Background

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Int’l Technical Specialist Financial Inclusion, UNCDF, “Making Access to Finance more Inclusive for Poor People” (MAFIPP) Programme, the Programme Analyst is responsible for management of UNCDF’s Financial Inclusion programmes in Lao PDR, covering currently MAFIPP and “Shaping Inclusive Finance Transformations” (SHIFT) ASEAN-wide Programme activities relating to Lao PDR, possibly later Global Thematic Initiatives from UNCDF in the domain of Financial Inclusion.

The Programme Analyst analyzes political, social and economic trends and leads formulation, management and evaluation of programme activities within his/her portfolio, and provides policy advisory services. The Programme Analyst assures on a day-to-day basis the management of UNCDF Financial Inclusion activities in the country within the UN system, the visibility of UNCDF in the dialogue with national authorities and other national partners, as well as with the donor community, the management of programming resources and the involvement of UNCDF in strategic partnerships and resource mobilization.                                             

The Programme Analyst works in close collaboration with other programme staff, including in UNCDF Local Development Local Finance practice area, other UN Agencies, in particular UNDP, the UNDP/UNCDF operations team, UNCDF Regional Office, UNCDF HQ, Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNCDF programme implementation in concertation with the UNDP Lao PDR Poverty Reduction Unit.

 The Programme Analyst will receive global strategic guidance from UNCDF management and the Regional Team as well as advice on operational issues, and UNCDF specific rules and regulations from the UNCDF Management Support Unit (MSU) in HQ; and on tools in terms of communication and resource mobilization from the Partnership Unit. S/he will collaborate with the UNCDF Evaluation Advisor on issues concerning evaluation of Financial Inclusion programmes.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

  • Implementation of Financial Inclusion programme strategies
  • Management, technical support and assurance of the UNCDF’s Financial Inclusion programme
  • Provision of top quality policy advice services to the Government and facilitation of knowledge building and management.

1.Ensures implementation of UNCDF’s Financial Inclusion programme strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Compliance with corporate management standards, guidelines and procedures, finance guidelines and corporate planning tools and frameworks.
  • Update analysis and research of the political, social and economic situation in the country and preparation of substantive inputs to various programming documents (Common Country Assessment, UN Development Assistance Framework, Country Programme Document, Country Programme Action Plan, etc)
  • Maintain good communication and build relationships and networks with relevant ministries and government offices such as the Ministry of Planning & Investment /Dpt of Int’l Cooperation (MPI/DIC) as well as key partners and stakeholders.
  • Identification of areas for support and interventions within the thematic/sectorial areas assigned. Ensure that Human Right Based Approach (HRBA) and gender issues are well integrated into programme and project activities.
  • Participate in Programme appraisal, and make adjustments to Programme according to Lao Government priorities and available resources.
  • UNCDF business processes mapping and preparation of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Results Management.

2. Ensures effective management of the UNCDF’s Financial Inclusion programme in Lao PDR focusing on quality control from formulation to implementation of the country programme achieving the  following results:

  • Effective application of Results-Based Management (RBM) tools, establishment of management targets (BSC) and monitoring achievement of results.
  • Coordination of programme implementation with the responsible parties and subcontracted partners.
  • Following up on the performance indicators/ success criteria, cost recovery, targets and milestones.
  • Coordination of the budget revisions, project closure, etc.
  • Financial monitoring of the project, including PBA agreements, identification of operational and financial problems, development of solutions.
  • Follow up on audit recommendations. All exceptions are timely reported.
  • Aggregate reports are regularly prepared on activities, outputs and outcomes.Support preparation of donor reports

3.Provides administrative support to the UNCDF’s Financial Inclusion programme in Lao PDR to complete on UNCDF’s end all procedures initiated by the programme:

  • Participates in recruitment processes for the programme and advises on the HR policy of locally implemented Financial Inclusion programmes.
  • Acts as the in-country focal point of the SHIFT programme and coordinates the SHIFT activities with related Lao stakeholders, primarily on policy development.
  • Provides support for the procurement of goods and services – primarily int’l consultants – delegated by the programme to UNCDF. Actively liaise with the UNDP Country Office Procurement Unit, and when applicable the UNCDF relevant support units (HQ, MM4P) in the recruitment and contracting of short-term consultants and other procurement services.
  • Performs all financial entries in Atlas
    • Requisitions, POs and vouchers approval
    • Executes diligently direct payment requests from MAFIPP
    • Prepare and settles IPOA advances on behalf of MAFIPP
    • Reconciliation of Atlas CDRs with MAFIPP’s own accounting (follow-up of expenses according to its Annual Work Plan)
  • Manage overseas travel and logistical arrangements for MAFIPP staff and for visiting missions and in obtaining visas for staff and consultants traveling to the field.
  • Liaise with UNCDF HQ on the signing and execution of Performance Based Agreements approved with Recipient Institutions by the FIF Investment Committee.
  • Analyze and identify operational and administrative problems, and develop creative solutions.

4.Provides backstopping and advice to the UNCDF’s Financial Inclusion programme in Lao PDR to complete on UNCDF’s end all procedures initiated by the programme:

  • Provide guidance on administrative and operational policies and procedure to the MAFIPP team and to the partners on routine implementation of projects.
  • Provide guidance specifically on compliance with the National Implementation Modalities (NIM) guidelines.
  • Transfer knowledge on UNDP and UNCDF corporate policies and procedures to MAFIPP Team.

5.Facilitates knowledge building and knowledge management focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Coordinate with UNDP and UNCDF’s communications and knowledge management teams.
  • Disseminate information on the program to stakeholders and partners.
  • Coordinate and /liaise with editors, translators, and printers of MAFIPP reports, briefs and other knowledge products before publishing
  • Maintain knowledge product database of external materials collected by MAFIPP staff and feed UNCDF public website and intranet.
  • Liaise with regional centers, UNDP country offices and development partners for information sharing.
  • Support logistical arrangements for conferences/workshops/meetings undertaken by the MAFIPP Team.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNCDF
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism

 Functional Competencies:

 Knowledge Management and Learning

  • Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office
  • In-depth knowledge on development issues
  • Ability to advocate and provide policy advice
  • 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
  • Good knowledge of the Results Management Guide and Toolkit
  • Strong IT skills (MS Office, presentation, email, internet, ERM)
  • Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change

 Management and Leadership

  • Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
  • Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
  • Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressureDemonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

 

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or related field.

Experience:

 2 years or more of relevant experience at the national or international level in providing management advisory services, hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems