Programme Finance Associate

By | August 11, 2023
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Programme Finance Associate at UNDP Careers

 

Job Description

Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Programme Finance provides cost effective and timely partnering services to the UNDP Country Office (CO) to maintain the sound financial management of and responsible resource allocation for its development programme and projects. Programme Finance provides support to development project teams to ensure appropriate and adequate budgeting for projects, monitoring of budgets to identify gaps against allocations, and financial reporting to CO management to promote transparency and informed decision making.

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the, Programme Finance Analyst , the Programme Finance Associate ensures effective execution of financial services and processes in the Country Office (CO) and transparent utilization of financial resources. The Programme Finance Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. The Programme Finance Associate works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations, and project staff in the CO and staff in UNDP HQ, Regional Hub and GSSC to exchange information and resolve finance-related issues.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities
Ensure administration and implementation of programme, operations, and financial management strategies; and adapt processes and procedures.
  • Ensure full compliance with UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP) on financial recording and reporting system.
  • Provide information for the audit of projects. Implement and follow-up on audit recommendations.
  • Provide input for implementation of cost-saving and reduction strategies in consultation with the office management.

Provide effective support to management of the CO programme, administration of budgets, and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system.

  • Present information for formulation of country programme work plans, budgets, and proposals on implementation arrangements and execution modalities. Enter data on new grants into ERP in the form of Annual Work Plans (AWPs) and monitor their status.
  • Oversee ERP matching, implement effective internal controls, and ensure proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resource management system. Implement control mechanism for development projects by monitoring budget preparation and modifications, and budgetary status versus ASL. Follow up with HQ on ASL for development projects
  • Prepare reports and verify accuracy of Combined Delivery Reports.
  • Provide guidance to the executing agencies on routine implementation of projects and track use of financial resources.
  • Assist in the preparation of cost-recovery bills in ERP for the services provided; elaborate and implement the revenue tracking system; and follow up on cost recovery.
  • Proper budgeting of RCO funds and ensure that requests are processed timely and reporting on funds utilization.

Provide support to implementation of the resource mobilization strategy. 

  • Maintain Accounts Receivables for UNDP projects and follow-up with partners on contributions.
  • Monitor financial contributions, prepare AR pending items, and maintain contributions and receivables documentation.
  • Review financing and trust fund agreements, obtain clearances from HQ if necessary, and follow up on contributions within the CO resource mobilization efforts.
  • Track and report on mobilized resources by performing the following tasks:
    • Enter financing agreement information into Contracts Module and attach a copy of the signed agreement in ERP.
    • Submit information based on financing agreements to GSSU including amendments.

Support the implementation of Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfer (HACT) focusing on achievement of the following results

  • Conduct spot checks;
  • Maintain awareness of IP’s financial management practices and internal controls;
  • Financial verification to determine if project funds are used for intended purposes.
  • Check accuracy of IP’s reporting on use of funds, to ensure that the presented expenditures were true and fair;
  • Scheduled Audits of internal controls for cash transfer to address specific weaknesses identified.
  • Participate in the HACT working group and support implementation of joint assurance activities.

Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO. 

  • Systematically gain and share knowledge and experience related to programme management.
  • Organize training for the office staff on programme, finance, and operations related issues.
  • May assist in providing regular training and technical guidance/advice on audit and compliance matters, including implementation of Internal Control Framework (ICF).
  • Synthesize lessons learned and best practices in programme finance.
  • Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Competencies
Core Competencies

Achieve Results: LEVEL 2:  Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work.
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2:  Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2:  Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process
Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2:  Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2:  Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Management 
Customer Satisfaction/Client Management
Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers’ needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.

Business Development
Knowledge Generation
Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need.

Business Management
Working with Evidence and Data 
Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making.

Finance
Accounting (General)
Knowledge of accounting concepts, principles, regulations, policies and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations.
Budget Management 
Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets

Financial Reporting and Analysis 
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.
Audit 
Ability to examine and verify accounts and records

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

  • Secondary Education with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance. University Degree in Accounting & Finance. Business or Public Administration would be desirable;
  • Candidates with no professional accountancy qualifications but with relevant experience must successfully undertake UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) before shortlisting, and must complete the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), if recruited.>
Experience, Knowledge, and Skills
  • 6 years (with high school diploma) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible finance and accounting experience at the national or international level is required.
  • 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.
  • Knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS is required.

Language Requirements

Fluency in written and spoken English and proficiency in any one of the local languages.

Disclaimer
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.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
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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