UNDP Jobs - 49318- Project/Finance Associate (Open to Yemeni National

Project/Finance Associate (Open to Yemeni Nationals Only)

Location :

Sana'a, YEMEN

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

10-Sep-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year

Languages Required :

Arabic English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

Following Yemen’s political unrest of 2011, and the signing of the Gulf Cooperation Council peace initiative in November of that year, the Republic of Yemen has embarked on a two-year transition agenda. Against the backdrop of this political transition, and the request of the Yemeni authorities, the United Nations has articulated a Joint UN Framework to Support the Transition in Yemen, which provides an important basis for UN assistance during this period. In this context, Rule of Law (RoL) has been identified as a key priority for Yemen, and for international assistance. In explicit contribution to this transition agenda, UNDP has developed a broad strategic programme of assistance in the areas of RoL, justice and security, human rights and transitional justice. The project Support to the Implementation of Transitional Justice (TJ project) represents one component of this overall strategic support.

The overall objective of this project is to assist the Government of Yemen and other national stakeholders in developing their transitional justice initiatives based on the comprehensive approach and reflecting international standards and comparative experiences. The project looks to support the national TJ process from design through implementation, giving due attention to building capacity of governmental institutions and civil society and issues of communication and outreach between formal processes and national dialogue, but also to supporting various commissions of enquiry and establishment and functioning of a truth commission. The project is implemented directly by UNDP in close collaboration with OHCHR, Ministry of Legal Affairs and other key strategic stakeholders. Finally, this project will take advantage of the added value of other UN agencies and other agencies working on Transitional Justice related issues in Yemen.

Duties and Responsibilities

Working under supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor-Transitional Justice and day-to-day oversight of the National Project Coordinator, the incumbent is to carry out/achieve the following duties:

Administration and implementation of the TJ Project and financial management strategies;
Support to management of the project administration of budgets and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system;
Accounting, finance and administrative support;
Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

Ensures administration and implementation of the TJ Project’s financial management strategies, adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results:

Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules and regulations and other relevant policies on 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;
Provision of inputs for implementation of cost-saving and reduction strategies in consultation with the office management;
Preparation of cost sharing, and trust fund agreements, follow up on contributions within the Project and CO resource mobilization efforts;

Provides effective support to Project Management, administration of budgets and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:

Presentation of information for formulation of project work plan, budget, proposal on implementation arrangements and execution modalities. Entry of data of new grants into Atlas in the form of Annual Work Plans (AWPs), monitoring of their status;
Accuracy verification of Combined Delivery Reports;
Provision of information for the audit of project, implementation of audit recommendations;
Implementation of the control mechanism for development projects through monitoring of budgets preparation and modifications
Tracking and reporting on mobilized resources;
Preparation of reports;
Assists in the preparation of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for the services provided by, elaboration and implementation of the income tracking system and follow up on cost recovery.

Provides accounting and administrative support to the project, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports; preparation of PO and non-PO vouchers for the TJ project;
Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas; travel claims, MPOs and other entitlements are duly processed;
Timely corrective actions on erroneous data in Atlas. Preparation of financial reports as required;
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.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing within the project and CO, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Systematic gaining and sharing of knowledge and experience related to project management;
Organization of training for the staff on financial related issues;
Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in project finance;
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Any other duties as required in relation to this ToR such as:

Provide necessary administrative assignments as requested by the National Project Coordinator and CTA;
Take role in organizing meetings or events and taking minutes;
Take role in other administrative duties (checking duration of contracts etc.) for the smooth implementation of the project.

Competencies

Proven knowledge, record and experience in using the ATLAS system (finance) is an absolute must;
Proven knowledge and experience in the project’s financial management and administration is an absolute must;
Knowledge of transitional justice is a significant asset;
Previous proven experience in dealing with sensitive categories of population, such as victims community, citizens from the Southern Governorates, tribal community etc. is a significant asset;
Previous experience in organizing transitional justice consultation events and conferences with mentioned sensitive categories of population is a significant asset;
Understanding of the country’s political development and key human rights and political issues (land/property and dismissals issues and human rights violations in general) is a significant advantage;
Proven experience in direct dealing with representatives of the institutions of Government of Yemen relevant for the transitional justice process is of utmost importance;
Knowledge of Yemen legislation relevant for transitional justice and NDC recommendations on transitional justice is an asset;
Political intuition – ability to grasp political dimensions of the context that will permeate and influence the process;
A collaborative work style;
Excellent communication skills;
Compliance with deadlines;
Persistence when faced with difficult circumstances or challenges;
Calm in stressful situations;
Good computer skills;
Commitment to continuous learning.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University degree in management, business administration, economics, humanities etc. commensurate with relevant work experience.

Experience:

At least 5 years of experience in relevant field (including project management, project administration etc.);
Prior experience working on financial management of International Assistance projects is a significant asset;
Proven knowledge, record and experience in using the ATLAS system (finance) is an absolute must.

Language:

Fluency in English and Arabic is a must.