The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is the UN main agency in the fight against illicit drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism in virtue of the UN Conventions and Universal Instruments in this regard.   

The UNODC Regional Office for South Asia is located in New Delhi (India) and covers six countries of the region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. UNODC delivers assistance in the region under its Regional Programme for South Asia titled “Promoting the rule of Law and countering drugs and crime in South Asia” and has five sub-programmes relating to (1) countering transnational organized crime (2) a comprehensive response to the drug problem (drug trafficking; drugs & health); (3) countering corruption, (4) terrorism prevention and (5) crime prevention and criminal justice.

The UNODC Office seeks to hire the services of a Finance & Admin Assistant in Maldives to provide support in implementation of the EU funded prisons project as well as other initiatives being implemented under the Regional Programme for South Asia.

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships: 

This position is located in the Maldives. The Finance & Admin Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator and the overall guidance and supervision of the UNODC Regional Representative of South Asia.

The Finance and Admin Assistant will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

General Administration

• Organize and coordinate administrative arrangements for workshops and trainings.
• Monitor accounts and payment to vendors and individual contractors for goods and services.
• Prepare, process and follow-up on administrative arrangements related to official travel. Ensure full compliance of UN rules and regulations, policies and strategies on travel management guidelines.
• Maintain project records, documents and correspondence.
• Maintain the project inventory.
• Draft routine correspondence and documents.
• Other duties as required.

Finance

• Process payment requests, record and reconcile them against yearly project funding request for all activities under the project and ensure timely closure of all open commitments for better utilisation of funds.
• Prepare and review budget proposals for project documents/revisions, especially costed work-plans/budgets, for completeness and compliance with relevant rules and procedures.
• Monitor status of expenditures and allotments, record variations and update budget tables as per approved annual quarterly workplans.
• Prepare requisitions for goods and services to ensure (a) correct objects of expenditure have been charged and (b) availability of funds.
• Prepare financial advance requests to be submitted to EU/Donors/UN agencies on a quarterly basis and maintain bank reconciliation, financial transaction and certification of expenditure reports.
• Oversee and ensure efficient project procurement i.e. technical bids, financial bids, proposals and contracts following the UNODC/Umoja procurement Guidelines.
• Draw up specifications for the equipment required for procurement in close work with programme and ensure proper operation, maintenance and appropriate distribution of such equipment.
• Prepare statistical tables and standard financial reports.

Key Results Expected:

Accurately prepares reports and records in the areas of work programming, budget/financial management, and other administrative functions; administrative coordination of programme/project planning, preparation of activities and general office support services

• Professionalism – Good knowledge and command of planning, programming budgeting, financial management and other relevant administrative policies. Demonstrated ability to provide effective specialized advice in a broad range of development assistance issues.
• Communication – Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; exhibits interest in having two-way communication; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Teamwork – Proven interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• Planning and organizing – Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; uses time efficiently.
• Accountability – Takes ownership of all responsibility and honor commitments; delivers outputs in line with agreed schedules, budgets and quality standards in line with prevailing rules, regulations and procedures.
• Commitment to continuous learning – Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession. Actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally. Shows willingness to learn from others.

Educational Qualification:

• A first level university degree in commerce, accounting or a related field or completed Higher Secondary Education.

Experience:    

• 2 years of work experience in the area of finance and/or administration with Bachelors Degree and 5 years of related work experience with High School Certificate.
• Experience in administration of technical assistance projects in government/ international organisation is desirable.
• Work Experience with UN and knowledge of UN policies, guidelines and procedures would be an asset.
• Proficient in computer skills including word, excel and power point.
• Ability to do internet search.

Language Requirements:   

• Excellent command of English  and Dhivehi (oral and written). 

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC 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.

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If you require clarification please write to mariyam.nazra@undp.org

Approximate take home pay is MVR 16,400

Contract Duration: January – December 2020 (extendable)