Background

United Nation Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is the UN’s capital investment agency for the world’s 49 least developed countries. It creates new opportunities for poor people and their communities by increasing access to microfinance and investment capital. UNCDF focuses on Africa and the poorest countries of Asia, with a special commitment to countries emerging from conflict or crisis. It provides seed capital – grants and loans – and technical support to help financial service providers reach more poor households and small businesses through inclusive finance approach, and local governments finance the capital investments that will improve poor peoples’ lives. 
 
In Nepal, UNCDF has recently signed an agreement with Government of Denmark where UNCDF will implement an Access to Finance (A2F) component of UNATTI programme. A2F will be implemented through National Implementation Modality (NIM), the Nepal Rastra Bank’s, Microfinance Promotion and Supervision Department will be the implementing partner.
 
Access to Finance and UNATTI: This programme has been designed to enhance and improve agricultural sector in Nepal. The Government of Denmark along with the Government of Nepal is supporting the Inclusive Growth Programme in Nepal (UNNATI). The objective of UNNATI is “Promotion of sustainable inclusive growth that reduces poverty and raises living standards.” Within the context of UNATTI, the purpose of the Access to finance (A2F) project is to support financial service providers to more effectively serve the agricultural value chain actors with appropriate financial products thereby enabling smallholder farmers and MSMEs to invest into their value chain activities leading to the sustained improvement in competitiveness of selected value chains.  The A2F project interventions will have a national impact with a specific focus given to the Eastern Development Region of Nepal, under the umbrella of UNATTI, specifically in the seven districts of Mechi and Koshi corridor - Ilam, Paanchthar, Terhathum, Bhojpur, Dhankuta, Taplejung and Sankhwasabha

Duties and Responsibilities

The Administrative Finance Officer (AFO)   will be based in Kathmandu and will be working closely with Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). S/he will report to the National Programme Manager (NPM) at NRB, and will supervise and oversight responsibilities of Administrative/ Programme Assistant.   Under overall guidance and direct supervision of the NPM, the AFO will be responsible for all administrative and finance functions for the implementation of the programme:

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Oversee the overall financial and administrative management of the programme;
  • Maintain accurate financial and personnel records of the programme as required by UNCDF and NEX guidelines.
  • Supervise and support all administrative works (procurement, filing, and record keeping of personnel management) of Project Management Unit (PMU) and UNCDF;
  • Assist the National Programme Director and National Programme Manager in matters related to financial and administrative functions of the programme including travel expenditure and its approval;
  • Prepare financial advance to be submitted to UN agencies quarterly basis and maintain bank reconciliation, financial transaction and certification of expenditure reports;
  • Prepare Quarterly expenditure plans (shadow budget) based on approved budget as per requirement of UNCDF.
  • Complete financial reports of the project and reports to the National Program Director (NPD)/NPM and others as and when required. Examine and assess quarterly and annual financial reports;
  • Assess the budget heads and ensure its expenditure is as per the approved annual/quarterly work plans;
  • Prepare procurement plan and assist NRB and UNCDF in the procurement of goods and services;
  • Supervise the Programme Assistant, prepare vouchers and process payments for all the financial transaction and process payment request to UNCDF country office;
  • Prepare and submit periodic financial reports for submission through the programme manager to UNCDF.
  • Provide support to prepare annual and quarterly work plans and budgets in consultation with the programme manager;
  • Verify Combine Delivery Report (CDR) for Certification;
  • Manage annual audit exercise, prepare audit follow-up action plans, and ensure that the action plan is implemented;
  • Conduct analysis of the project budget allocation and expenditure from a gender and social inclusion perspective under the guidance of the NPM;
  • Prepare the plan of expenditure and assist NPD/ NPM in securing authorizations from UN agencies others fee approval;
  • Inspect, supervise and monitor the project account and financial management as per the work plan and guidelines of the programme. Supervise and maintain equipment, vehicles and assets of the Project for security and proper functioning;
  • Prepare plan for recruitment for the vacant posts either through NEX Committee or committee decided by Project Executive Board;
  • Supervise the records of staff leave and maintain records as per the guidelines and provide status of leave to the staff regularly;
  • Manage all correspondence related to administrative and financial matters of the Project;
  • Ensure the maintenance of a filing system, logistics, equipment and vehicles of the programme;
  • Support other Project-related activities as required by the Programme Management.

Competencies

Knowledge Management and Learning
  • Have excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Nepali;
  • Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to value chain finance areas;
  • Encourages project staff to share knowledge and contribute to the project.
Development and Operational Effectiveness
  • Excellent networking with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships;
  • Demonstrates excellent ability to write and communicate orally with accuracy and professionalism;
  • Good knowledge of current development issues particularly those pertinent to UNCDF Financial inclusion Practice Areas;
  • Ability to conceptualize issues and analyze data;
  • Ability to use computers, office software packages, and web based management systems including software handing for accounting and financial management.
Management and Leadership
  • Excellent coordination and networking skills;
  • Well-developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to liaise effectively at all levels, including senior officials from the central bank departments;
  • Focuses on impact and result for the client;
  • Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

  • Master's degree in business administration, finance, accounting or related fields.

Experience

  • At least 5 years of relevant experience and hands-on experience with similar development programme or reputed private organization in financial management or bookkeeping areas;
  • Previous experience in handling UN NEX project with sound knowledge of NEX guidelines will be preferred;
  • Excellent financial accounting including auditing and reporting as well as exposure in administration of project;
  • A strong background in logistic management/ book keeping and financial management.

Language

  • Fluent in English.