Finance Specialist

Reporting Lines The finance specialist reports to the IPPC Secretary.Technical Focus The incumbent will provide technical, strategic, and operational financial and budgetary support within the IPPC Secretariat, serving as a critical support pillar for the Secretariat's Executive Management Team.The focus is on ensuring the financial integrity, sustainability, and transparency of global plant health initiatives and the successful execution of IPPC Secretariat work plan deliverables.The incumbent is responsible for harmonizing administrative, budgetary, and programming processes to ensure the IPPC Secretariat's work plan is delivered efficiently, maximizes resource utilization, and remains fully aligned with the FAO Strategic Framework.Tasks and responsibilities • Coordinate and monitor financial activities related to the IPPC Secretariat Work Plan and Budget.• Act as liaison between programme and finance teams to ensure continuity, accuracy and compliance in grant management processes, financial systems used and reporting.• Lead the development of the IPPC Secretariat work plan and budget, in collaboration with IPPC Secretariat team leads, the CPM Bureau and the Financial Committee.• Monitor the financial management of funds to ensure consistency with approved work plans, budgets, and actual implementation.• Prepare cost estimates, budget proposals, and financial projections to support short- and medium-term planning.• Extract, consolidate and analyse financial data (expenditures, assets and liabilities) from FAO corporate systems (FPMIS) to ensure accuracy and compliance.• Evaluate ongoing financial support requirements, adapt financial service provision to evolving programme needs, and resolve operational financial issues.• Develop the annual IPPC Financial Report and contribute to reporting under the FAO Strategic Framework –.• Coordinate efforts related to projects' sustainable funding solution initiative and maintain close cooperation with IPPC governing bodies, partners and relevant stakeholders.• Contribute to the preparation and refinement of proposals on the ePhyto long-term sustainable funding solution for submission • Contribute to resource mobilization activities, including the development of new projects, business proposals and financial analyses.• Provide procedural guidance and financial advice to IPPC managers and staff.• Perform other related duties as required.CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING Minimum Requirements • University or technical degree relevant to Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.• For Consultants Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics or a related field.Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.• For PSAs: University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.• At least three years of relevant professional experience in finance, accounting, budget management, or financial operations in project or programme contexts.• Proven experience liaising with multiple stakeholders.• Working knowledge of English.FAO Core Competencies • Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement Technical/Functional Skills • Knowledge of IPPC work and its standard setting procedure.• Proficient user of office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.).• Ability to prepare clear and concise financial statements and donor reports.• Knowledge of spreadsheet and data analysis.• Knowledge of FAO financial rules and regulations.• Good knowledge of MS Office applications.Ability to enter data, perform queries, prepare ad hoc reports and analyses, and present results in an appropriate format.• In-depth experience in financial operations, cash management, and/or internal controls.• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and motivational skills, with a proven ability to work as part of a team.• Capacity to meet tight deadlines and work independently with minimal supervision.Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing) Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).The list can be accessed at For more information, visit the FAO employment website Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.