UNDP Jobs - 14444- Administrative and financial assistant

Administrative and financial assistant

Location :

Minsk, BELARUS

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

15-Feb-2010

Application Deadline :

31-Jan-10 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

10,5 Months

Languages Required :

English Russian

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

The project’s primary goal is to improve access of population and small business to finance and credit recourses by developing microfinance services and raising financial culture of population.

The project will promote the development of a commercially viable microfinance sector and its integration in the national credit and finance system. The project will support the efforts to improve the business environment, reduce administrative barriers to enterprise activity and expand economic opportunity in small cities and rural areas.

Access of the general public to finance and credit will be conducive to meeting national and regional targets on enterprise development and material well-being.

The project is fully consistent with the State Socio-economic Development Programme of the Republic of Belarus for 2006-2010 and the Concept of State Support and Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises for 2006-2010.

The project “Support to Microfinance Development in Belarus” was launched in partnership of the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus and UNDP. The project commenced to operate in 2008. Accordance with Memorandum between the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus and the UNDP, done in Minsk, Belarus on 23 December 2009, the parties agreed to extend the project till 31 December 2010 and to introduce the position of an administrative and financial assistant of the Project Manager on period from 15.02.2010 to 31.12.2010).

The “Support to Microfinance Development in Belarus” project’s focus:

A Concept of Microfinance Development in the Republic of Belarus developed to create a sound basis for sustained growth of the national microfinance sector;
A more enabling legal framework in place, conducive to the growth of microfinance institutions, including of non-governmental non-profit organisations;
A group of national experts from banking and non-banking sectors trained in various aspects of microfinance;
Increased awareness of microfinance on the part of financial institutions, entrepreneurial associations, business support centers and the general public.

Project’s objectives:

To develop a Microfinance Development Concept and propose specialized legislation on microfinance;
To improve capacity of the banking and non-banking sectors in microfinance;
To improve public awareness of microfinance and financial literacy levels;
The project is fully consistent with the State Socio-economic Development .

More information about the program/project can be found at www.undp.by

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will be based in the Minsk, Belarus. He/she will work in close cooperation with Project Manager and will be responsible for all administrative (contractual, organizational and logistical) and all accounting (disbursements, record-keeping, cash management) and reporting matters under the project.

The selected Administrative and financialassistant shall:

ensure efficient administrative support, focusing on achievement of the following results:
coordination of travel arrangements for Project Manager and staff;
organization of workshops, conferences, working meetings;
support with protocol matters, drafting visa support letters for incoming and outgoing missions;
maintenance and monitoring of staff monthly and annual attendance records for CO review;
preparation and submission of support documents for SC and SSA recruitment, using UNDP recruitment system;
control the usage of non expendable equipment (record keeping, preparing regular inventories);
organization and coordination of procurement of services and goods under the project;

coordinate implementation of Registry functions, focusing on achievement of the following results:

provision of reliable registry services and assistance to Project Manager in Maintenance of project files and documentation;
drafting correspondence and documents; finalizing correspondence of administrative nature; edition of reports and other documents;
provision of reliable action on telephone inquiries, fax, post, e-mail transmissions, and co-ordination of appointments;
contribution to preparation of periodic financial reports for project, donors and other parties involved in implementation and fund activities;
ensure administration of budgets focusing on achievement of the following results:
preparation and modifications of budgets for project and budgets revision in consultation with Project Manager;
implementation of the control mechanism for development projects through monitoring budgets preparation and modifications;
provision of financial monitoring over project commitments and expenditures, assistance in assuring proper project delivery;
preparation of regular financial report drafts and documents required by relevant national procedures;
participation in the preparation of project reports on the work performed in line with UNDP requirements;

provide accounting and administrative support to the project focusing on achievement of the following results:

advice to Project Manager on different donor reporting requirements; monitoring of financial reports to be submitted to donors;
proper control of the supporting documents for payments, review of financial reports for NEX projects.
preparation of payment requests with proper support documentation;
preparation of Travel requests and Requisitions for UNDP CO processing;
entering financial data into ATLAS using external access: responsible for creation of requisitions vouchers, vendors and ATLAS reports;
performing functions of petty cash custodian.

Administrative and financial assistant will report to Project Manager.

Competencies

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexity;
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Shares knowledge and experience;
Provides helpful feedback and advice to Project Manager;
Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view.

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications: Higher educational degree in economics/banking and finance, development studies, economics or related fields
Experience: At least 2 years of progressively responsible finance and administrative experience is required at the national or international level. Experience in implementation of development project is desirable. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc). Knowledge of bases of economic and banking activity would be an asset.
Language requirements: Good English writing and speaking skills, excellent oral and written communications skills.

Applications procedures:
APPOINTMENT AGAINST THIS POST IS STRICTLY ON LOCAL BASIS.

UNDP WILL ONLY CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FROM RESIDENTS OF BELARUS

Applicants are requested to apply on-line.

Information about the condition of the SC contract: http://un.by/vacancy/undp/conditions/

Applicants have to:

Complete the form stating their interest in and qualifications for the position (in English);
Upload completed Personal History Form (PHF) in the required resume field. The PHF form can be downloaded from: http://un.by/vacancy/undp/form/ ;

Responsible applicants will be shortlisted, and at least three applicants will gain a personal, or telephone hearing.

Women are encouraged to apply. UNDP is non-smoking work environment.

Due to the large number of applicants for UNDP positions, UNDP regrets that it is unable to inform unsuccessful candidates about the outcome or status of the recruitment process.