UNDP Jobs - 55712- Programme Finance Assistant

Programme Finance Assistant

Location :

Suva, FIJI

Type of Contract :

TA Local

Starting Date :

11-May-2015

Application Deadline :

24-Apr-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

GS-5

Duration of Initial Contract :

4 Months Only

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Renewable subject to performance and availability of funding.

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 guidance and supervision of the Results & Resources Management Team Leader, the Programme Finance Assistant provides financial services ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work. The Programme Finance Assistant promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Programme Finance Assistant works in close collaboration with the JOC staff and the Programme staff of the MCO, Pacific Centre, UN Agencies and with UNDP HQs staff to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides support for the administration and implementation of programme/operations strategies 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 preparation of cost sharing, trust fund and other agreements, follow up on contributions within the CO resource mobilization efforts.

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

Provision of information for formulation of work plans, budgets, proposals on implementation arrangements and execution modalities;
Tracking and preparing spreadsheets on mobilized resources;
Processing 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;
Extraction of data from various sources;
Research and retrieval of statistical data from internal and external sources; preparation of statistical charts, tables and reports;
Maintenance of the filing system;
Follow up on deadlines, commitments made, actions taken and coordination of collection and submission of the reports to head of unit.

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

Proper control of the supporting documents for payments, preparation of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports for NEX/DEX projects; processing of PO and non-PO vouchers for development projects;
Processing of transactions, ensuring that they are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas in conformity with the internal expenditures control system;
Timely corrective actions on erroneous data in Atlas;
Compilation of data for internal/external audit;
Provision of inputs to reports including donor reports.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:

Participation in the 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

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Shares knowledge and experience;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
Ability to perform a variety of standard specialized and non-specialized tasks and work processes that are fully documented, researched, recorded and reported;
Ability to review a variety of data, identify and adjust discrepancies, identify and resolve operational problems;
Ability to perform work of confidential nature and handle a large volume of work;
Good knowledge of financial rules and regulations and Results Management Guide, accounting;
Strong IT skills, Atlas;
Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system;
Focuses on result for the client;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Demonstrates openness to change;
Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view.

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:

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 English the national language of the duty station.