Job Description:
Under direct supervision of the Finance Specialist, the Finance Assistant will provide financial management, general administrative support, and capacity building. This will be done in accordance with UNDP rules, policies and procedures, the grant agreement, and corporate agreements with the GF, and working in partnership with national and provincial stakeholders, Sub-recipients (SRs) and close coordination with the GF (including Local Fund Agent), technical partners and UN entities, and the GF/HST.
Duties and Responsibilities
Support administration of the Global Fund Grant budget focusing on achievement of the following results:
Support an efficient financial flow process and timely payments of the goods and services required by SRs for the implementation of the Programme activities.
Prepare detailed budget information of the Global Fund approved components.
Follow up on the budget execution Sub-recipients (SRs) and other implementing partners.
Prepare monthly account reconciliation.
Prepare budget revisions, as required and maintain updated the projects information in Quantum.
Support the design of a reporting system for internal and GF needs and prepare periodic reports as required.
Support preparation of project financial reports in compliance with the Global Fund requirements and the periodic Disbursements Requests to be submitted to the Local Fund Agent/Global Fund for the replenishment of the PR account.
Analyse and provide reasons for the budget variances between the actual and budgeted expenditures.
Prepare for annual audits of PR and SRs as required by the GF and ensure that external auditors have all relevant information. Follow up on audit reports to ensure that recommendations in audit reports are implemented.
Effect payments using Quantum, ensuring accuracy of computation and completeness of supporting documentation and preparing for payments (check and bank transfer)
Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted; travel claims, and other entitlements are duly processed.
Presentation of information on the status of financial resources as required.
Maintenance of the proper filing system for finance records and documents
Assist proper cash management system functioning focusing on achievement of the following results:
Timely and accurate preparation of cash reconciliations
Support facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the PMU focusing on the following results:
Organization of training for the operations/programme/projects staff on financial management.
Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in financial management.
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Institutional Arrangement:
The Finance Assistant will work under the overall guidance of the Finance Specialist to ensure the provision of effective and efficient financial management activities.
Competencies
Core Competencies
Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Finance
Accounting (General): Knowledge of accounting concepts, principles, frameworks, standards, regulations, policies and trends, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations
Financial planning and budgeting: Ability to support in creating and managing the processes to achieve UNDP's long and short-term financial goals, including through planning, budgeting, forecasting, analyzing and reporting.
Finance business partnering: Able to support business units and add value by innovating and providing solutions to financial issues/queries, including through FAQs, financial tools, advisory, etc. Influences and appropriately challenges non-finance colleagues for whom the service is being provided. Understands the operations, opportunities and challenges of the organization. Holds a commercial outlook, demonstrating accountability towards organizational goals.
Financial reporting and analysis: Understands changes in regulatory, legal, and ethical frameworks and standards for financial reporting in the public sector. Ability to extract, evaluate financial data, derive. relevant findings and present them in a meaningful and coherent manner to facilitate effective decision making and performance monitoring. Understands the benefits of integrated reporting, including nonfinancial resources such as human, social, and intellectual capital, and environmental and governance performance.
Business management
Result Based Management: Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.
Resource Management: Allocate and use resources in a strategic or tactical way in line with business needs and priorities and principles of accountability and integrity.
Risk Management: Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks.
Job Requirements:
Education:
Secondary education with specialized certification in accounting and/or Finance.
University degree in Finance or Accounting desirable. Part-qualified accountants from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage. Candidates with accountancy certification from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage. Candidates without certification but relevant experience must complete the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP) if recruited.
Experience:
Minimum 5 years (with secondary education) or 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible Finance and Accounting experience at the national or international level is required.
Required skills and competencies
Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheets and web-based management systems such as ERP financials and database packages.
Desired additional skills and competencies
Knowledge of Global Fund’s financial policies and procedures.
Experience working in/with international donor-funded projects with finance duties.
Solid experience in working with a multi-cultured group of people and systems in high-pressure environments.
Knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS.
Experience with ERP financials, preferably PeopleSoft.
Knowledge and experience working in the UN or UNDP rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Submission Guideline:
Interested applicants can apply by clicking the link below or by copying and pasting the link into their browsers to access the application for the post.
Finance Assistant - UNDP Careers
Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
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Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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