BIOFIN Finance and Administrative Associate

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) is a global project implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with financial support from the Government of Flanders, Belgium, Germany, EU, Norway, and Switzerland. BIOFIN supports countries with a methodology that provides innovative steps to measure current biodiversity expenditures, assess financial needs, identify the most suitable finance solutions, and supports implementation of these solutions to help achieve national biodiversity targets.

In Zambia, the BIOFIN project is implemented at the national level by UNDP in partnership with the Ministries of Green Economy and Environment as well as the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. At present, some of the core activities of BIOFIN Zambia is working with the financial sector towards mainstreaming of green finance into the financial sector. Specific work streams include work on green bonds and green loans market development, green finance policy formulation for the financial sector as well as green finance tagging and reporting.

BIOFIN Zambia seeks to recruit a Finance and Administrative Assistant who will work under the guidance and direct supervision of the Programme Specialist (Team lead). The incumbent will coordinate the smooth administrative and financial management of the BOFIN Project. She/he will ensure to maintain project financial systems in accordance with financial policies and procedures, as well as timely provision of accurate financial reports to the Team Lead.

Under the direct supervision of Programme Specialist (Team lead), the BIOFIN Finance and Administrative Associate will undertake the following tasks:

Management & Administration:

• Providing support on the financial and administrative requirements of the project, especially those related to project funding and accounting; • Assist in ensuring that project is executed in a timely and appropriate manner; • Facilitate, guide and monitor the work of the national BIOFIN team, manage payment schedules; • Assist in project related activities, where required. These may include planning for meetings, local and national consultations, trips and other project related activities; • Maintain linkages with UNDP Country Office and BIOFIN Global team; • Document and share records of meetings, decisions, actions, etc.; • Support the Project Management Officer and Project Lead and Senior Finance Expert in steering the initial implementation of the resource mobilization strategy; • Any other duties assigned by the National BIOFIN Team Lead or Project Management Officer that have direct relevance to the project.

Finance and Payment:

• Manage the project budget; oversee procurement and accounting, together with the UNDP Country Office and BIOFIN Central Technical Unit; • Ensure financial resources are disbursed on time to implementing partners; • Maintain records of expenditures and collaborate in financial reporting.

• Accountability; • Adaptability and flexibility; • Building trust; • Client orientation; • Commitment and motivation; • Commitment to continuous learning; • Communication; • Ethics and values ; • Planning and organizing; • Professionalism; • Respect for diversity; • Working in teams.

preferably in the administration of projects. • Familiarity with principles of accounting and office practice are essential. • Familiar with financial and procurement process within UNDP. • Experience in providing a streamlined financial service role to a project management team, including experience in developing and delivering financial reports. • Experience and knowledge in technical cooperation programme implementation. • Experience in dealing with international institutions would be an added advantage. • Previous experience working in the field of environment/biodiversity will be desirable, but not a requirement. • Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently to tight deadlines. • Be fully computer literate, knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications and ability to operate standard office equipment.

Zambia is a landlocked, middle-income country with a population estimated at 18 million. Lusaka became the capital city of Zambia in May 1935. Lusaka’s central position in Zambia and its pleasant climate were two of the main reasons for its selection as the capital. It is a metropolis, which provides a home to about two and half million (2.5M) inhabitants of different nationalities. It has grown to become the seat of the Government of the Republic of Zambia and as such all diplomatic missions, international organizations, industrial and commercial entities are based there. Its political, social, economic and cultural significance has also increased through the years. Public transport is provided by private operators using minibuses and taxis. The bus routes are not mapped, and roads are often congested.

Good modern housing for rent is available on the open market. The official language is English, which is widely spoken. The country is generally food secure, with sufficient local fresh fruits and vegetables available in the markets, as well as various dairy, poultry and meat products. There are several international schools using the Cambridge GCSE or IGCSE syllabi, from key stage one through to A levels. Health conditions are generally good, although malaria is endemic. Zambia is generally a safe place to live in, although not free of crime. Some prudence is required. For more info, visit: http://www.zambiatourism.com. https://www.unv.org.