Job: PROGRAMME FINANCE ASSOCIATE

Location : Suva, FIJI

Application Deadline : 24-Sep-13

Type of Contract : FTA Local

Post Level : GS-7

Languages Required : English

Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 01-Oct-2013

Duration of Initial Contract : 1 year

Expected Duration of Assignment :Renewable subject to performance and availability of funding

Description

Background

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the CPR Team Leader, the Programme Finance Associate provides leadership in execution of programme financial services in the MCO ensuring effective and transparent utilization of financial resources and integrity of financial services. The Programme Finance Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Programme Finance Associate leads the finance support staff of the Country Partnerships and Results Team. The Programme Finance Associate works in close collaboration with the Programme and Operations, teams in the MCO and UNDP HQs staff for resolving complex finance-related issues and information delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensures administration and implementation of operational 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;
• Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of forecasts for development and programme XB projects;
• MCO Programme Finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Programme Finance in consultation with the Programme Unit, Operations and management;
• Implementation of cost sharing and trust fund agreements, elaboration of conditions of contributions within the MCO resource mobilization efforts;
• Elaboration of proposals and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies in consultations with office management.

Ensures administration of budgets and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Financial resources management through planning, guiding, controlling of the resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations;
• Establishment of the development projects' budgets preparation/modification monitoring system, control of budgetary status versus authorized spending limits (ASL) and budgets, follow up with HQs on ASL for development projects, maintenance of the General Ledger;
• Presentation of thoroughly researched information for planning of programme financial resources of the MCO, reports containing analysis of the financial situation;
• Timely preparation of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for the services provided by, elaboration and implementation of the income tracking system and follow up on cost recovery.

Administers accounting and administrative support to the Programme Unit focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Review of financial reports for NIM projects;
• Facilitate the maintenance of the internal expenditures control system, which ensures that vouchers processed, are matched and completed; transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas;
• Facilitate timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers;
• Maintenance of the Finance Document Management System(DMS) and Accounts Receivables for UNDP Development projects and follow up with UNDP focal points on contributions;
• Timely compilation and follow up of GLOC contributions by the Government;
• Preparation and conduct of audit of NIM projects, and review implementation of audit recommendations;
• Review accuracy of F&A (GMS) for Development Projects.

Provides effective country focused support to management of the MCO programme focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Support creation of projects in Atlas, preparation of budget revisions, revision of project award and project status, determination of unutilized funds, operational and financial closure of a project;
• Provision of guidance to the implementing agencies on routine implementation of projects, tracking use of financial resources;
• Suport oversight and Management, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation business of programmes including day to day requirements of Delivery and Results Accountability;
• Monitor programme and project results and delivery against plans towards supporting the MCO Programme;
• Support effective implementation of country programmes in partnership with CDMs/Country Analysts;
• Maintain database of Government and donor cost sharing contributions.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on Programme Finance and implementation aspects; including National Implementation procedures to UNDP staff and national partners;
• Participation in the trainings for the operations/ projects staff on programme;
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
• Review of contributions agreement, managing contributions in Atlas;
• Analysis of the situation in programme, identification of operational and financial problems, development of solutions.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP's mission, vision and values;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Shares knowledge and experience;
• Encourages office staff to share knowledge and contribute to UNDP practice areas;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development & Operational Effectiveness:

• Ability to perform a broad range of specialized activities related to financial resources and programme management, including formulating budgets, maintaining Accounts Receivables and Accounts Payables, monitoring and reporting;
• Sound knowledge of financial rules and regulations;
• Strong IT skills;
• Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system.

Leadership & Self Management

• Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexity.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Completion of secondary education with certification in Finance / Accounting .University Degree in Accounting and Finance is desirable.

Experience:

• 7 years of progressively responsible finance experience is required at the national or international level with extensive experience in project/programme accounting and management;
• Experience in project management, monitoring and evaluation of projects;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.

Language:

• English.

FC: 02550

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

More Info and Application