Background

UNDP Bangladesh, in line with its Country Programme Action Plan (2006-2010) with the Government of Bangladesh is committed to assist in strengthening the Parliament to improve its (i) legislative capacity, (ii) oversight functions and (iii) democratic practices through institutional and operational reforms.
 
A fifteen month UNDP Preparatory Assistance (PA) programme for Parliament which involved strengthening the capacity of the institution and providing policy advice and technical support concluded on 30 June 2010. Following extensive consultation and planning during the PA and with the approval of the Parliament and the government the Improving Democracy through Parliamentary Development (IPD) project 2010 to 2014 commenced on 1 July 2010.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Administration and Finance Officer will be responsible for effective financial and operational administration of the project and act as part of a core team supporting the NPD and the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) achieve project objectives and outcome. The position holder will provide guidance and supervision to the Procurement and Admin Assistants. The position impacts across all functional and programme areas of the project and is therefore critical to project success.

Under the overall guidance of the Chief Technical Adviser and direct supervision of the Project Coordinator the Admin and Finance Officer will be responsible to:

  • Effectively administer project finances and operations according to UNDP standard operational procedures and ensure full compliance with UNDP’s financial rules, Internal Control Framework, NEX rules, procedures, regulations and policies.
  • Deliver a client oriented financial resources management system incorporating effective internal controls, quality management, customer relationship management and performance measurement;
  • Provide input into the projects strategic operational plan including the Annual and quarterly Work plans; 
  • Closely work with Result Resource Management Cluster of UNDP regarding NEX Advance and other financial reporting requirements; 
  • Monitor quarterly financial expenditures and prepare quarterly financial/procurement reports for the Parliament Secretariat and UNDP;
  • Implement the strategic procurement plan and ensure timely procurement and management of goods, services and civil work;
  • Establish  and supervise an asset management system which enhances customer support and assistance; 
  • Undertake business process mapping and implement security and business continuity and risk management plans for the project office; 
  • Regularly assess the logistical requirement of the project and proactively address l the requirements; 
  • Support the Project Co-ordinator and the Monitoring and Evaluation officer  in effectively monitoring, evaluating and reporting on program progress in line with UNDP Results Orientation Monitoring and Evaluation framework;
  • Manage risks and assess on an ongoing basis, the availability of resources according  to emerging demand and opportunities and/or unforeseen need, identify areas where improvement can be made and recommended measures that can be taken;
  • Ensure timely preparation of project financial reports including monthly financial analysis reports against the multi year budget; 
  • Implement contingency plan to ensure  that project activities (data collection, data integration, recruitment, training etc) are on schedule;
  • Implement strategic partnerships with all stakeholders including UNDP Operations to identify areas of improvisation and advice the project management team accordingly; 
  • Implement strategies to maintain transparency and efficiency in project financial management so that it can meet all fiduciary requirements  for Annual audit of the project

Impact of Results:

The key results have an impact on the overall success of the UNDP IPD project and as a result impact on UNDP country programme and reaching UNDAF/ CPD goals. In particular, the key results have an impact on the overall effectiveness of the Bangladesh Parliament and its secretariat.


Competencies

Technical Competencies:

  • Proven financial and administrative management, including strategic and risk management, negotiation, mediation and team work skills;
  • Proven capacity to build strong relationships with clients based on  timely response and positive impact and result for the client;
  • Excellent report writing, policy analysis and analytical skills;
  • Excellent oral and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with the Honourable Speaker, Ministers, Members of Parliament, senior public officials and a range of stakeholders.
  • Proven capacity to demonstrate tact discretion and integrity and provide impartial advice and services to Members, Parliament Secretariat and UNDP;
  • Good understanding of the role and functions of Parliament and its Committees and the system of government in Bangladesh; 
  • Proven capacity to deliver effective programme support and excellent project management skills;
  • Excellent records management skills;
  • Excellent computer skills and ability to use financial based software and programs;
  • Train and mentor staff and ensure the facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

Behavioural Competencies:

  • High standards of integrity and the ability to handle confidential matters and provide impartial and apolitical advice.
  • Demonstrated capacity to participate effectively in small teams.
  • Demonstrable client based and results-oriented approach to work;
  • Proven ability to work effectively under pressure and in a highly charged environment and produce anticipated results; 
  • Good interpersonal skills and strong networking and representational skills;
  • Ability to promote learning environment, human rights and gender friendly work environment;
  • Neutrality and ability to work successfully in a  political environment; 
  • Initiative and ability to work in an organized and concise manner;
  • Ability to work supportively in a cross cultural environment;

Corporate Competencies:

  • Promotes UN's Values and ethical standards (tolerance, integrity, respect, results orientation, impartiality)
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and sensitivity and adaptability
  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling in the UN's values and ethical standards (human rights, peace, understanding between people and nations, tolerance, integrity, respect, results orientation, UNDP core ethics, impartiality.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
 

  • Bachelor degree in Business Administration, major in Accounting or Finance or Economics or Social Science from a reputed University.

Experience:

  • Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in financial management and managing programme operations and providing advisory services; managing staff and operational systems; and in the use of computers and recognised financial management systems and software ,
  • Experience in working with UNDP would be an advantage;
  • Professional Training on procurement, enterprise risk management and exposure to public procurement regulation (PPR) would be considered positively.

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in written and spoken Bangla and English