UNCDF Jobs - 50133- Senior Project Assistant

Senior Project Assistant - UNCDF/Joint Programme on Local Governance and Decentralized Service Delivery

Publicado en nombre de

UNCDF

Localidad :

Nairobi, Kenia

Tipo de contrato :

Service Contract

Fecha de comienzo del contrato :

Fecha límite de postulación :

10-Oct-14 (Medianoche Nueva York, Estados Unidos)

Nivel de puesto :

SC-7

Duración del contrato inicial :

One Year

Idiomas requeridos :

Inglés

Duración esperada del puesto :

One Year (with possibility of extension)

El PNUD está comprometido con lograr la diversidad de su personal en términos de género, nacionalidad y cultura. Se alienta por igual a las personas que pertenecen a grupos minoritarios, a pueblos indígenas o que tienen alguna discapacidad a presentar su candidatura. Todas las solicitudes se tratarán con la mayor confidencialidad. UNDP no tolera la explotación y el abuso sexual, ningún tipo de acoso, incluido el acoso sexual, ni la discriminación. Por lo tanto, todos los candidatos seleccionados serán sometidos a una rigurosa verificación de referencias y antecedentes.

Antecedentes

The UN Joint Programme on Local Governance and Decentralized Service Delivery (JPLG) for Somalia is a 5 year programme of ILO, UNCDF, UNDP, UN-HABITAT and UNICEF. The partners in the Joint Programme are the Transitional Federal Government, the Government of State of Puntland, the Government of Somaliland, Regional Councils, District Councils, Legislatures, Municipal Associations, International and Local NGOs/CSOs, and the private sector. The Programme is aligned to the programming frameworks of the Somalia Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) 2008-12 and the UN Transition Plan (UNTP) 2008-9. The outcome of the RDP is to achieve decentralized service delivery in all of South-Central Somalia, Puntland and Somaliland. The outcome of the UNTP is that local governance contributes to peace and equitable priority service delivery in selected locations.

It is envisaged to achieve as wide coverage in Somalia as resources and conditions allow with a comprehensive approach to assist local governments to be credible, professional service providers, increasing public investment in basic services, and strengthening civic awareness and participation in local decision-making and development. The strategy pursued will comprise:

Policy and legal frameworks for decentralization, local government, service provision and land management;
Institutionalizing local government systems, vertical and horizontal inter-government linkages and civic education initiatives;
Investment in public services and goods through testing a Local Development Fund model, direct service provision and promotion of public-private partnerships; and
Processes and systems for housing, land and property disputes and resolution.

The UN Capital Development Fund (www.uncdf.org) will focus its support to the JPLG mainly on the set-up and management of the Local Development Fund.

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the UNCDF CTA, the Senior Project Assistant provides administrative and financial services to the JPLG, ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work for the Local Governance project. S/he promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations, and pays special attention to supporting the project staff operating in the field.

Deberes y responsabilidades

Summary of Key Functions:

Implementation of operational strategies for UNCDF’s contribution to the JPLG while working closely with UNDP Human Resources, Client Services and Finance at the UNDP liaison office, and with the Support Services Unit at UNCDF Regional Office;
Accounting and administrative support for UNCDF’s contribution to the JPLG , under the guidance of the UNCDF CTA, in cooperation with the UNDP Finance Unit and in close cooperation with the project staff in the field;
Effective management of Grants, Pre-Payments and financial reporting cycles, related to UNCDF’s management of the Local Development Fund; Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

Ensures implementation of operational strategies for UNCDF’s contribution to the JPLG while focusing on achievement of the following results:

Full compliance of financial processes and financial records with UN/UNDP/UNCDF rules, regulations, policies and strategies;
Day-to-day liaison of UNCDF’s contribution to the JPLG, coordination of UNDP operations support services mainly recruitment, procurement and financial management;
Management of the administrative aspects of UNCDF’s contribution to the JPLG and administrative matters of project staff in the field;
Manage all logistical issues for project staff and key stakeholders, as planned for by the project.

Ensures accounting and administrative support for UNCDF’s contribution to the JPLG focusing on achievement of the following results:

Effective management of the UNCDF JPLG budget by preparing and following payments in Atlas (ERP) and handling payment requests. Proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports;
Analyze and present information on the status of financial resources as required;
Effective support to all stages of the management of Pre-Payments made to Districts, including Atlas management and follow-up on financial reporting;
Effective administrative support to UNCDF’s contribution to the JPLG;
Ensure existence of an adequate and retrievable filing system for all UNCDF / JPLG documents including soft and hard copies;
Attend UNCDF project team meetings, act as secretary for minute taking, ensure accurate records, distribute and file agreements;
Ensure consistency in the application of UN/UNDP/UNCDF rules and procedures.

Supports the effective management of Grants, Pre-Payments and Financial Reporting cycles related to UNCDF’s management of the Local Development Fund, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports for UNCDF / JPLG; preparation of all types of vouchers for development and management projects and on-behalf of client agencies; PO vouchers; and follow-up for payment execution;
Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas; travel claims, MPOs and other entitlements are duly processed;
Timely corrective actions on un-posted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers;
Presentation and analysis of information on the status of financial resources as required;
Maintenance of the Accounts Receivables for UNCDF’s contribution to the UNJPLG and recording of deposits in Atlas;
Management of any cash receipts and petty cash;
Maintenance of a proper filing system for finance records and documents;
Provision of support to the development of the local governance project input to the JPLG annual work plan and budget;
Monitoring of the budget/work program against expenditure;
Set up a system which allows for the overall tracking of local governance expenditures against the agreed to budgets and work plans for the local governance project, using the Atlas codes;
Undertake analysis of expenditure reports and alert the UNCDF CTA to factors such as slow or rapid disbursements against the work plans;
Liaise with the field offices to ensure consistency in financial reporting;
Timely preparation and issuance of the various financial reports, recruitment of staff, procurement of equipment etc.

Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing in UNDP and UNCDF focusing on achievement of the following results:

Participation in the trainings for the operations/ projects staff on finance organized by either UNCDF or UNDP;
Contribution to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the implementation of UNCDF’s contribution to the UN Joint Programme on Local Governance and Decentralized Service Delivery (JPLG). This is through support to all administrative and operational aspects of the implementation, with a particular emphasis on financial management. Accurate data entry and presentation of financial information and a client-oriented approach enhances UNCDF’s capability to effectively and efficiently manage financial resources.

Competencias

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UNCDF’s mission, vision and values;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

Ability to plan, prioritise and deliver tasks on time;
Ability to participate effectively in a team-based information sharing environment;
Acceptance of additional responsibilities and capacity to work under pressure;
High client service orientation;
High initiative to solve problems;
Excellent analytical skills;
Excellent communication skills.

Knowledge Management and Learning

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

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Results Management, including support to design, planning and implementation of programme, managing data, reporting;
Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems.

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 even under pressure;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Education:

Secondary Education, preferably with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance;
University Degree in Business or Public Administration, Economics, Political or Social Sciences would be desirable, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible administrative, financial and programme experience is required at the national or international level;
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;
Proven experience using the PeopleSoft / Atlas Enterprise Resource System in financial management is a distinct advantage;
Work experience with UN organizations; experience in logistical support functions is desirable.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in oral and written English.

Terms of Service

This is a non-staff contract under the Service Contract modality of hiring of the UNDP. Individuals engaged under a Service Contract serve in their individual capacity and not as representative of a government institutions, corporate body or other authority external to UNDP. The incumbent shall not be considered as staff of UNDP, the UN common system or the government and are therefore not entitled to any diplomatic privileges or any other special status or conditions.