UNDP Jobs - 51309- Programme Finance Associate

Programme Finance Associate

Location :

Panama, PANAMA

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

23-Nov-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

GS-6

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year with possible extention

Languages Required :

English Spanish

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

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Programme Finance Associate (GS7), the Programme Finance Associate (GS6) ensures effective execution of financial services and processes in the Regional Hub (RH) and transparent utilization of financial resources. The Programme Finance Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Programme Finance Associate can supervise clerical and support staff. The Programme Finance Associate works in close collaboration with the Operations, Programme and project staff in the Regional Hub, Agencies, COs and UNDP HQ for resolving finance-related issues and exchange of information.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

Administration and implementation of programme/operations and financial management strategies;
Support to management of the Regional programme, 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 programme/operations and 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 Regional Hub resource mobilization efforts.

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

Presentation of information for formulation of Regional programme work plans, budgets, proposals 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;
Provision of guidance to the executing agencies on routine implementation of projects, tracking use of financial resources;
Accuracy verification of Combined Delivery Reports;
Provision of information for the audit of NIM/DIM projects, 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 finance, accounting and administrative support to the Regional Hub Finance Unit focusing on achievement of the following results:

Proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports for NIM/DIM projects; preparation of PO and non-PO vouchers for development projects;
Approval of vendors in Atlas (if a senior member of the Finance team);
Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas; payrolls are duly prepared and processed; travel claims, MPOs and other entitlements are duly processed.

Tracking and reportig of 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;
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 in the Regional Hub focusing on achievement of the following results:

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

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Building Partnerships:

Maintaining information and databases

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 (specialized knowledge related to financial resources management, including formulating budgets, maintaining Accounts Receivables and Accounts Payables, reporting);
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;
Responds to client needs promptly.

Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management:

Gathering and disseminating information

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 ecourage 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.

Experience:

6 years of progressively responsible financial management 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:

Fluency in English and Spanish, both oral and written, is required;
Working knowledge of another UN official language is an asset;
Proficiency in English will be tested through assessment tools such as TOEFL.

Other:

UNDP Accountancy & Finance Test required

Note

All applications can include only one attachment that consists of a complete and signed UNDP P11 - Personal History Form together with an updated English CV. Applications without the complete P11 form will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment.

Only short-listed qualified candidates will be contacted.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

This is a local position, therefore only citizens of the Republic of Panama can apply. Candidates who are not nationals but are residents of Panama with legal working status may also be considered.

If you require assistance with your application please contact: rc.lac.vacancy@undp.org