Background

REDD+ refers to “Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries”

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of UN-REDD Technical Specialist, the key functions of the  Programme  Assistant are as follow:

• Provide support to Programme Planning and Coordination;
• Develop, implement and improve Accounting and Reporting Procedures;
• Ensure strong financial and operational control;
• Ensure Procurement processes follow UN regulations; and
• Support programme administration and coordination.

Provide support to Programme Planning and Coordination:

• Support the UN-REDD Technical Specialist and Programme Coordinator in the preparation of project work plans, allocation of budgets and request for budgets from UN agencies;
• Prepare documentation to ensure the flow of funds for project implementation occurs on a timely basis – this will require development of specific financial documentation and provision of support to exiting government staff in developing similar documentation; and
• Participate in quarterly work planning and progress reporting meetings.

Develop, implement and improve Accounting and Reporting Procedures:

• Ensure the establishment of an effective inventory system for all equipment purchased;
• Ensure that petty cash transactions are effectively maintained. This includes preparation of payment request form, receipt and disbursement of cash and clearance of advances;
• Prepare project financial reports and submit to the UN-REDD Technical Specialist;
• Enter financial transactions into the computerised accounting system; and
• Reconcile all balance sheet accounts and keep a file of all completed reconciliation.

Ensure strong financial and operational control:

• Check and ensure all expenditures of project are in accordance with UN procedures. This includes ensuring that receipts are obtained for all payments and that correct procurement procedures are followed;
• Check budget lines to ensure that all transactions are correctly booked to the correct budget lines;
• Ensure documentation relating to payments are duly approved;
• Ensure Petty Cash is reviewed and updated and records are kept up-to-date; and
• Improve system & procedures to enhance internal controls and satisfy audit requirements.

Ensure Procurement processes follow UN regulations:

• Establish and maintain a proper inventory of project assets register, including numbering, recording, and reporting;
• Maintain the inventory file to support purchases of all equipment/assets; and
• Ensure programme staff are able to maintain inventory of equipment and are updating and managing information on a timely basis.

Support programme administration and coordination:

• Provide oversight to the calculation and preparation of staff time records;
• Provide assistance to the organization of project events, including workshops, seminars, and meetings; and
• Identify potential opportunities for linkages with other partners.

Expected Impact of Results

The results will create the following impacts:

• Good audit reports throughout the programme; and
• Capacity of programme staff to take over the role of head of finance at the end of the contract term.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; and
• Ability to maintain effective rapport with different kinds of people.

Functional Competencies:

 Knowledge Management and Learning

• Shares knowledge and experience; and
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

 Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to master new material quickly;
• Ability to manage priorities in order to meet tight deadlines;
• Good communications, interpersonal and report writing skills; and
• Creativity and innovation abilities.

 Leadership and Self-Management        

• Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
• Ability to manage the work of teams, subordinates and consultants;
• Proven ability to work flexibly and independently as part of an interdisciplinary and/or multi-cultural team; and deliver quality results against tight deadlines; and
• Demonstrated capacity for leadership and management.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary Education with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance, business administration or related field;
•  Bachelor Degree in Finance, Business administration or related field is desirable, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

• 5 years of relevant experience in finance,  progressively responsible administrative or programme;
• Experience in working with government, UN agencies and International organizations is an advantage;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.

Language:

• Good oral and written command of English and Myanmar language.

Note:

Candidates must apply on-line through UNDP job website together with duly filled and signed UN-P11 form, academic qualification certificates. Applications without these document will not be considered. P11 form can be downloaded here:

http://sas.undp.org/documents/P11_Personal_history_form.docx”.

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