Programme Finance Associate

UNDP - United Nations Development Programme


Background

 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

 
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.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.

Under the broader framework of the SDGs and in line with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), UNDP Tajikistan continues to deliver on its key strategic priorities within its Country Programme for the period 2023-2026, namely: (i) Sustainable, inclusive and green economic growth, (ii) Integrated management of climate and environmental risks, and (iii) people-centered governance and advancing rule of law.

In achieving the above, UNDP supports the acceleration of Tajikistan’s industrialization, economic productivity and competitiveness, trade, innovative entrepreneurship while ensuring that growth is risk-informed and inclusive.

UNDP continues to invest in Tajikistan’s growth in a sustainable manner and to strengthen resilience to climate change through advancing climate change adaptation (CCA), mitigation and disaster risk reduction (DRR)

UNDP invests in improving access to rights and services through strengthening effective, inclusive and accountable governing institutions, promoting a transparent, gender-sensitive and digitalized public administration with innovative solutions.  UNDP focuses on the advancement rule of law and access to justice and facilitates people’s meaningful participation – in particular, women and youth – in decision-making to promote equality and social cohesion at local level. 

Position Purpose

Under the overall guidance of the Operations Specialist and direct supervision of the Programme Management Analyst, the Programme Finance Associate provides support and guidance in the effective execution of programme finance services ensuring effective and transparent utilization of financial resources and the integrity of financial services. The Programme Finance Associate promotes a client-oriented and results-focused approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Programme Finance Associate works in close collaboration with the Programme and Operations, and project teams to resolve complex programme financial management related issues, reporting requirements, and meet other corporate standards.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensure the administration and implementation of operational and financial management strategies, processes, and policies.

  • Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, and policies of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and follow-up on audit recommendations; implementation of effective internal controls, proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system. 
  • Provide advisory support and communicate with project, programme, and operations personnel in the area of financial resource management, and liaise with relevant HQ, Global Shared Service Centre units
  • CO Finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance in consultation with office management. 
  • Implementation of cost sharing and trust fund agreements, 
  • Elaboration of conditions of contributions within the CO resource mobilization efforts. 

Provide support to CO programme management and ensure optimal cost recovery.

  • Development and follow up on Programme Portfolio Pipeline and Project Tree in Quantum/ERP systems as appropriate. Entry of data of new grants into Quantum in the form of Annual Work Plans (AWPs), monitoring of AWPs status. 
  • Ensures Quantum matching, implementation of effective internal controls, proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system, control mechanism for development projects through monitoring budgets preparation and modifications, budgetary status versus ASL, follow up with HQs on ASL for development projects, maintenance of the General Ledger. 
  • Provision of information/reports on the situation in programme, identification of operational and financial problems, proposal of solutions. 
  • Accuracy verification of Combined Delivery Reports and follow-up on their signing by National Counterparts. 
  • Regular monitoring and contribute to reporting of the CO delivery
  • Provide inputs to project reports and other analytical documents 
  • Preparation of reports including donor reports and other analytical documents 
  • Verification and reconciliation of various expenditures reports from the CO, HQ and Executing Agencies.  
  • Periodic monitoring of dashboards and exceptions, identification of the remedial actions in coordination with the supervisor. 
  • Timely preparation of cost-recovery bills in Quantum for the services provided, implementation of the income tracking system and follow up on cost recovery. 
  • Provision of researched information for the audit of NIM projects, implementation of audit recommendations. 

Provide support to the implementation of the resources mobilization strategy.

  • Contribute to drafting of cost sharing and trust fund agreements and obtaining of clearances from HQ if necessary. 
  • Monitoring of cost-sharing contributions, preparation of annual reporting pending items, application of deposits against prepared pending items. 
  • Provide inputs in the development of project concept notes. 
  • Track and reporting on mobilized resources
  • Advice to Programme and Project Staff on different donor reporting requirements.
  • Monitoring of financial reports to be submitted to donors.

Facilitate knowledge building and sharing, with guidance to all stakeholders.

  • Guidance to the executing agencies on routine implementation of projects, tracking use of financial resources. 
  • Advice to Project staff on all reporting needs, in particular, on budgetary issues. 
  • Organization of training for the operations/programme/projects staff on financialmanagement and RBM. 
  • Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in programme and project finance. 
  • Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice. 

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: None 


Competencies

Core Competencies

  • Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
  • Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
  • Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
  • Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
  • Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
  • Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

  • Business Management – Results-based Management
  • Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results
  • Business Management – Risk Management
  • Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks.
  • Business Management – Client Management
  • Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real client needs.
  • Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests.
  • Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.
  • Business Management – Operations Management
  • Ability to effectively plan, organize, and oversee the Organization’s business processes in order to convert its assets into the best results in the most efficient manner. 
  • Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms
  • Digital Innovation – Data Analysis
  • Ability to extract, analyse and visualize data (including Real-Time Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision making
  • Finance – Audit risk management
  • Ability to address audit issues raised in the course of an audit and propose solutions in order to ensure true and fair audit opinion is achieved
  • Finance – Budget management
  • Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets
Required Skills and Experience

 
Education:
  • Secondary Education or High Scholl Diploma is required. A certificate in Business Administration/Accounting or Finance will provide distinctive advantage to the candidate. University degree in Finance, Business or Public Administration,  or Accounting desirable. Part-qualified accountants from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.  (The degree must state that the major is in accounting or finance. Degrees in Business Administration or Public Administration are not considered equivalent.)”
  • Fully Qualified Accountant, from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy or Full Completion of the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP). No UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) is required.
  • Candidates with no professional accountancy qualifications, but with degrees that major in accountancy and/or finance must complete UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), if recruited. However, no UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) is required.
  • Candidate with no professional accountancy qualifications but with relevant experience must successfully undertake UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) before shortlisting and must complete the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), if recruited.
Experience:
  • Minimum of seven (7) years ( with secondary education) or four (4) years (with a Bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible financial management and/or accounting experience is required.
  • Knowledge of programme and project finance management desirable
  • Sound expertise in budget analysis and control, and financial management functions 
  • Experience in the usage of digital finance solutions and software packages, and advanced knowledge of data management and systems is desired.
  • Capable of working to deadlines and taking on a range of tasks
  • Self-motivated and able to recommend options for resolutions of issues
  • Knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS required
  • Experience with UNDP and/or international organizations/UN agencies is an asset 
  • Experience with Government institutions is an asset

Language:

  • Fluency in English, Russian and Tajik is required.
Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
 
Disclaimer
 
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
 
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
 
Non-discrimination
 
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  
 
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
 
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