UNDP Jobs - 33102- Programme Finance Associate

Programme Finance Associate

Location :

Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

19-Oct-12 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year renewable

Languages Required :

English

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 Ministry of Finance (MOF) is the recipient of all development and Aid funds in Tanzania. In order to be fully compliant with the Paris Declaration, Development partners are encouraged to channel the support to the government through making their commitments in the Aid Management Platform that is managed by the MOF. UNDP Tanzania is supporting Government of Tanzania in various practices and strives to remain compliant to the Paris Declaration. UNDP therefore envisages disbursing funds for implementation of all its NIM projects through the Exchequer System of the MOF.

With such a complex role in coordination, oversight and implementation, the MOF and other IPs need a strong technical and financial resource base to perform its functions effectively. As such, it has endorsed the placement of a roving accounting support through a Service Contract managed and undertaken by UNDP. The main role of this support is to facilitate financial and accounting processes to ensure timely request and reporting on funds disbursed, as well as ensuring speedy delivery on project resources mainly supported by UNDP.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the UN Desk Officer at the MOF; coordinating with the various project focal points at the IP and providing regular reports to the Head of Project Management Support of UNDP; the Programme Finance Associate will perform the following duties:

Facilitate timely preparation and submission of FACE requests by the IP for each quarter to UNDP for financial disbursement
Facilitate timely preparation and submission of expenditure reports (FACE report) on funds advanced to IPs for the implementation of UNDP NIM projects
Facilitate NIM and HACT training and skills transfer to project accountants on the use of FACE in consideration with the new work processes i.e. UNDAP
Participate and support the process of annual work plan review and budget revision for each project in the UNDP portfolio that is nationally implemented
Support strategic planning for better project delivery by supporting improved and proactive planning and monitoring
Facilitate the IP to ensure that strong linkages exist between activity planning/ narrative reporting and financial planning/reporting
Participate and coordinate with the AMP focal points to ensure all UNDP commitments are correctly captured and reported when funds are disbursed
In consultation with the UN Desk Officer and IP focal point, facilitate access to funds disbursed through Exchequer by the IP; inform UNDP of any challenges and propose solutions to ensure minimum transit time between disbursement and receipt of funds
Perform spot checks and regular monitoring of the project delivery; preparation of reports including donor reports and provision of advice on reporting; and submission of the same to the UNDP Project Management Support Head
Support IP on generation of information/reports on the situation in project implementation to the UN Desk Officer, respective Project Coordinators and UNDP Head of Project Management Support unit, identification of operational and financial problems and proposal of remedial actions
In collaboration with other Accountants in the unit/department, support the maintenance of up to date financial information for all projects under the UNDP portfolio
Participate and facilitate audit process for all projects in compliance with government and UNDP systems and ensure implementation of audit recommendations
Any other duties assigned by Supervisor.

Expected Results/Deliverables:

1. Timely quarterly advance requests for all UNDP projects under NIM.

2. Timely financial and narrative reports submission by IP for all UNDP projects

3. Functioning Exchequer System

Competencies

Familiarity and understanding of the government accounting systems.
Dynamic and flexible with proven ability to work under pressure.
Enjoy working in a demand-driven environment, with ability to respond rapidly and effectively to the needs of many clients.
A team player with strong inter-personal skills and the ability to comfortably communicate at all levels.
Ability to identify client needs and deliver them promptly and accurately.

Education

· Secondary Education, with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance. University Degree in Finance, Business or Public Administration desirable, but it is not a requirement. Part-qualified accountants from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.

Experience

Seven years of progressively responsible financial management or accounting experience is required, with knowledge of programme or project finance desirable. 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.
Knowledge of Atlas, IPSAS and/or IFRS desired.