Job: INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT TO SUPPORT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND OVERSIGHT

Location : FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE

Application Deadline : 29-Nov-13

Additional Category Democratic Governance

Type of Contract : Individual Contract

Post Level : International Consultant

Languages Required : English

Duration of Initial Contract : Six Months

Expected Duration of Assignment :Six Months

Background

Under the overall guidance of guidance of the Deputy Country Director (P), and in close collaboration with the Deputy Country Director (O), the Consultant will support the effective delivery of programme finance services ensuring effective and transparent utilization of financial resources and integrity of financial services in UNDP Country Office.

The Consultant will provide advice and strategic support to programme finance staff and programme/project managers. The Consultant in close collaboration with the Business Development and Oversight Unit, Programme and Operations teams in the Country Office and UNDP HQ for resolving complex programme and operations-related issues, ensuring successful CO performance in Finance.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Support the implementation of programme financial strategies;
• Support Country Office programme financial management, and organization of an optimal cost recovery system;
• Participate in the facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing, guidance to all stakeholders on financial matters.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the overall Country Office efficiency in programme financial resources resource management and effective programme implementation. Accurate analysis and presentation of financial information enhances UNDP position as a strong development partner and facilitates decision making of Senior Management.

Duties and Responsibilities

Description of Responsibilities

• Support Country Office to ensure full compliance of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and audit follow up with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implementation of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of the financial resources management system;
• Provide technical support in CO finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of Standard Operating Procedures in Finance in consultation with office management;
• Support in the implementation of cost-sharing and trust fund agreements;
• Provide support in the elaboration of proposals and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies in consultation with office management;
• Participate in the continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of forecasts for the projects areas assigned;
• Provide guidance to routinely monitor financial exception reports for unusual activities, and investigates anomalies or unusual transactions and help Programme Units to sort it out;
• Provide technical advice to Project Staff on UNDP administrative and NIM reporting, in particular on budgetary issues;
• Participate in or support in organizing/conducting training for Operations and Project/Programme Staff on financial management and RBM;
• Participate in the synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in programme and programme finance
• Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
• Support in the development, implementation and follow up on Programme Portfolio Pipeline and Project Tree in Atlas;
• Provide guidance in programme financial resources management through planning, guiding, and controlling of the resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations;
• Support in the implementation of effective internal controls, proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system. Identification of operational and financial problems, proposal of solutions;
• Lead in the analysis of requirements and synthesis of proposals on proper mechanisms to eliminate deficiencies in budget management;
• Participate in the regular monitoring of the CO delivery;
• Provision of advice on reporting, preparation of reports including donor reports;
• Periodic monitoring of dashboards and exceptions, and support in the identification of the remedial actions.
• Participation in the projects ‘audit, control on the follow up;
• Support in financial and substantive monitoring and evaluation of the projects, identification of operational and financial problems, and development of solutions;
• Participate in the monitoring of Combined Delivery Reports and discuss with Teams on any related issues;
• Contribute to the preparation of periodic reports for senior management on the implementation status of the Projects including Projects resources availability and usage;
• Provide technical support to monitoring of financial exception reports in Atlas and investigation of anomalies or unusual transactions.

Deliverables

• The Consultant is expected to develop a delivery/work plan as part of his/her inception report;
• Monthly/quarterly progress report: The consultant is expected to provide monthly and quarterly update on work delivered based on the ToR;
• Quarterly performance review: The performance of the consultant will be jointly (self assessment with supervisor) reviewed at the end of each quarter and feedback provided accordingly;
• End of contract review and report: The performance of the consultant will be assessed at the end of the contract and s/he shall provide end of contract report.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN's values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability,

Functional Competencies :

• Knowledge Management and Learning;
• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas;
• Development and Operational Effectiveness;
• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
• Ability to formulate and manage projects' budgets, manages contributions, manage transactions, and conduct financial analysis, reporting and cost-recovery;
• Strong IT skills;
• Good knowledge of accounting;
• In-depth knowledge and practical experience of ATLAS financial processes and functionality.

Management and Leadership

• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors and respond positively to feedback;
• Contribute effectively to teamwork;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master's Degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Accountancy, Finance or Full Professional qualification in Accountancy such as CPA, ACCA etc.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years relevant experience at the national or international level in providing financial management advisory services, hands-on experience in financial monitoring of development projects;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in the UN and national language of the duty station.

Evaluation of Criteria and Weighting:

The expert will be evaluated against a combination of technical and financial criteria. Maximum score is 100%

The technical evaluation will include the following:

• Background and minimum educational qualification 10%;
• Practical previous experience and Methodology of Approach 30%;
• Substantial professional knowledge and experience in ICT 50%;
• English Language Fluency 10%.

Application Procedures

Qualified and interested International candidates are hereby requested to apply. The application must contain the following:

• Brief letter of application;
• Detailed time line methodology on how the candidate wish to conduct the work;
• Completed P11 form – http://sas.undp.org/documents/P11_personal_history_form.doc;
• Detailed achievement based CV;
• Financial proposal (inclusive of all cost ; consultancy fee, travel, administrative cost(if applicable) and printing etc)

Payment Modalities

Payment will be made in three installments upon satisfactory completion of the following deliverables:

• 1^st Installment: 20% upon signing of the contract;
• 2^nd Installment: 40% upon submission of draft report;
• 3^rd Installment: 40% upon submission of the final report.

Please note that applications will only be considered if they include the technical (methodology of approach) and financial proposal, as well as CV.

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