UNDP - Finance Associate (Re-advertised)

Background

The Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria has a history of providing grants to South Sudan (formerly Republic of Sudan) dating back to 2004. UNDP South Sudan, currently serves as a Global Fund interim Principal Recipient (PR) for HIV and TB New Funding Model (NFM) projects. In order to effectively implement the projects, UNDP has partnered with eight sub-recipients (SRs): 2 Government entities (the National TB Control Programme of Ministry of Health; HIV/AIDS Unit of Ministry of Health and South Sudan AIDS Commission); 2 UN entities (WHO and IOM); and 4 International NGOs (IMA World Health, IMC UK, Cordaid, Arkangelo Ali Association).

UNDP manages the Global Fund grants under Additional Safe-Guarding Policy. The policy was initiated by the Global Fund as a result of the challenging operating environment and in efforts to reduce financial risks. As such, UNDP is required to closely oversee sub-recipient programme implementation, monitor and assess the risks and to review the effectiveness of mitigation measures in SR financial and asset management

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Senior Finance Analyst, the Finance Associate ensures effective execution of financial services and processes in the PMU and transparent utilization of financial resources. The Finance Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. 

The Finance Associate works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and projects’ staff in the PMU and CO staff for resolving finance-related issues and information exchange.

Duties and Responsibilities

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

• Full compliance with UN/UNDP and GFATM rules and regulations of financial processes, financial records and reports and audit follow up; implementation of the effective internal control framework.
• CO Finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance in consultation with the direct supervisor and office management.

2.     Ensures administration of budgets and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:

•  Preparation and modifications of budgets for UNDP development projects, follow-up with HQs on Approved Spending Limit for development projects.
•   Presentation of researched information for planning and status of financial resources of the unit.
•   Ensuring project budgets are authorized by the Senior Management based on signed prodocs and project budgets.
•    Timely preparation of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for the services provided by UNDP, implementation of the income tracking system and follow up on cost recovery.

3.     Provides accounting and administrative support to the HIV/AIDS Unit focusing on achievement of the following results:

•    Proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports for NEX/NGO projects; preparation of all types of vouchers, and payments execution.
•    Approval of vendors in Atlas with authorization by Senior Management).
•    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, and other entitlements are duly processed
•    Timely accounts closure
•    Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers. Timely response to CO and HQ requests to resolve financial data issues.
• Maintenance of the Accounts Receivables for UNDP projects and follow-up with partners on contributions, deposits creation in Atlas and their application to AR pending items

4.   Ensures proper HIV/AIDS unit cash management functioning focusing on achievement of the following results:

•    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.
•    Identification and recording of contributions.
•    Transaction and stop payment initiation on internet banking systems.
•    Timely preparation of monthly cash-flow forecast for use by Finance Analyst.

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

•    Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on Finance.
•   Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in Finance.                   Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Competencies

Knowledge Management and Learning

•   Shares knowledge and experience
•   Encourages office staff to share knowledge and contribute to UNDP Practice Areas
•   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 perform a variety of specialized activities related to financial resources management, including formulating budgets, maintaining Accounts Receivables and Accounts Payables, making transactions, reporting.
•   Sound knowledge of financial rules and regulations, accounting
•   Strong IT skills
•   Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system.

Leadership and Self-Management

•   Focuses on result for the client
•   Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
•   Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
•   Demonstrates openness to change
•   Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view

UNDP Accounting and Finance Training and certification

Required Skills and Experience

Recruitment Qualifications:

Education:

Secondary Education with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance. University Degree in Business or Public Administration would be desirable, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

6 years of progressively responsible finance experience is required at the national or international level. 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.

Disclaimer

Kindly note that this vacancy announcement is for qualified South Sudanese nationals only

To start the application process, applicants are required to register at http://jobs.undp.org by creating a personal profile and completing UNDP Personal History Form. Please note that UNDP only accepts degrees from accredited educational institutions. Only applications received through http://jobs.undp.org will be considered and applications received after closing date will not be considered. Due to the large number of applications received for UNDP South Sudan vacancies, only applicants short-listed for written test and interview will be contacted.

General Information

UNDP is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staffs and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and persons with disabilities.

UNDP is a United Nations organization whose staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, neutrality and impartiality. This includes respect for and commitment to human rights, diversity, and non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. UNDP staff are expected to uphold these values at all times, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNDP jobs.

UNDP has zero tolerance of sexual abuse, abuse of authority and exploitation.

The United Nations does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process (application, testing, interviewing, etc). The United Nations does not concern itself with information related to bank accounts.