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 donors together to design and implement successful poverty alleviation projects.

 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 global contributions in support of the Sustainable Development Goals and collaboration with national development partners.  Nepal is accelerating its agenda of federalization while reconciling aspects of its Constitution which have implications for how UNDP engage with central and local level 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.

 Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Finance/Resources Management Analyst, the Finance Assistant provides operational financial services ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work. The Finance Assistant promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

 The Finance Assistant works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and projects’ staff in the Country Office (CO) and with UNDP HQs staff to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

In this section list the primary responsibilities of the position (Typically five).As needed add additional context below the responsibilities.Tip: Focus on what the job entails not how to do the job.

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

1. Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules and regulations of financial processes and financial records; implementation of the effective internal control framework.
2.    Input to the CO business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal SOP in Finance in consultation with the direct supervisor and office management.

Ensures functioning of the optical cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:

1. Provision of inputs for preparation of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for the services provided by UNDP, follow up on cost recovery.

 Provides accounting and administrative support to the Finance Unit and performs Global payroll functions focusing on achievement of the following results:

1. Proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports for NEX projects; preparation of all types of vouchers; PO vouchers;  Pay Cycle and payments execution.
2. Proper receipting of goods and services and establishment of accruals.

1. Maintenance 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 and processed; travel claims.
2. Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers.
3. Presentation of information on the status of financial resources as required.
4. Management of cash receipts and petty cash
5. Maintenance of proper filing system for finance records and documents.

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

1. Alternate to Finance Associate (ICS-6) for 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. Alternate to Finance Associate (ICS-6) for daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in Atlas to monitor imprest level; identification and recording of contributions.
3. Preparation of monthly UN exchange rate report to Treasury.
4. Timely and accurate preparation of bank reconciliations.
5. Initiation of bank transfers and deals in Atlas.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:

1. Participation in the  trainings for the operations/ projects staff on Finance Operations.
2. Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in financial management.
3. Contribution to knowledge networks and communities 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 2: Analyzes complex technical materials (including data) and makes concise, relevant recommendations

Leadership

Ability to persuade others to follow

Level 2: Proactively identifies new opportunities and challenges

People Management

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction

Level 2: Takes ownership of responsibilities

Communication

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

Level 2: Understands, explains and shares information on assigned tasks with accuracy and clarity

Delivery

Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

Level 2: Meets goals and timelines 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

Accounting (General)

Knowledge of accounting concepts, principles, regulations, and policies and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations

Level 2: Execute & Learn: Execute & Learn: Perform defined tasks

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 2: Execute & Learn: Performs defined tasks efficiently and deepens knowledge of area of work

Finance Management

Ability to create a process to achieve financial goals

Level 3: Implement & Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in area of work

Quality Assurance

Ability to perform administrative and procedural activities to ensure that quality requirements and goals are fulfilled

Level 2: Technical Assistance: Performs defined tasks efficiently and deepens knowledge of area of work

Client Orientation

Organises and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines

Level 2: Execute & Learn: Performs defined tasks efficiently and deepens knowledge of area of work

Recruitment Qualifications

Education:

Secondary Education, with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance or Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business or Public Administration desirable.

Experience:

• 5 years with Secondary education or  2 years with Bachelor’s degree, of experience in  finance and accounting  is required.
• 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.

UNDP Accountancy & Finance Test required for candidates who do not possess the required educational qualifications.This will be verified with OFRM before the shortlisting process.

Language Requirements:

Proficiency in English and Nepali