National Post, Programme Finance Associate, Nuku'Alofa

The Position:

The post of Programme Finance Associate is located in one of the field offices of the UNFPA Pacific Sub-Regional Office Tonga and reports directly to the Programme Specialist/ Country lead. S/He provides financial and programmatic support to strengthen programme delivery and management. S/he also works in close collaboration with the Program and Operations in Suva team to ensure timely support to the programme implementation.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff who embody these international norms and standards and will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact sustained results, ensuring effective external relations, communications, partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results

Job Purpose:

The Programme Finance Associate contributes to the development and implementation of an effective country programme by providing program, finance and administrative support to UNFPA’s Programmes. As appropriate and under the direction of the Programme Specialist and the Program Management Unit lead, the Programme Finance Associate will also contribute to research, financial management and ensure compliance to UNFPA operational and procedural guidance.

You would be responsible for:

• S/He provides administrative and financial support in implementation of program activities ensuring full compliance of program and financial processes with UN/UNFPA rules, regulations, policies and strategies;
• S/He provides logistical support to programme implementation;
• S/He provides organizational functions of the office in terms of providing effective communications support to the Sub Regional office; ensuring facilitation of knowledge building and management.
• Assist the country programme team in providing support to implementing partners on knowledge management and programme implementation through maintaining an easy reference and friendly access to contacts and mailing lists of partners, key stakeholders, consultants, UN agencies, donors, institutions, individuals, and other contacts.
• Assist in programme formulation and work-plan creation in quantum, maintain and update project profiles, including progress reports and work plan review in compliance with programme implementation guidelines;
• Collate programme related information and procurement needs; support programme personnel in their work plans, monitor and follow-up with Implementing partners on submission of progress (WPRs) and financial reports (e-Face);
• In close collaboration and guidance of the finance team in Suva, support and coordinate the HACT assurance activities (spot check, audits) and support in follow up of any required action;
• Coach implementing agencies on UNFPA financial rules and regulations to be followed, e-Face and on recording non-expendable items supported by UNFPA;
• In close collaboration with the administration team in Suva, follow up on any administrative matters entering the relevant requisition facilitating release of payments, program supplies (inventory) management, assets, leave records and common premises;
• In close collaboration with the administration team in Suva, support arrangement of domestic and international travels for staff and non-staff travels as well as follow up of submission of the mission reports by staff.
• In consultation with relevant staff, initiate draft documents, compile and process logistical, administrative and financial arrangements for meetings, events and workshops organized by the office.
• Receive visitors/officials; take minutes and/or notes, as required; prepare informal translations and act as interpreter as required; answer and screen telephone calls with tact and discretion;
• Sets up, and effectively maintain and monitors the filing system; sets up a follow up system to reduce repetitive action or filling gaps; manage online database of implementing partners; assist in archiving and maintain up-to-date electronic mailing lists;
• Prepare information and/or briefs, summaries and background documentation required by programme staff for official missions, programme functions, seminars, conferences, events and meetings including arranging audio-visual aids as required, projector and screen, preparing power point presentations and computer-generated visuals such as graphs
• Ensure optimal communication flows within the unit and with entire Sub Regional Office, joint country presence offices and external counterparts, through effective use of written, verbal and electronic communication;
• Perform ad-hoc duties required by the Programme Specialist relating to monitoring and evaluation of the country programme and projects.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• Completed secondary level education required.
• First level University (Bachelor) degree in Public/Business Administration, Finance, Commerce, Accountancy/Chartered Accountancy and related field is preferred.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience in programme, administration, finance or office management;
• Some experience in research assistance and general understanding of programme support, monitoring and evaluation is desirable;
• Good writing and communication skills with the ability to draft correspondence in a clear, accurate and concise manner;
• Previous experience and knowledge of protocol in the United Nations is an advantage,
• Good interpersonal, planning, organizational and multi-tasking skills;
• Ability to work independently and harmoniously in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic team environment maintaining tact and discretion in all dealings;
• Computer literacy – Proficiency in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, MS Office Packages and the Internet;
• Good knowledge of Quantum is an asset.

Languages:

• Fluency in English and knowledge of the local language is required.

Required Competencies:

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity,
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
• Embracing cultural diversity,
• Embracing change

Core Competencies:

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
• Communicating for impact.

Functional Competencies:

• Logistical support
• Managing data
• Managing documents, correspondence and reports
• Managing information and workflow
• Planning, organizing and multi-tasking
• Managing financial processes
• Job knowledge / technical expertise

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary (starting from $TOP 27, 731 annually) plus health insurance, pension, dependency allowances, annual/sick leave and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.