UNDP Jobs - 31720- Finance Specialist (ELECT ll)

FINANCE SPECIALIST (ELECT LL)
Location :	Kabul, AFGHANISTAN
Application Deadline :	14-Aug-12
Additional Category	Management
Type of Contract :	FTA International
Post Level :	P-3
Languages Required :	English
Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start)	01-Oct-2012
Duration of Initial Contract :	One year with possibility of extension
Background
UNDP supports stabilization, state building, and governance and development priorities in Afghanistan. UNDP support, in partnership with the Government, the United Nations system, the donor community and other development stakeholders, has contributed to institutional development efforts leading to positive impact on the lives of Afghan citizens. Over the years UNDP support has spanned such milestone efforts as the adoption of the Constitution; Presidential, Parliamentary and Provincial Council elections; institutional development through capacity-building to the legislative, the judicial and executive arms of the state, and key ministries, Government agencies and commissions at the national and subnational levels. UNDP has played a key role in the management of the Law and Order Trust Fund, which supports the Government in developing and maintaining the national police force and in efforts to stabilize the internal security environment. Major demobilization, disarmament and rehabilitation and area-based livelihoods and reconstruction programmes have taken place nationwide. UNDP Programmes in Afghanistan have benefited from the very active support of donors. UNDP Afghanistan is committed to the highest standards of transparency and accountability and works in close coordination with the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan and the UN system as a whole to maximize the impact of its development efforts on the ground. Years of conflict have damaged Afghanistan’s economic, political, physical, social and institutional structures. Reconstruction demands a secure environment in which there is credible leadership and enforced rule of law. Strong, legitimate and effective public administration structures, responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens - including the poor – are a precursor to any sustainable development. To this end, UNDP supports Afghan electoral institutions so that they can become more effective vehicles for development. The UNDP Enhancing Legal and Electoral Capacity for Tomorrow (ELECT) project- phase I (2006 – 2011) provided technical and operational assistance to Afghan electoral bodies throughout the 2009 Presidential and provincial council elections and 2010 parliamentary elections. This included the establishment of Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) offices throughout Afghanistan’s 34 provinces. Phase II of the ELECT project, commencing at the end of 2011, will comprise of long-term assistance to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of Afghanistan, focusing on institutional strengthening and capacity consolidation to encourage broader democratic participation. The overarching objective of ELECT-II is to support the national electoral institutions to plan and conduct credible future elections with minimal external support. Continuing long-term assistance through support to capacity building of national electoral authorities beyond 2010 is in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2041 (2012). This assistance is closely coordinated with UNAMA, UNDPKO and EAD. The three key outputs for ELECT II are: Output 1: Institutional, operational and technical capacity of the IEC is developed to ensure well organised, future Afghan-led electoral processes. Output 2: The quality of the voter registry is improved to support future electoral operations. Output 3: Capacity of the IEC is strengthened to encourage broader democratic participation.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Finance Specialist (P4), the Finance Specialist (P3) is responsible for ensuring the highest efficiency in financial resources management and the provision of accurate, thoroughly researched and documented financial information, effective delivery of financial services, transparent utilization of financial resources and management of the UNDP Electoral Support efforts. S/he analyzes and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues. The Finance Specialist promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. The Finance Specialist works in close collaboration with the Management Support and Business Development Programme, Operations, and project teams in the UNDP Electoral Support efforts and with CO, UNDP HQ staff, Government officials and donors ensuring successful CO performance in Finance. Summary of key functions: Effective and accurate financial resources management and oversight; Advises on implementation of operational strategies and procedures; Advises on Projects’ budgets management; Control of accounts related to UNDP electoral support; Control of cash management related to UNDP electoral support; Facilitation of knowledge building and sharing focused on the IEC. Ensure effective and accurate financial resources management and oversight, focusing on achievement of the following results: Financial analysis and oversight for all resources managed by UNDP electoral support operations and provision of high-quality professional advice to management; Proper planning, expenditure tracking and audit of financial resources, including extra-budgetary income in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations; Organization and oversight of UNDP electoral support operations cash management process, including liquidity management , recommendation of imprest level, risk assessment , bank relationship management; timely accounting and reconciliation of all transactions, security for cash assets on sight; Monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities transactions, and investigations of anomalies or unusual transactions. Provision of information to supervisors and other UNDP staff in UNDP election support operations and at HQ on the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained. Ensure implementation of operational strategies and procedures focusing onachievement of the following results: 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; UNDP election support operations business processes mapping and elaboration/establishment of internal standard operating procedures in the Finance Unit; control of the workflows in the Finance Unit; Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of forecasts for development and management projects; Elaboration of the framework and conditions of contribution within the IEC resource mobilization efforts; Elaboration and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies (including introduction and development of e-banking); Routinely monitors financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions and investigates anomalies or unusual transitions. Informs supervisors and UNDP CO of the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained. Manage the budget of development and management projects and organize an optimal cost-recovery system, focusing on achievement of the following results: Management of all financial resources through planning, guiding , monitoring, and controlling of the resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations; Oversight of preparation and monitoring of projects’ budgets in Atlas; Regular analysis and reporting on the budget approvals and the delivery situation of management projects; Elaboration of proper mechanisms to eliminate deficiencies in budget management; Organization of cost-recovery mechanisms for services provided by UNDP ensuring the preparation of pro-forma invoices for UN agencies and monitoring through the Atlas tracking system; Collection of information on internal and external clients’ satisfaction and needs in order to develop improvements to services; Ensuring that cost-sharing contributions are properly transferred to UNDP on a timely basis; Submission of financial reports to donors on a timely and quality basis. Ensure proper control of the IEC accounts focusing on achievements of the following: Elaboration of internal expenditures’ control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted; payrolls are duly prepared, monthly payment orders (MPOs), travel claims and other entitlements are duly processed; Manager level 2 for transactions approval: Control of the accounts receivable for IEC; Control of accounts closure; Ensure all vendors are approved by UNDP CO; Timely corrective actions on un-posted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers. Timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues. Ensure proper CO cash management, focusing on achievement of the following results: Timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements. Timely identification and recording of receipts for income application; Primary contact with local bank management on routine operational matters; Timely preparation of monthly cash flow forecast for use by the Operations Manager. Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and sharing in UNDP election support operations and in the IEC focusing on the achievement of the following results: Share the ideas and consult the project staff members on the financial rules; Advising the IEC in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) pertaining to Budget Management, Operational Advances, Disbursement Management and Financial Reporting; and implementation of the SOPs ; Assist the IEC in the design, planning and Implementation of capacity building in Project Financial Management, oversight and compliances; Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in Finance; Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards; Promotes the mission, vision and strategic goals of UNDP; Displays cultural , gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; Treats all people fairly without favoritism. Functional Competencies: Knowledge, Management and Learning Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example; Seeks and applies knowledge , information and best practices from within and outside of UNDP Programme; 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 lead strategic planning , results-based management and reporting; Ability to formulate and manage budgets, manage contributions and investments, manage transactions, conduct financial analysis, reporting and cost – recovery; Good knowledge of accounting; Ability to successfully lead the IEC finance team; Excellent IT skills, knowledge of ATLAS; Ability to implement new systems and affect staff behavioral /attitudinal change. Management Leadership Builds strong relationship with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback; Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive constructive attitude; Demonstrates good oral and written communications skills; Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities; UNDP Accounting and Finance Training and certification would be an asset.
Required Skills and Experience
Education: Advanced (Masters) University Degree in Finance/Accounting, Business, or Public Administration, or a professional accounting qualification from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy. Professionally qualified accountants from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage. UNDP Advanced Accountancy & Finance Test required Experience: 5 years of relevant experience in providing financial management advisory services and/or managing staff and operational systems. 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 and ERP financials, preferably PeopleSoft. Experience with IPSAS and/or IFRS is required for external candidates. Language Requirements: Fluency in both written and spoken English. General Application Information: Interested and qualified International candidates should apply on-line through the UNDP Jobs site at http://www.undp.org.af/Jobs/index.htm Please ensure that to fill up and upload Personal History Form-P.11 which is available at http://www.undp.org.af/Jobs/index.htm in the relevant field of the on-line application. in the relevant field of the on-line application. Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date will not be given consideration. Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted. For more detailed information about UNDP Afghanistan please visit our website at www.undp.org.af Candidates, who are currently holding UNDP or UN Agencies contracts, are asked to declare the type of contract and duration in their application. Qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply. Successful Candidates must be prepared to start work within 3 weeks of the offer of appointment. Internal Candidates who have served a minimum 12 months in the current assignment are invited to apply.
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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.