Programme and Finance Associate

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.

The Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) of UNDP reports to the UNDP Executive Board, which is the custodian of the UNDP Evaluation Policy (DP/2016/23). IEO conducts independent evaluations and other activities according to its programme of work approved by the Executive Board.

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Chief of Section, Operations the Finance Associate leads the financial support of the evaluation programme execution, ensuring effective and transparent utilization of financial resources and integrity of related services. The Finance Associate promotes a client-oriented approach in total compliance with UNDP rules and regulations.

Position Purpose

Under the guidance and supervision of the Chief of Section, Operations, the Programme Finance Associate works in close collaboration with the rest of the Operations team to issue financial transactions, and resolve financial-related issues in other operational areas such as Procurement, Travel, Human Resources, information delivery, along with ad-hoc request from the IEO’s Directorate.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Ensures administration and implementation of operational and financial management strategies, adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results
• Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, and policies of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and follow-up on audit recommendations; implementation of effective internal controls, proper functioning of a client oriented financial resources management system.
• IEO Finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance in consultation with office management.
• Implementation of cost-sharing and trust fund agreements to manage contributions
• Elaboration of conditions of contributions within the IEO resource mobilization efforts.
• Technical Focal Point for Finances in the IEO operational team, to liaise with UNDP Financial network
• Provides support to IEO programme management and ensures the optimal cost recovery focusing on the achievement of the following results
• Development and follow-up on Programme Portfolio of awards and projects in Quantum.
• Entry and maintenance of awards in Quantum for the IEO HQ and Regional Offices.
• Create, monitor, adjust and process budgets in HQ and regional offices for the Chief of Section approval in Quantum.
• Monitor budget execution and report on a weekly basis to Chief of Section, and or the Management team.
• Process payments including PO and non-PO invoices as well as Zero Dollar invoices.
• Process Corporate Credit card payments, from reconciliation to disbursement.
• Technically lead the periodic corporate financial reports and closure, coordinating with the rest of the operational team to provide information pertaining procurement, Human resources, Assets, and presenting directly the information related to finances.
• Provides support to implementation of the resources mobilization strategy focusing on achievement of the following results
• Drafting or review of cost sharing and trust fund agreements, using corporate legal templates approved for the IEO, and obtaining of clearances from other units/agencies if necessary.
• Monitoring of cost-sharing contributions, creating and documenting Account Receivables, and follow-up application of deposits to awards and projects.
• Create, quarterly monitoring, adjust, and report cost recovery in Quantum for the IEO and UNEG
• Process payments in concept of cost recovery to offices hosting the Regional Evaluation Advisors and other IEO Staff Members
• Advice on financial reports to be shared with Donors
• Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing, guidance to all stakeholders on financial matters focusing on the achievement of the following results
• Guidance to the executing agencies on routine implementation of projects, tracking use of financial resources.
• Advice to IEO staff on UNDP administrative reporting, in particular, on budgetary issues.
• Organization of training for the operations/programme/projects staff on financial management and RBM.
• Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in programme and project finance.
• Calculation of Financial KPI when requested by the IEO Directorate.
• Contribute to Power BI solutions to be developed to provide information to the IEO’s Management and overall team.
• Sound contributions to corporate knowledge networks and communities of practice
• Maintain compliance regarding UNDP mandatory courses.

Competencies

Core Competencies – UNDP Core Competencies can be found here .

• Achieve Results: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
• Learn Continuously: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
• Act with Determination: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

• Finance
• 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 non-financial resources such as human, social and intellectual capital, and environmental and governance performance
• Contributions Management: Ability to receive, record, report and manage contributions received
• Financial planning and budgeting: Ability to create and manage processes to achieve UNDP’s long and short-term financial goals, including thorough planning, budgeting, forecasting, analyzing and reporting
• Business Management
• Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
• Results-based Management: Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrate results
• Communication
• Communication: Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.
• Business Direction & Strategy
• Effective decision making: Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources.

Education

Required Skills and Experience

• Secondary Education.
• University degree in Finance or Accounting desirable. Part-qualified accountants from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.
• Candidate 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.
• Candidates with no professional accountancy qualifications, but with degrees that major in accountancy and/or finance must complete UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), if recruited. However, no UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) is required.
• For fully qualified accountants from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy or for those that have full completion of the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), no UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) is required.

Experience

• UNDP Financial Training and Certification Programme or ACCA membership highly desirable.
• Minimum 7-years’ with Secondary Education or 4 years with Bachelor´s degree of experience in financial management/accounting, and working with ERP systems
• Working experience in IPSAS and/or IFRS required.
• Experience in the usage of Microsoft Office packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages is required.
• Knowledge of programme finance desirable.
• Familiarity with UNDP Enterprise Resources Planning system (ERP) system is advantageous.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Working knowledge of other UN official languages is an asset.

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

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.

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.