Antecedentes

Border management is regarded as being one of the most priority areas of the EU Accession process for Turkey. Upon membership to the EU, Turkey’s eastern borders will be the external borders of the Union, so management and implementation of comprehensive border security is important. The management of the eastern borders is not an easy task due to geographical and climate conditions in that region of Turkey. Moreover, this region has been used as an illegal crossing route and in order to provide the border security in this region, landmines had been laid to prevent illegal border crossings, smuggling and resulting security challenges. Now, these landmines constitute a very serious threat for border management in that region.

The landmines are located along the Armenian, Nakhcevan, Iranian, Iraqi and Syrian Borders and hinder the provision of an efficient border management system in those areas. In addition to the humanitarian concerns, these landmines limit Turkey’s operational capacity in the border areas. They prevent the establishment of well-functioning border surveillance systems and as a result lead to decreased efficiency in the fight against illegal movements, cross-border crimes and smuggling. For these reasons, demining is seen as an indispensable part of the border management reforms. Turkey aims to have these landmines cleared to provide a more secure way of protecting the borders via technologically supported border surveillance systems to achieve the targets set out by European Union for a good functioning border management system.

Within this framework, having an ultimate objective of contributing to the social and economic development through demining and more secure borders in Eastern Turkey, the “Technical Assistance for Socioeconomic Development through Demining and Increasing the Border Surveillance Capacity at the Eastern Borders of Turkey Phase I and II” was developed. In first phase of the Project, it has been planned to clear the mined areas in the regions of Van-Agri- Kars- Igdir and to introduce more modern border surveillance systems instead. In the second phase, the remaining mined areas in Van and some of the mined areas in Hakkari are planned to be cleared as a pre-condition to control the borders with different methods. Besides, the Second Phase of the project has a separate component on capacity development on border management.

The expected results of the Demining Phase II are defined as follows:

1. Demining the border regions of Van-Hakkari is completed,
2. Demined areas are certified in compliance with the international and applicable Turkish mine action standards
3. Post project review is conducted,
4. Institutional capacity on border management is enhanced.

The Ministry of National Defence - National Mine Action Center, Ministry of Interior and Turkish General Staff (Land Forces Command) are the main beneficiaries of the Project. UNDP will provide technical assistance for the efficient and effective implementation of the Project through the Grant Contract, to be signed between CFCU (Central Finance and Contracts Unit) and UNDP and endorsed by the Delegation of the European Union to Turkey (EUD).

This Terms of Reference at hand is for the Finance Assistant to support the Technical Assistance Team (TAT) in terms of financial issues.  The Finance Assistant will be tasked to assist the TAT for timely and effective financial delivery and management in line with UNDP Rules and Procedures. 

Deberes y responsabilidades

Objectives of the Assignment

Under the supervision of the Project Manager/CTA, the Finance Assistant provides financial services ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work. The Finance Assistant promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.
The Finance Assistant works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and projects’ staff in UNDP Turkey CO to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.

Key Results Expected and Measurable Outputs

The SC is expected to assume the following tasks:

Reporting Structure

The Finance Assistant reports to Project Manager / CTA and work closely under the oversight of Portfolio Administrator.

Performance Indicators for Evaluation of Results

1. Qualitative inputs provided for AWP and budgets;

2. Project financial transactions are made in a timely manner; qualitative inputs prepared to project reports; high-quality correspondence, reports prepared.

3. Timely and qualitative inputs prepared to contract management process.

Competencias

Corporate Competencies:

•     Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards,

•     Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP, and partner organizations,

•     Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability,

Functional Competencies:

•     Promotes team work, contributes towards building team consensus,

•     Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback

•     Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude

•     Good teamwork skills

•     Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills both in Turkish and English

•     Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure

Development and Operational Effectiveness

•     Ability to administer and execute administrative processes and transactions

•     Ability to extract, interpret, analyze data and resolve operational problems

•     Ability to perform work of confidential nature and handle a large volume of work

•     Good knowledge of administrative rules and regulations

•     Strong IT skills

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Qualifications and skills:

• University degree in relevant field, 
• Full proficiency in Turkish and English,
• Computer literacy are required;
• A degree in English from an English speaking university would be an asset;

General professional experience:

• General professional experience of at least 5 years.

Specific professional experience:

• Minimum 3 years experience of having financial support in international projects;
• Experience of working with international organizations

Notes:

•     Internships (paid/unpaid) are not considered professional experience.

•     Obligatory military service is not considered professional experience.

•     Professional experience gained in an international setting is considered international experience,

•     Experience gained prior to completion of undergraduate studies is not considered professional experience