision of Senior Programme Operation Specialist, consultation coordination with GCF and GEF focal person of the country office and the project manager of the related projects, the UNV Finance Associate will:

Project management:
• Contribute towards the development of project specific plans and processes, aligned with FAO policies and processes to meet the needs of the project,
• Facilitate in developing field mission programs and support logistics for visiting missions, maintain travel records and recommend related travel claims,
• Support to project lead for implementation of activities in line with FAO norms and procedures
• Review the procurement plan for goods and services/ office supplies as required by the project and liaison with FAO procurement unit, make necessary arrangements to expedite the procurements as well as assist in the delivery of the consignment at appropriate level,
• Assist in organizing various meetings, workshops, consultations and other project events,
• Maintain proper documentation for all project-related activities
• Monitor cash flow and funding needs of project activities Support to update the risk mitigation plan regularly


Finance management:
• Monitor budgets and carry out forecasting for new and ongoing activities according to established FAO procedures and requirements.
• Review annual, six monthly and quarterly financial report submitted by the OP in line with progressive technical report and agreement template
• Coordinate with project teams to monitor expenditures and ensure they align with the approved budget.
• Carry out project budget revisions in line with the approved total project budget and actual expenditures within the stipulated time frame,
• Assist to provide orientation to the stakeholders, collaborating partners and other concerned on the financial management system of the project,
• Report on key data for financial status and outcomes of project activities in accordance with corporate governance requirements, ensuring accuracy, deadlines, and accounting processes
• Perform other project related tasks as assigned by the FAO.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day).
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.
• Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers.
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
• Efficient project implementation and coordination through adherence to FAO procedures, support in logistics, procurement, event organization, documentation, and risk management.
• Sound financial oversight ensured by regular budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, timely reporting, and alignment with FAO’s financial systems and governance standards.
• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment
• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in, and capacities developed