Finance Specialist

About the Role

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is seeking a dedicated Finance Specialist to join our Shared Services Centre in Budapest, Hungary. This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to FAO's mission of transforming global agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

As part of FAO's commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda, the Shared Services Centre focuses on delivering efficient process management and quality assurance activities while continuously improving customer satisfaction through process standardization, automation, and self-service capabilities.

This 11-month renewable contract position operates under a Personal Services Agreement (PSA) and reports directly to the Finance Officer within the Shared Services Centre's finance team.

Key Responsibilities
Financial Systems Management:

• Support coordination with vendors, FAO departments, and Country Offices to obtain necessary information for vendor record updates, including critical bank details in Oracle Financials Systems
• Update Oracle Financials Systems with accurate vendor and bank account information based on verified data received
• Participate in the creation and processing of journal vouchers to ensure accurate financial record-keeping

Data Verification and Quality Assurance:

• Utilize Banking Knowledge Databases (Thomson Global Banking Database, SWIFT BIC Enquiry, and other banking web resources) to verify and validate FAO vendor bank details
• Conduct thorough verification of vendor IBAN validity prior to database entry
• Monitor and report any irregularities, discrepancies, or update problems to supervisors promptly

Customer Service and Support:

• Respond professionally to inquiries regarding transaction processing and vendor management
• Provide high-level customer service for all assigned financial matters
• Maintain established service levels for vendor and banking updates as defined in SSC Service Level Agreements

Administrative and Reporting Duties:

• Maintain comprehensive statistics on daily work performed and compile detailed monthly performance reports
• Assist with system testing for changes and upgrades, actively participating in improvement projects and training initiatives
• Provide backup support for colleagues and handle related duties as business needs require

Requirements
Essential Qualifications:

• Secondary school education or equivalent
• Minimum one year of relevant experience in vendor management, banking operations, or master data management
• Working knowledge of English (Level C proficiency)
• Hungarian nationality or valid work permit for Hungary

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Office applications suite
• Experience with Oracle ERP applications or similar enterprise resource planning systems
• Strong understanding of communication and documentation standards
• Attention to detail and accuracy in data management

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of additional FAO official languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) would be advantageous
• Experience in international organization financial systems
• Background in financial services or banking operations

FAO Core Competencies:

• Results Focus: Demonstrated ability to deliver quality outcomes within established timeframes
• Teamwork: Collaborative approach to achieving shared objectives
• Communication: Clear and effective communication skills across diverse stakeholders
• Building Effective Relationships: Capacity to establish and maintain professional relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement: Commitment to learning and process enhancement

What We Offer

Join an international organization committed to making a meaningful impact on global food security and agricultural development. This role provides exposure to complex financial systems and processes within a multicultural environment that values diversity, integrity, and professional excellence.

FAO maintains a zero-tolerance policy for conduct incompatible with its mandate and is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background, and culture. We particularly encourage applications from qualified female candidates, nationals of non-represented and under-represented member countries, and persons with disabilities.

All selected candidates will undergo comprehensive reference and background checks, and appointments are subject to medical fitness certification, security clearances, and any applicable visa requirements.