The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) continues to play a central role in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges—ending hunger, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture. As part of its mission to deliver effective and accountable services worldwide, FAO has opened a Call for Expressions of Interest for the position of Finance Assistant (G-5) based in Budapest, Hungary, within its Shared Services Centre (SSC).
This opportunity offers professionals with a background in finance and administration a chance to contribute directly to FAO’s global impact while developing a rewarding career within the UN system.
About FAO and Its Global Mission
FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve food security. Through its FAO Strategic Framework, the organization supports the transformation of agrifood systems to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. Its work is guided by the vision of achieving better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all, leaving no one behind in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Environmental sustainability, integrity, and respect for diversity are embedded in FAO’s core values. Staff members are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and ethical conduct while contributing to FAO’s mandate across the globe.
The Shared Services Centre (SSC) in Budapest
The FAO Shared Services Centre, located in Budapest, Hungary, plays a critical role in supporting FAO’s global operations. The SSC is responsible for delivering efficient, high-quality transactional and support services across finance, human resources, and other administrative functions. By focusing on process standardization, automation, quality assurance, and continuous improvement, the SSC helps FAO enhance service delivery while reducing operational costs.
The Finance Assistant position is based within this dynamic environment, offering exposure to international best practices in financial management and shared services operations.
Position Overview: Finance Assistant (G-5)
The Finance Assistant role is a General Service staff position, recruited locally in Hungary. It is offered on a fixed-term contract of one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs.
Main Purpose of the Role
The Finance Assistant provides finance-related support activities of medium complexity, ensuring that FAO’s financial processes are accurate, transparent, and consistent with organizational policies. The role requires a solid understanding of financial rules and procedures, along with the ability to interpret and apply them effectively.
The incumbent works with a high degree of autonomy and initiative, while also providing procedural guidance and support to colleagues across the organization.
The Finance Assistant reports to a Finance Associate or National Professional Officer. While supervision is available for complex cases, the role is largely self-directed, requiring strong organizational skills and accountability.
In terms of working relationships, the position involves close collaboration with staff across FAO, both within the SSC and beyond. This includes regular interaction with internal clients and colleagues, ensuring smooth coordination and delivery of financial support services.
Key Functions and Responsibilities
The Finance Assistant contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of FAO’s financial operations through a wide range of responsibilities, including:
- Reviewing source documents to ensure completeness, accuracy, and validity
- Extracting and analyzing transaction data from FAO’s integrated financial systems
- Investigating discrepancies and errors, and taking corrective actions where needed
- Supporting continuous improvement initiatives, including testing and implementing new automated financial processes
- Monitoring transactions and ensuring due diligence procedures are properly followed
- Preparing worksheets, reports, and consolidated financial data from multiple sources
- Drafting correspondence and responding to finance-related queries
- Assessing ongoing financial support needs and adapting services accordingly
- Providing procedural guidance and training to junior finance staff
- Performing additional duties as required by the unit
Impact of the Role
The work of the Finance Assistant has a direct impact on service quality, accuracy, and timeliness within FAO’s financial operations. By ensuring compliance with financial rules and contributing to process improvements, the incumbent plays a proactive role in supporting FAO’s mandate and maintaining trust with internal and external stakeholders.
Required Qualifications and Experience
FAO will assess candidates based on the following minimum requirements:
Education
- Completion of Secondary School Education
Professional Experience
- At least four years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, cash management, or asset management support roles
Languages
- Working knowledge of English (proficiency level C)
IT Skills
- Very good knowledge of MS Office applications, internet tools, and standard office technology
Residency Requirement
As this is a General Service position, candidates must:
- Be nationals of Hungary or hold a valid visa/work permit
- Reside within commuting distance of Budapest at the time of application
Core Competencies
Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate FAO’s core competencies, including:
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Effective Communication
- Building Productive Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical Skills and Desirable Assets
In addition to the minimum requirements, the following qualifications are considered an advantage:
- Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, particularly Oracle
- Intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian
- Previous experience working in a Shared Services Centre environment
Strong knowledge of financial rules, transaction processing, audit requirements, and documentation standards is essential for success in this role.
Diversity, Integrity, and Professional Conduct
FAO is deeply committed to workforce diversity and inclusion. Qualified female candidates, nationals from under-represented member countries, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. All staff members are expected to adhere to FAO’s values of commitment, respect for all, integrity, and transparency.
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FAO maintains a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, including harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and sexual exploitation. All selected candidates undergo rigorous background and reference checks, and all applications are treated with strict confidentiality.
Remuneration and Benefits
FAO offers a competitive compensation and benefits package aligned with the United Nations common system. As a locally recruited General Service position, no international benefits apply, and remuneration is paid in the local currency. Additional information on UN salary scales and benefits is available through official UN HR resources.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
The Finance Assistant role at FAO’s Shared Services Centre in Budapest is ideal for professionals seeking:
- A stable position within the UN system
- Hands-on involvement in international financial operations
- Opportunities for learning, growth, and continuous improvement
- The chance to contribute to global goals related to food security, sustainability, and development
Working at FAO means being part of a mission-driven organization where your skills directly support positive change worldwide.
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How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply online through the official FAO recruitment portal. Applicants are encouraged to complete their profiles carefully, attach required documentation (including recognized language certificates), and submit applications well before the deadline. Only applications received through the FAO portal will be considered.
