Background

Under the direct supervision of Head of Finance Unit, the Finance Analyst is responsible for effective and transparent utilization of financial resources and integrity of financial services. The Finance Analyst promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. He/she analyzes and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues. The Finance Analyst promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Finance Analyst works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and project teams in the Country Office (CO) and with UNDP HQs staff and Government officials ensuring successful Country Office (CO) performance in Finance.

Candidates who previously applied need to re-apply again if they might still be interested in the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions;

• Implementation of operational and financial management strategies;
• Projects’ budget management;
• CO cash management;
• Control of CO accounts;
• Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

Ensures implementation of operational and financial management strategies, and adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, and policies of financial activities, 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;
• CO Finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance under the supervision of the Finance Specialist;
• Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of forecasts for development and management projects, monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions;
• Analysis and elaboration of proposals on cost saving and reduction strategies.

Ensures the management of projects’ budgets and organization and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Elaboration of proposals for planning of financial resources of the CO, preparation of reports containing analysis of the financial situation;
• Preparation and monitoring of budgets; regular analysis and reporting on the budget approvals and the delivery situation;
• Establishment of projects’ budgets preparation/modification monitoring system, control of budgetary status versus authorized spending limits (ASL) and budgets delivery levels;
• Implementation of the control mechanism for projects through monitoring budgets preparation and modifications, budgetary status versus ASL, follow up with HQs on ASL forprojects, maintenance of the General Ledger.

Ensures proper control of CO accounts focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Analysis and elaboration of proposals for 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; MPOs, travel claims and other entitlements are duly processed, and receipting of goods and services and establishment of accruals are properly done in compliance with IPSAS and UNDP policies and procedures;
• Control of accounts closure;
• Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers. Timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues;
• Control of the Accounts Receivables for UNDP projects and maintenance of the General Ledger.

Ensures proper CO cash management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements. Timely identification and recording of receipts for income application;
• Daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in Atlas to monitor imprest level; identification and recording of contributions;
• Initiation of bank transfers and deals, selecting bank transfers and deals for approval and settlement;
• Timely preparation of monthly cash flow forecast for use by the supervisor;
• Acts as cashier for onsite transactions.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO and guidance to all stakeholders on financial matters focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Organization/conduct of training for the operations/ programme/projects staff on financial management;
• Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in Finance;
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the overall CO efficiency in financial resources management and success in introduction and implementation of operational strategies. Accurate, thoroughly researched and documented financial information, timely and appropriate delivery of services ensure client satisfaction and enhance UNDP credibility in use of financial resources.

Competencies

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 encourage the learning of others;
• Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member;
• Informed and transparent decision making.

Functional Competencies:          

• Building Partnerships;
• Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise;
• Promoting Organizational Change and Development;
• Design and Implementation of Management Systems;
• Client Orientation;
• Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:          

• Masters Degree in Finance/Accounting, Business or Public Administration, or a professional accounting qualification from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy;
• Professionally qualified accountants from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage;
• Bachelor’s Degree in the same fields with 2 years of relevant experience;
• UNDP Advanced Accountancy and Finance test required.

Experience:       

• 2 years (with Bachelor) in providing financial management services, managing staff and operational systems;
• 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 and ERP financials, preferably PeopleSoft;
• Experience of IPSAS and/or IFRS is required for external candidates.

Language:        

• Fluency in English and the national language of the duty station.

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. Qualified Somali women are strongly encouraged to apply to this re-advertisement.