Finance Officer

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It oversees the network of Country Offices and FAO Subregional Offices in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region, and, in collaboration with Divisions, Offices and Centres at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities and the implementation of the Organization's strategies through programmes and projects across the region.

The Regional Office (RLC) supports the formulation and implementation of the Country Programmes and Projects, including Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs), and their contribution to the FAO Strategic Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) at the country level, advising Decentralized Offices on corporate priorities such as the Strategic Framework and on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget.

The Regional Office (RLC) leads, formulates, implements, monitors and reports on the Organization's programmes and budget in the region and draws management attention to problems, deficiencies and risks.

The Regional Office (RLC) leads the preparation of the Regional Conferences and the Statutory Bodies in the region.

The Regional Office (RLC) develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions, including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs), and participates in the United Nations Regional Architecture, such as UN Regional Forums on Sustainable Development and UN Regional Collaborative Platforms and related mechanisms.

The Regional Office (RLC) delivers an improved, integrated and collaborative business model to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, consistency, innovation, agility and responsiveness in logistical, operational, financial and other support services at all levels to accelerate the achievement of the Organization's programme in the region and ensure compliance with the Internal Control Framework.

The position is located in the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean in Santiago, Chile.

Reporting Lines

The Finance Officer reports to the Senior Administrative Officer in RLC.

Technical Focus

The Finance Officer is responsible for leading the delivery of financial services, internal control and risk management matters.

Key Results

The planning and delivery of financial services in accordance with internal policies, UN financial guidelines and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

Key Functions

• Leads and/or participates in teams, participates and provides financial expertise on Organization-wide committees or working groups, and/or supervises staff.
• Supervises, oversees and/or contributes to the delivery of financial reporting, general accounting, project accounting, services in accordance with FAO policies and regulatory framework.
• Develops and updates the supporting operational, policy, accounting, control and/or risk management frameworks, involving the implementation of the latest approaches and methodologies, streamlined business processes, new/revised financial policies, and related tools, systems, technologies and related procedures.
• Analyses financial information for inclusion in statutory reports, management reports, financial statements, and/or reports to donors as well as other specific reports for Governing Bodies, donors and other partners.
• Responds to requests for assistance and provides financial and regulatory advice.
• Develops effective working relationships and resolves problems with banks, other financial institutions, donors, partners and UN financial executives as well as provides information/clarification to auditors.
• Promotes best practices and capacity development leads and/or participates in training and the development of related training materials.

Specific Functions

• Manages the finance function of the FAO Regional Office and supervises the Finance Unit, ensuring timely service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Ensures the correct interpretation and implementation of FAO financial rules and procedures across the region.
• In coordination with Regional Management and relevant headquarters policy owners, implements and maintains internal control systems and procedures to promote the proper use of organizational resources, risk management and fraud and corruption prevention.
• Provides training and support to FAO personnel in the region for finance, internal control and risk management issues.
• Coordinates the financial and administrative aspects of letters of agreement in close cooperation with the relevant managers and headquarters policy owners.
• Liaises with internal and external auditors and ensures timely implementation of audit recommendations.
• Advises in the preparation of the Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) in consultation with relevant technical officers/divisions at headquarters; prepares and consolidates work plans; proposes revised plans and strategic measures to implement successfully the biennial programme of work and monitor effectively budgetary trends.
• Prepares periodic budget reports for submission; prepares post planning and monitoring and other regular and ad hoc reports.
• Contributes to the development of results-based management concepts and policies and monitoring and reporting procedures.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field and seven years of relevant experience in finance, accounting and/or business analysis OR a first level university degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field and nine years of relevant experience in similar fields and completion of a professional certification in accountancy (Chartered Accountant [CA], Certified Public Accountant [CPA], Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) or Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) or the investment profession (Chartered Financial Analyst [CFA]).
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
• Extent and relevance of experience in finance and in managing finance, accounting and internal control functions.
• Excellent computer skills and ability to analyse problems and develop effective, practical solutions.
• Extent and relevance of knowledge of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems and reporting tools (proficiency in Oracle system is preferred).
• Professional qualification from a recognized professional institution (CA, CPA, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent) is desirable.
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of Spanish is highly desirable.