UNDP Jobs - 16170- Programme Finance Analyst

Programme Finance Analyst

Location :

Abuja, NIGERIA

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

15-May-2010

Application Deadline :

07-May-10 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

NO-B

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

With possibility of yearly renewal

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 overall guidance and direct supervision of the Program Finance Specialist, the Programme Finance Analyst is responsible for effective delivery of programme finance services ensuring effective and transparent utilization of financial resources and integrity of financial services in a large Country Office. The Programme Finance Analyst promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Programme Finance Analyst supervises and leads the programme finance staff. The Programme Finance Analyst works in close collaboration with the Management Support and Business Development, Programme and Operations teams in the CO and UNDP HQ for resolving complex programme and operations-related issues, ensuring successful CO performance in Finance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

Implementation of operational strategies.
CO NIM/NGO/DEX Audit Management and follow-up on audit recommendations.
Implementation of the resource mobilization strategy.
CO Implementation of HACT.
Building Capacity of Implementing Partners
Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing, guidance to all stakeholders on financial matters

Ensures implementation of operational strategies, 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 Standard Operating Procedures in Finance in consultation with office management.
Implementation of cost sharing and trust fund agreements.
Elaboration of proposals and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies in consultations with office management.
Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of forecasts for development projects.
Routinely monitors financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions, and investigates anomalies.

Ensures effective CO NIM/NGO/DEX Audit Management and follow-up on audit recommendations focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Establish and monitor CO annual audit schedule for tracking timeline for effective audit management.
Oversee the planning, selection and timely submission of list of projects audited annually.
Coordinates and facilitates overall process of NIM/NGO/DEX audit exercises and ensure time submission of NIM/NGO audit reports to Office of Audit and Investigation.
Ensures implementation of follow-up actions to address audit recommendations
Participation in the projects’ audit, control on the follow up.
Collaborates with program units in the formulation of development programs and projects in line with RBM guidelines; provides technical support to the Country Programme.
Ensures correct entry and uploading of audit reports and update of audit follow-up action plans in the CARDS System.

Ensures implementation of the resources mobilization strategy focusing on achievement of the following results:

Elaboration of the framework and conditions of contributions within the CO resources mobilization efforts.
Monitoring of cost-sharing contributions.
Advice to Programme and Project Staff on different donor reporting requirements; monitoring of financial reports to be submitted to donors.

Ensures Implementation of CO Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfer (HACT) focusing on achievement of the following results:

Plays key role in the overall roll out of HACT.
Establish and monitor specific performance indicators for tracking quality of performance of agency in the implementation of HACT.
Maintain an effective mechanism for tracking progress in the UNDP implementation of the cash transfer procedures and monitoring of the assurance activities, and continuously share updated information with the management.
Advise the CO on risk management in the use of HACT including development, implementation and review of assurance work plans and databases on assurance activities.
Acting as the first resource for help on questions arising within UNDP and identify situations where there are significant problems which require Country Focal Point, Regional and/or HQ Focal Points attention.
Developing a synthesis report on performance of HACT in UNDP, to be consolidated by the Country Focal Point as part of the Resident Coordinator’s Annual Report.
In collaboration with other Agency Focal Points and Chair of the Country Level HACT Task Force and RC’s Coordination Officer, facilitate the review and evaluation of HACT implementation within the context of the UNDAF Annual Reviews and other scheduled reviews such as mid-term and end of period evaluation.
Conduct periodic On-site Reviews of IP's financial records for cash transfers (i.e. financial spot checks).
Acts as a resource person for the CO specific implementation of cash transfer procedures and monitoring of the assurance activities for UNDP Staff and IP staff members.
Maintain awareness of IP’s financial management practices and internal controls.
Determine if project funds are used for intended purposes.
Check accuracy of IP’s reporting on use of funds, to ensure that the presented expenditures were true and fair.
Scheduled Audits of internal controls for cash transfer to address specific weaknesses identified.

Building Capacity of Implementing Partners

Conduct training on HACT Role Out and Implementation for CO, Federal and State Implementing Partners.
Establish identified gaps from the micro assessments of implementing partners and develop training materials to bridge the gaps.
Carry out capacity assessments of implementing partners to track capacity needs for capacity development.
Deduce capacity needs through the regular assurance activities and conduct training to address them.
Conduct training on Atlas modules for UNDP Staff, other UN Agencies under UNDP Business Unit and Other Country Offices

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

Advice to Project staff on UNDP administrative and NEX reporting, in particular, on budgetary issues.
Organization/conduct of training for the Operations/Project/Programme Staff on financial management and RBM.
Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in programme and programme finance.
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Trains Programme users in the overall operation of Atlas Results Management, Finance and Procurement tracks, particularly those concerning budget formulation and revision and purchase requisition and reporting and analysis tools to maximum effect

Impact of Results:

The key results have an impact on the overall CO efficiency in programme, smooth running of finances and success in implementation of programme strategies and smooth running. Accurate analysis and coordination of programme finance activities enhance UNDP position as a strong development partner.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example.
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting.
Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources.
Ability to formulate and manage budgets, manage contributions and investments, manage transactions, conduct financial analysis, reporting and cost-recovery.
Ability to implement new systems and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change.
Strong IT skills, Atlas.
Excellent knowledge of financial rules and regulations, accounting.
Excellent knowledge of Results Management Guide and Toolkit

Management and Leadership

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.
Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

UNDP Accounting and Finance Training and Certification

Prince2 training and certification

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance, Business, Public Administration, Economics.

Experience:

At least 3 years of relevant experience at the national and international level in providing management advisory services and/or 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.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of another UN language desirable.