Job Purpose and Organizational Context

UNDP has been supporting the Nepalese people in their struggle against poverty since it opened an in-country office in 1963. Much of this support has gone to building up the capacity of government agencies, civil society and community groups to fight poverty, and to bringing these groups and Nepal's development partners together to design and implement successful projects to contribute to the achievement of Nepal’s development objectives.

 In parallel to the roll-out of its new Country Programme, 2018-2022, UNDP Nepal is reorganizing internally and moving towards strategically repositioning UNDP’s contributions in support of the Sustainable Development Goals and collaboration with national development partners.  Nepal is transforming itself in a federal state  as per its new Constitution which has implications for how UNDP engages with national and sub-national authorities.  Meanwhile, Nepal’s GNI continues to grow, making graduation from LDC status a scenario for which UNDP needs to begin planning and adapting to different models of development cooperation.

 In this context, under the guidance and supervision of the Operations Manager the Finance Analyst is responsible for effective delivery of financial services, transparent utilization of financial resources and management of the Country Office (CO) Finance Unit. He/she analyzes and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financia l issues. The Finance Analyst promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

 The Finance Analyst supervises and leads the staff of the Finance Unit. The Finance Analyst works in close collaboration with the operations programme and project teams in the CO and with UNDP HQs staff and Government officials ensuring successful CO performance in Finance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensures implementation of operational and financial management strategies, and adapts processes and procedures, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

1. Full compliance  of  financial  activities,  financial  recording/reporting  system  and  audit follow up with UN/UNDPrules, regulations, policies and slrategies; implementation of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of the financial resources management system.
2. CO Finance business processes mapping and elaboration/establishment of internal Standard Operations  Procedures in Finance, control of the work flows in the Finance Unit.
3. Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of forecasts for development and management projects.
4. Elaboration of the framework and conditions of contributions within the CO resources mobilization efforts.
5. Elaboration and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies.
6. Routinely monitors financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions, and investigates anomalies or unusual transactions. Informs supervisors and other UNDP staff at Headquarters of the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained.

Manages the project budgets and organizes an optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:

1. Financial resources management through planning, guiding, controlling of the resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations.
2. Preparation and monitoring of budgets of management projects.
3. Establishment of the development projects' budgets preparation/modification monitoring system, control of budgetary status versus authorized spending limits (ASL) and budgets delivery levels.
4. Sending project budget to KK if authorized by the Senior Management (can be done only on the basis of signed prodocs and project budgets).
5. Elaboration of proper mechanisms to eliminate deficiencies in budget management.
6. Preparation of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for the services provided by UNDP.

Ensures proper control of CO accounts focusing  on achievement  of the  following results:

1. Elaboration of the internal expenditures' control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas; payrolls are duly prepared; MPOs, travel claims and other entitlements are duly processed, receipting of goods and services and establishmen t of accruals are properly done in compliance with IPSAS and UNDP policies and procedures.
2. Manager level 1 in Atlas.
3. Control of accounts closure.
4. Approval of vendors in Atlas.
5. Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers. Timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues.
6. Control of the Accounts Receivables for UNDP projects and maintenance of the General Ledger.

Ensures proper CO cash management focusing on achievement of the following results:

1. Timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements. Timely identification and recording of receipts for income application.
2. Monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions and investigation of anomalies or unusual transactions. Provision of information to supervisors and other UNDP staff at HQ on the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained.
3. Daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in Atlas to monitor imprest level; identification and record of contributions.
4. Primary contact with local bank management on routine operational matters including negotiation of exchange rate on replenishments.
5. Member of bank signatory panel.
6. Approval and submission of monthly UN exchange rate reports to Treasury.
7. Timely and accurate approval of bank reconciliation, including documented review of exceptions.
8. Initiation of bank transfers and deals, selecting bank transfersand deals for approval and settlement.
9. Performing Paycycle manager role in Atlas.
10. Timely preparation of monthly cashflow forecast for use by Operations Manager. Liaison with UN Agencies to obtain estimate of their cash requirements.
11. Role as cashier for cash disbursements made on site.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO and guidance to all stakeholders on financial matters focusing on achievement of the following result s:

1. Organization/conduct of training for the operations/programme/projects staff on financial management and RBM.
2. Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in Finance.
3. Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communites of practice

Competencies and Selection Criteria

Description of Competency at Level Required

(For more comprehensive descriptions please see the competency inventory)

In this section list all core competencies as well as the most relevant technical/functional competencies the role will require along with the appropriate level.  A Detailed list of competencies can be accessed through the following link: https://intranet.undp.org/unit/ohr/competency-framework/SitePages/Home.aspx

Core

Innovation

Ability to make new and useful ideas work

Level 4: Adapt with complex concepts and challenges convention purposefully

Leadership

Ability to persuade others to follow

Level 4: Generates commitment, excitement and excellence in others

People Management

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction

Level 4: Models independent thinking and action

Communication

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

Level 4: Synthesizes information to communicate independent analysis

Delivery

Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

Level 4: Meets goals and quality criteria for delivery of products or services

Technical/Functional

Detailed list of competencies can be accessed through https://intranet.undp.org/unit/ohr/competency-framework/SitePages/Home.aspx

 and hiring managers are encouraged to familiarize themselves for more information

Technical Knowledge

Ability to formulate and manage budgets, transactions, conduct financial analysis, reporting and cost recovery

Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise

Promoting organizational change and development

Ability to diagnose problems and identifies and communicates processes to support change initiatives

Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting.

Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise

Management and Leadership

Builds strong relationships with clients; consistently approaches work with energy and positive attitude

Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise

Learning and Development

Knowledge of enterprise learning and development issues, concepts, and principles, and ability to apply them to enhance the fulfillment and performance of employees

Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise

Recruitment Qualifications

Education:

Advanced (Masters) University Degree in Finance/Accounting, Business, or Public Administration, or a professional accounting qualification from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy. Professionally qualified accountants from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.

Experience:

2 years of relevant experience in providing financial management and accounting advisory services, 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 and ERP financials, preferably PeopleSoft.

Experience of IPSAS and/or IFRS is required for external candidates.

UNDP Advance Accountancy & Finance Test required.

Language Requirements:

Proficiency in English and Nepali.

Workforce Diversity:

UNDP is committed to achieve workforce diversity (in terms of nationality, minority groups, caste/ethnic groups, persons with disability etc.) and has a policy to have gender balance among staff at all levels.  Qualified female candidates and candidates particularly from disadvantaged and socially excluded groups are strongly encouraged to apply.