UNDP Jobs - 41219- Finance Assistant (GS-5) (Only Bangladeshi Nationa

Finance Assistant (GS-5) (Only Bangladeshi Nationals are eligible to apply)

Location :

Dhaka, BANGLADESH

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

17-Dec-2013

Application Deadline :

06-Nov-13 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

GS-5

Duration of Initial Contract :

Initially 01 (One) year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

One year initially, renewal on an annual basis upon satisfactory performance & availability of funds

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. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

UNDP Bangladesh is supporting the Government to find innovative solutions to its development challenges based on the 2012 -2016 UNDP Country Programme Document approved by the Executive Board. The United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), which is aligned to the Country Programme Document was signed by the Government and the UN system in Bangladesh in January 2012, and forms the guiding framework for UNDP’s assistance in Bangladesh,

UNDP Bangladesh is organized into (1) Directorate, (2) Policy and Programmes and (3) Operations. The Operations consists of (1) Dedicated and specialized services on Budget and Finance (2) human resources, procurement and travel, (3) Administration and Security, which provides specialized services on general administration, IT, reception and registry, transport and security.

The Finance Assistant will be supervised by the Head of Finance and will also function under the overall guidance of the Operation Manager and Deputy Country Director -Operations. S/he will be responsible for assisting in management of country office budget and financial services required for UNDP projects, Country Office and UN Organizations.

In carrying out her/his responsibilities, s/he will closely work and network with the UNDP operations team, programme clusters, specialized project teams, budget and finance staff in other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs budget and finance office, Government officials, private sector, non-government and civil society organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

Implementation of financial operational strategies and procedures
Accounting and administrative support
CO cash management
Administration of budgets and cost-recovery system (ISS)
Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

1. Ensure implementation of financial operational strategies and procedures, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules and regulations of financial processes, financial records and reports and audit follow up; implementation of the internal control framework in compliance with IPSAS
Support to CO finance business processes mapping and monitoring and implementation of the internal standard operating procedures in finance in consultation with the direct supervisor.
Collection and consolidation of financial information for further analyses and reporting by the Head of Finance
Assistance in re-engineering and streamlining business processes at the Finance Unit.

2. Ensure administration of budgets and functioning of the cost-recovery system (ISS), focusing on achievement of the following results:

Assist in preparation, modifications and Monitoring of budgets for UNDP management projects, development effectiveness project, Common service project, and security project.
Timely monitoring of cost-recovery bills (ISS) in Atlas for the services provided by UNDP, implementation of the income tracking system in Atlas and follow up on cost recovery.

3. Provide accounting, Global Payroll support and Position Administration support, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Provide support for all Financial management transaction in compliance with IPSAS
Proper control of the supporting documents for payments; assistance in managing the CO management projects; Executing Pay Cycles and Payments.
Effect payments on behalf of other UN agencies (as assigned by the supervisor).
Initiatives of correspondences to verify data, answering queries and obtaining additional information on accounts and financial transactions.
Maintenance of financial records for UNDP, other UN agencies, and government/national counterparts for which responsibility is assigned.
Maintenance of the internal expenditure control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed; transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas fro country offices and projects as well.
Timely corrective actions on un-posted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers.
Maintenance of the Accounts Receivables for UNDP projects and follow-up with partners on contributions, deposits creation in Atlas and their application to AR pending items.
Act as Alternate Global Payroll focal person with relevant actions in ATLAS
Act as Alternate position Administrator for Country office and projects

4. Ensure proper CO cash management functioning, 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.
Maintenance of contacts with local banks to obtain day-to-day information on exchange and interest rates, changes in procedures and regulations and matters pertaining to maintenance of office bank accounts.
Maintenance of AR Deposit
Daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in Atlas to monitor imprest level; identification and recording of contributions.
Daily and accurate preparation of bank reconciliations.
Timely preparation of Monthly Cash Flow forecast for use by Head of Finance; and Liaison with UN Agencies to obtain estimates of their cash requirements.
Initiation of bank transfers and deals in Atlas.

5. Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and sharing in the CO, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Support to the organization of trainings for the operations/projects staff on finance.
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

6. Any other functions, responsibilities or portfolio which may be assigned by the UNDP management. The Staff Member should expected to be linked and contribute to the work of UNDP in all practice areas; and, as appropriate in UNDP, may be assigned to other practice or sub-practice portfolios.

Impact of Results:

The key results have an impact on the overall execution of the CO financial services and success in implementation of financial operational strategies. Accurate analysis and presentation of financial information ensures proper financial processes in the CO and accuracy in financial reporting.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

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.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

Ability to perform a variety of specialized activities related to financial resources management, including formulating budgets, maintaining Accounts Receivables and Accounts Payables, making transactions, reporting.
Sound knowledge of financial rules and regulations.
Strong IT skills.
Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new financial systems.
Ability to carry out qualitative and quantitative analyses.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University Degree in Accounting and Finance, Business or Public Administration. Part-qualified accountants from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.

Experience:

5 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.
Experience with ERP financials, preferably PeopleSoft, desirable.
Knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS desirable.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in written and spoken English and local language of the duty station.