Under the overall guidance and supervision of DRR/DCD/OM or Finance Specialist, the Finance Analyst is responsible for effective and transparent utilization of financial resources and integrity of financial services. The Finance Analyst promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. He/she analyzes and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues. The Finance Analyst promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Finance Analyst works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and project teams in the Country Office (CO) and with UNDP HQs staff and Government officials ensuring successful Country Office (CO) performance in Finance.

The Finance Analyst will supervise, lead and support the Financial Resources Management Unit.

* The nature of work at ICS 8 level is specific. This is an entry professional level. The incumbent (who has corresponding educational background, but no experience in the field) is expected to apply theoretical conceptual models, make rudimentary analysis of project parameters in support of greater programme development activities. Team environment provides rich learning opportunities, facilitates rapid professional development. The duties performed as well as external contacts are rather limited. The incumbent grows professionally to be able to embrace responsibilities at higher levels.

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. 

Summary of key functions:

• Implementation of operational and financial management strategie
• Audit management for the National Implementation Modality (NIM) projects
• Projects’ budget management
• CO cash management
• Control of CO accounts
• Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing;

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

• 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.
• CO Finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance under the supervision of the Finance Specialist
• Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of forecasts for development and management projects, monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions, including dashboards.
• Preparation and monitoring of the management budget; regular analysis and reporting on the budget approvals and delivery situation and control of budgetary status versus authorized spending limits (ASL).
• Analysis and elaboration of proposals on cost saving and reduction strategies.
• Ensure the functioning and collection of the cost recovery and billing for the services provided to the UN agencies.
• Manage and supervise the Financial Resources Management Unit including workload analysis and distribution, preparation of unit workplans, coaching, and annual performance assessment. Contribute of the CO annual workplan and target setting

Ensures the management of the Audit for the National Implementation Modality (NIM) projects focusing on achievement of the following results:

• HACT focal point for the Country Office
• Preparation of the annual Audit plan for the selected projects for the year according to the NIM Audit criteria
• Initiate the Request For proposal (RFP) for the external Audit firms and finalize the selection process
• Review and perform quality assurance on the audit reports before submission to HQ

Ensures the management of projects’ budgets and organization and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Elaboration of proposals for planning of financial resources of the CO, preparation of reports containing analysis of the financial situation.
• Preparation and monitoring of budgets; regular analysis and reporting on the budget approvals and the delivery situation.
• Establishment of projects’ budgets preparation/modification monitoring system, control of budgetary status versus authorized spending limits (ASL) and budgets delivery levels.
• Implementation of the control mechanism for projects through monitoring budgets preparation and modifications, budgetary status versus ASL, follow up with HQs on ASL for projects, maintenance of the General Ledger.
• Acts as Certifying Officer and bank signatory
• Approval level 1 and ARGUS requester

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

• Analysis and elaboration of proposals for 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, and receipting of goods and services and establishment of accruals are properly done in compliance with IPSAS and UNDP policies and procedures..
• Control of accounts closure
• 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
• 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:

• 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.
• Daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in Atlas to monitor imprest level; identification and recording of contributions.
• Initiation of bank transfers and deals, selecting bank transfers and deals for approval and settlement.
• Timely preparation of monthly cash flow forecast for use by the supervisor.
• Acts as cashier for onsite transactions.

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 results:

• Organization/conduct of training for the operations/ programme/projects staff on financial management.
• Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in Finance.
• Sound contributions 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)

Core

Innovation

Ability to make new and useful ideas work

Level 4: Adept 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

Building Strategic Partnerships

Level 1.2:  Maintaining a network of contacts

• Analyzes and selects materials for strengthening strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders

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

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing

Level 1.2: Basic research and analysis

• Generates new ideas and approaches, researches best practices and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things
• Documents and analyses innovative strategies and new approaches

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

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

Level 1.2: Fundamental knowledge of own discipline

• Understands and applies fundamental concepts and principles of a professional discipline or technical specialty relating to the position
• Analyzes the requirements and synthesizes proposals
• Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning
• Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments

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

Level 1.2: Basic research and analysis

• Researches and documents ‘best practices’ in organizational change and development within and outside the UN system

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

Design and Implementation of Management Systems

Level 1.2: Research and analysis and making recommendations on management systems

• Maintains information/databases on system design features
• Develops simple system components

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

Client Orientation

Level 1.2: Establishing effective client relationships

• Researches potential solutions to internal and external client needs and reports back in a timely, succinct and appropriate fashion
• Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines
• Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients

Actively supports the interests of the client by making choices and setting priorities to meet their needs

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

Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management

Level 1.2: Basic monitoring

• Gathers, analyzes and disseminates information on best practice in accountability and results-based management systems
• Monitors the implementation of corporate accountability and results-based management systems and makes recommendations to enhance performance of business units

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

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.

UNDP Advanced Accountancy and Finance test required.

Experience:

Up to 2 years of relevant experience in providing financial management 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. 

Language Requirements:Fluency in the UN and national language of the duty station

Important applicant information

All posts in the GS categories are subject to local recruitment.

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.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension