Location : Rangpur, BANGLADESH
Application Deadline : 28-Nov-13
Type of Contract : Service Contract
Post Level : SB-2
Languages Required : English
Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 01-Jan-2014
Duration of Initial Contract : One year
Expected Duration of Assignment : One year, renewable on an annual basis upon satisfactory performance and availability of funds
Background
Bangladesh has enjoyed sound economic growth, but this is unevenly spread, and many are not benefiting sufficiently from this process. Moreover, while some MDG targets are on track, others are not and there are significant territorial differences and local specificities in meeting them. There is a need to engage, via number of channels, with economic and social inequities. Within the governance arena, this implies a strong emphasis on localism, both in the delivery key services but crucially also, in shaping the demand side, in terms of community representation and mobilization. Local government's role in relation to local economic and social development in Bangladesh operates at two levels: direct service delivery in key areas of provision; and in shaping the operating environment, including efficient and planned utilisation of scarce resources and securing accountability with communityparticipation. These roles vary between the two tiers: Union Parishads with greater delivery mandates play a more immediate role, whereas Upazilas have a more catalytic function to play, representing local demands and views. Upazila Parishad started functioning afresh since 2009 after 19 years interval. The working procedures and ground rules are yet to be made functional. This is a formidable challenge for the UZGP in future to bring all the conflicting stakeholders together in a win-win situation. The UP is rather a stable organisation but here also a perpetuated ‘culture of dependency' prevails which need be improved in the light of the new UP legislation. The UZP and UP both the organisations have to begin journey with a new ‘vision of development' among the elected leadership to replace mindless scheme culture by planning discipline and above all the leadership with political wisdom has to be equipped with reasonable executive skill. In spite of considerable progress some of the MDG challenges are substantial those need to be effectively achieved by 2015 require urgent attention. In Bangladesh's progress towards achieving the MDGs, the most serious performance gaps occur on nutrition, maternal health, gender equity and a raft of environmental concerns. Besides, some of the UZPs and UP are way behind locally in some the MDG indicators. These issues are precisely those which can be either directly addressed by local government service provision or local community mobilization, where local government bodies have important roles to play. There are substantial local variations in local performance. This calls for a highly tailored approach to MDG achievement. Local planning is a key dimension of the two projects' work. These local appraisal processes serve both to identify variations in needs and performance and to allocate resources accordingly. The UZPs work with Government officials from the line ministries, who have clearly delineated roles and development functions financed from central resources. Promisingly, the recently enacted UZP law identifies the UZP as representative bodies that strengthen voice and accountability for overall Government service delivery managed at Upazila level. In effect, the UZPs will have a role in co-ordinating service delivery to all citizens across the entire Upazila. Implementing this function will require the active participation and input from the line agencies and other actors (such as the UPs, directly elected chairs and women members comprise the Parishad members, the private sector and civil society organizations). The fundamental challenge over the coming years will be to establish an appropriate balance of power, with checks and balances, at each level, as well as between the different tiers of local government. This will involve developing and defining the practicalities of how the different tiers of government and the different actors (including non-state actors) at each level will collaborate,coordinate and cooperate, to deliver the services needed to achieve the MDGs and ensure adherence to democratic principles. Given the challenges to deliver services in attaining the MDGs and ensure adherence to democratic principles, the Programmatic Framework outlays intervention that will be delivered through two distinct but complementary projects namely: 1) Union Parishad Governance Project (UPGP); 2) Upazila Governance project (UZGP). These interventions envisaged to a broader package of support to local government and will link support for democratic institutions and support for local development in a creative and innovative way. The proposed intervention will be looking at a rich array of past and ongoing projects. The components/outputs UPGP and UZGP projects are directly built on the experience of the Local Governance Support Project - Learning and Innovation Component (supported by the EU, UNDP, UNCDF, DANIDA, World Bank and its preceding pilot project the Sirajganj Local Governance Development Fund Project (UNDP and UNCDF) for the UP level and on the Upazila Parishad Strengthening Preparatory Assistance (UNDP) for the UZP level. Both projects will run for five years from 2011 to 2016. Under the guidance and supervision of the District Facilitators (UPGP and UZGP), the Programme / Admin Assistant provides financial services ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work. The Programme / Admin Assistant promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP and UNCDF rules and regulations. The Programme/Admin Assistant works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and projects' staff with UNDP and UNCDF staff to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.
Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of Key Functions:
- Assist the District Facilitators (UPGP and UZGP) in the preparation and execution of the project budget
- Prepare quarterly/ annual financial reports
- Assist Divisional Facilitator in monitoring project expenditure
- Timely and accurate preparation of bank reconciliations
- Manage financial documents and files
- Implementation of financial operational strategies
- Functioning of cost-recovery system
- Accounting and administrative support
- Knowledge building and knowledge sharing
- Ensure coordination with UPGP Project of GOB-UNDP-UNCDF
1.Ensures implementation of financial operational strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Full compliance of financial processes and financial records with UNDP and UNCDF rules, regulations, policies and strategies.
- Input to the CO business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance in consultation with the direct supervisor and office management.
2.Ensures functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Provision of inputs for preparation of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for the services provided by UNDP and UNCDF, follow up on cost recovery.
3.Provides accounting and administrative support to the Finance Unit focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports for NEX projects; preparation of all types of vouchers for projects.
- Timely corrective actions on un-posted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers.
- Presentation of information on the status of financial resources as required.
- Maintenance of the Accounts Receivables for UNDP and UNCDF projects and recording of deposits.
- Management of cash receipts and petty cash.
- Maintenance of the proper filing system for finance records and documents.
4.Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Participation in the trainings for the operations/ projects staff on Finance.
- Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Impact of Results The key results have an impact on the execution of the GOB, UNDP, UNCDF financial services management in terms of quality and accuracy of work. Accurate data entry and presentation of financial information and a client-oriented approach enhances UNDP and UNCDF's capability to effectively and efficiently manage financial resources.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates commitment to UNDP and UNCDF's mission, vision and values
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, sensitivity and adaptability
Functional Competencies Knowledge Management and Learning
- Shares knowledge and experience
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
Development and Operational Effectiveness
- Ability to perform a variety of standard tasks related to financial resources management, including screening and collecting documentation, financial data processing, filing, provision of information
- Good knowledge of financial rules and regulations, accounting
- Strong IT skills
- Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system
Leadership and Self-Management
- Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
- Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
Required Skills and Experience
Education: Minimum Bachelor's degree in relevant discipline Experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant finance experience at the national or international level is required. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems. Language Requirements: Excellent communication skills in both writing and speaking English and Bengali are a must.
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.
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