PROGRAMME FINANCE ASSOCIATE

Background

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Management Support Unit, the Programme Finance Associate provides leadership in execution of programme finance services 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 works in close collaboration with the Management Support and Business Development, Programme and Operations teams in the Country Office (CO) and UNDP HQ and with project teams to resolve complex programme financial management-related issues and information delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key functions: Administration and implementation of operational and financial management strategies; Support to CO programme management, administration of budgets and effective cost recovery; Support to implementation of the resource mobilization strategy; Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing, guidance to all stakeholders on financial matters. 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. CO 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; Elaboration of conditions of contributions within the CO resource mobilization efforts. Provides support to CO programme management and ensures the optimal cost recovery focusing on the achievement of the following results: Development and follow up on Programme Portfolio Pipeline and Project Tree in Atlas. Entry of data of new grants into Atlas in the form of Annual Work Plans (AWPs), monitoring of AWPs status; Sending project budget to KK (if authorized and on the basis of signed project documents and project budgets); Oversee Atlas matching, implementation of effective internal controls, proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system, control mechanism for development projects through monitoring budgets preparation and modifications, budgetary status versus ASL, follow up with HQs on ASL for development projects, maintenance of the General Ledger; Provision of the information/reports on the situation in programme, identification of operational and financial problems, proposal of solutions; Vendors approval (if authorized by SM); Accuracy verification of Combined Delivery Reports and follow-up on their signing by National Counterparts; Regular monitoring of the CO delivery; Provision of advice on reporting; Preparation of reports including donor reports; Verification and reconciliation of various expenditures reports from the CO, HQ and Executing Agencies; Periodic monitoring of dashboards and exceptions, identification of the remedial actions in coordination with the supervisor; Timely preparation of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for the services provided, implementation of the income tracking system and follow up on cost recovery; Provision of researched information for the audit of NEX projects, implementation of audit recommendations. Provides support to implementation of the resources mobilization strategy focusing on achievement of the following results: Drafting of cost sharing and trust fund agreements and obtaining of clearances from HQ if necessary; Monitoring of cost-sharing contributions, preparation of AR pending items, application of deposits against prepared pending items; Track and reporting on mobilized resources by performing the following tasks if assigned to the S/M; Review signed cost-sharing contribution agreements and trust fund agreements; Enter Agreement information into Contracts Module; Attach copy of the signed agreement in Atlas; Create Billing Plan in Contracts Module; Create Revenue Plan and establish Milestones in Contracts Module; Bill a donor through Contracts Module; Maintain contributions/receivables documentation; Apply cash receipt to the proper revenue source / fund or project; Advice to Programme and Project Staff on different donor reporting requirements; monitoring of financial reports to be submitted to 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 Project staff on UNDP administrative and NEX 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; Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:     Building Partnerships Maintaining information and databases: Analyzes general information and selects materials in support of partnership building initiatives; Tracks and reports on mobilized resources. Promoting Organizational Learning And Knowledge Sharing Basic research and analysis: Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things; Identifies and communicates opportunities to promote learning and knowledge sharing. Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures: Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position; Possesses knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks (broad range of specialized knowledge related to financial resources management, including formulating budgets, maintaining Accounts Receivables and Accounts Payables, reporting); Identifies new and better approaches to work processes and incorporates same in own work; Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning; Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments. Promoting Organizational Change and Development Presentation of information on best practices in organizational change: Documents ‘best practices’ in organizational change and development within and outside the UN system; Demonstrates ability to identify problems and proposes solutions. Design and Implementation of Management Systems Data gathering and implementation of management systems: Uses information/databases/other management systems; Makes recommendations related to work procedures and implementation of management systems. Client Orientation Maintains effective client relationships: Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion; Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines; Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients; Responds to client needs promptly. Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management Gathering and disseminating information: Gathers and disseminates information on best practice in accountability and results-based management systems; Maintains databases. Core Competencies: Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment; Self-development, initiative-taking; Acting as a team player and facilitating team work; Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively; Creating synergies through self-control; Managing conflict; Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member; Informed and transparent decision making.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Secondary Education, with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance; University Degree in Finance, Business or Public Administration desirable, but it is not a requirement; Part-qualified accountants from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage; UNDP Accountancy & Finance Test required. Experience: 7 years of progressively responsible financial management or accounting experience is required, with knowledge of programme or project finance desirable; 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; Knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS required. Language Requirements: Fluency in English and Portuguese.

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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