Job: FINANCIAL POLICY AND PROCEDURES SPECIALIST

Location :New York (with possible relocation to a different duty station), UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Application Deadline :05-Nov-13

Additional CategoryManagement

Type of Contract :FTA International

Post Level :P-4

Languages Required :English

Starting Date :(date when the selected candidate is expected to start)16-Dec-2013

Duration of Initial Contract :One year (renewable based on satisfactory performance)

Background

The Office of Financial Resources Management (OFRM), Bureau of Management, is a dynamic and results driven office of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). OFRM contributes to the global development agenda of UNDP by being a strong partner with other parts of UNDP, promoting clear and strong financial accountability, and monitoring compliance with UNDP's financial, budgetary and administrative regulatory framework.

OFRM is responsible for the global financial operations of UNDP. The organization receives revenue in excess of US$5 billion per annum, from a variety of funding sources. Financial resources management includes: funding operations of offices located in 166 countries; budgeting; accounting for financial transactions and the production of financial statements; financial reporting to donors and the UNDP Executive Board; cost recovery, for programmatic activities and other services provided; the investment of excess liquidity and foreign exchange activities; hedging programmes to protect the value of contributions; the administration of office space, assets and travel; and UNDP's internal control framework.

The Financial Policy and Procedures Specialist is responsible for coordination, implementation, control and monitoring of Financial policies and procedures, and supporting their implementation in UNDP, across all the functional areas of OFRM. Given the decentralised nature of UNDP's operations, its' maturing ERP system, and the recent adoption of IPSAS, effective policies and procedures and appropriate compliance mechanisms are essential.

Working closely with other units in OFRM that have policy ownership, monitoring and control responsibilities, the Financial Policy and Procedures Specialist will, introduce new innovative initiatives to improve production, dissemination & use of financial policy and procedures within OFRM, obtain information on compliance, and offer guidance and support on financial policy and procedures globally.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Deputy Director, Finance and Administration, the incumbent is responsible for coordinating the maintenance and updating of financial policies and procedures, supporting OFRM Divisions and units developing the compliance rules within the ERP system; monitoring the internal and external audit directives to ensure that current policy is consistent with emerging requirements; and taking steps to correct any discrepancies, across all the functional areas of OFRM. The incumbent ensures that the monitoring and control mechanisms are of the highest standards and aligned to the policies of UNDP, This requires the incumbent to:

• Review and recommend changes to Financial Regulations and Rules, policies and procedures. Provide inputs in formulation of Executive Board papers in coordination with other OFRM units. Prepare position and provide substantive inputs to development of strategic notes;
• Ensure the financial, budgetary, administrative, accounting and treasury monitoring and controls are of the highest standards and aligned to UNDP's policies, including greater consistency of application of accounting, budgetary and cost recovery standards across UNDP and its partners. This will encompass procedure manuals, user guides, and other relevant material;
• Ensure that policies and procedures reflect international standards, including IPSAS where relevant, and are in line with best practice. Propose changes where necessary;
• Ensure high quality standards through coordinating updates of policies and procedures, and ensuring alignment between UNDP and other Agencies policies where appropriate. Coordinates updates of all related prescriptive content in paper and electronic form, including web publishing.
• Monitor compliance with the Financial Regulations and Rules, policies and procedures, and monitor the internal and external audit directives to ensure that current policy is consistent with the requirements, and taking steps to correct any discrepancies;
• Liaises with counterparts in the UN system on harmonization of policies within the scope of the UN Reform and participates in various inter-agency meetings;
• Review and clear all revenue and partnership agreements, non-standard terms and conditions within UNDP contracts and exceptions proposed to the internal control framework and cost recovery policies;
• Provides input and introduce new innovative approach and initiatives in management of UNDP financial policies and procedures to increase efficiencies & effectiveness to the process. (George – you may wish to revise this word to ensure that 'innovation part is addressed);
• Monitors compliance of the financial policies and procedures and provides dedicated training sessions with the aim to increase capacity building among finance practitioners;
• Contributes towards the management of workload and outputs of the Financial Resources Policies and Procedures Unit.

Impact of Results

The role is key to the future of UNDP Finance activities. The result of successful performance will be improved compliance and reduced errors within UNDP globally, which will be achieved through the provision of relevant and up to date prescriptive content related to financial management activities. Improved cost recovery should impact the financial sustainability of UNDP operations.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP's mission, vision and values;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Displays integrity in conducting his/her work.

Management and Leadership

• Leadership and vision - identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks and empowers others to translate vision into results;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
• Ability to establish and spread best practices amongst the potential users;
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals, thus enabling a client-oriented environment;
• Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view.

Professionalism

• Demonstrates ability to provide strategic guidance and oversight in the area of financial and administrative management;
• Proven skills and ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, draw conclusions and recommend solutions;
• Proven record of integrity, probity, competence and reliability in a highly demanding environment.

Client Orientation

• Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the client's environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects.

Communication

• High level of communication and inter-personal skills;
• Ask questions to clarify situations and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed;
• Ability to defend reports before Executive Bodies and to explain difficult decisions to staff and senior officials.

Accountability

• Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with the Financial Regulations and Rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments.

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.

Functional Competencies

• Formulating policy that contributes to the operationalization of UNDP's goals, and advising on complex and important financial issues. Firm understanding of ERP systems, preferably of PeopleSoft.
• Ability to assess risks and correctly analyze the likelihood of them occurring. Able to then prioritize action to the risks with the biggest business impact. Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and instruments. Strong financial management and accounting skills. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.
• Ability to understand the dynamics of the organization's internal and external environments and participate in institutional development. Ability to coordinate and manage the delivery of financial services that meet customer needs and comply with accounting standards at the highest level of performance and accountability. Ability to formulate strategy and policy that contributes to the operationalization of UNDP's goals, and advising on complex and important financial issues.

Required Skills and Experience

Educational Qualifications

• Advanced (Masters) University Degree in Finance or Accounting, or a professional accounting qualification certificate from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy. Those with professional accounting qualification from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.

Experience

• 7 years of relevant work experience in the area of financial resources management, ideally including experience gained in a government, public sector or non-profit environment;
• Relevant experience in financial policy and procedures formulation and interpretation roles for large international organisations; demonstrated success in developing new and improved policies, ensuring implementation and compliance;
• Experience and knowledge of managing Accountability Systems, Internal Control Frameworks, cost recovery best practices and enterprise risk management systems;
• Experience of working with global ERP systems, ideally PeopleSoft;
• Knowledge and experience with IPSAS and/or IFRS.

Language

• Fluency in English. Working knowledge of another UN language is an advantage, particularly French or Spanish.

Click here for important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders).

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