Finance & administrative Consultant

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

Contributing to the efficient implementation of the project “Agreements, processes, and tools to move towards a climate-resilient society in El Salvador” by executing the tasks outlined in the Term of Reference.

Specific tasks and responsibilities

The Finance & administrative Consultant will contribute to the effective implementation of the project by guaranteeing that the following tasks integrate the gender mainstreaming:

1. Collaborate with the National Project Coordinator in the timely preparation and submission of project work plans, budgets, procurement plans, and progress reports.
2. Collaborate with the National Project Coordinator in developing terms of reference, identifying and selecting consultants, and monitor their work and deliverables, in coordination with MARN.
3. Monitor progress of project activities and identify corrective measures to overcome operational constraints.
4. Participate in the preparation, monitoring, evaluation of compliance of the Procurement Plan, Operational Plans, and the project budget.
5. Contribute with the financial Management and monitoring of the Project Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with the Fundación Iris.
6. Participate in the administrative process of recruitment and hiring of individual consultants, consultancy firms and procurement of goods and services carried out in accordance with the project proposal, and the procedures of UNEP.
7. Provide technical expertise in the logistical organization and administration of Project Steering Committee and other relevant meetings, events, workshops, trainings, consultations, and communications efforts (as necessary).
8. Prepare agendas and arrange appointments and meetings related to the project activities and write minutes from the meetings.
9. Maintain general office files and databases and keep the information in a manner which allows easy reference and retrieval.
10. Receive, or draft and distribute correspondence on a variety of project related subject-matters in both Spanish and English languages, attaching necessary background information, and ensuring that grammar, spelling and format are correct.
11. Translate or organize and oversee the translation of project documentation and reports between Spanish and English, as relevant.
12. Collaborate with the Project Management Unit in any other support services as requested, to ensure smooth operation of daily activities and proper management of the unit’s resources.
13. Review project expenditures and ensure that project funds are used in accordance with the Project Document and relevant and applicable financial rules and procedures.
14. Ensure that the documentation for payments is pertinent and meets the necessary requirements (example: review of invoices and receipts presented by project contractors, that payments are made according to the payment schedule, that the products and/or services are received satisfactorily, that the payments correspond to what was contracted and delivered, for which it is necessary to support the verification of the technical endorsement of the project staff, among others).
15. Perform monthly reconciliations between project expense records and reports, ensuring that expenses have been properly charged to the corresponding accounts and activities of the Operational Plan.
16. Carry out other tasks inherent to the objectives of the position and the project, as indicated by UNEP in coordination with MARN.

Work Location

San Salvador, El Salvador.

Expected duration

12 MONTHS

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system’s designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action.

The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).

In terms of addressing climate change, UNEP aims to support countries in the compliance of the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the priority actions defined in the countries Nationally Determined Contributions.

The overall objective of UNEP´s Sub-programme on Climate Change is to strengthen the ability of countries to move towards climate-resilient and low emission strategies for sustainable development and human well-being. The expected accomplishment regarding climate change adaptation is that adaptation approaches, including an ecosystem-based approach, are implemented, and integrated into key sectoral and national development strategies to reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience to climate change impacts. Furthermore, the UNEP´s Sub- programme on Climate Change is also committed to ensure that crosscutting issues such as gender equity and women empowerment are effectively undertaken in the development of its tasks to guarantee an equitable development in line with its adaptation objectives.

In this context, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) and UNEP have agreed on the implementation of the project “Agreements, processes, and tools to move towards a climate-resilient society in El Salvador” framed within the Readiness program of the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

The project aims to strengthen institutional engagement and capacities to plan, finance, implement, monitor, and report strategic adaptation processes, considering stakeholders at multiple levels.

The project seeks to achieve its objective through 4 components: • Adaptation planning governance and institutional coordination strengthened. • Evidence basis produced to design adaptation solutions for maximum impact. • Private sector engagement in adaptation catalyzed. • Adaptation finance increased.

To fulfill the objectives of the project, UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office is recruiting a Finance and Administrative Consultant to provide operational support to the Project Management Unit in the implementation of the project.

The Finance & administrative Consultant will operate under the overall supervision of the UNEP Adaptation Programme Management Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean Office in coordination with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN). The incumbent will work from Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, full time basis and to be located in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in San Salvador, El Salvador. Additionally, he/she will work in close collaboration with the UNEP’s Adaptation team, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of El Salvador, other national consultants and government and non-governmental counterparts. Travel might be needed for consultation processes.

Qualifications/special skills

ACADEMIC

• Bachelor’s degree in business/public administration, finance, accounting, psychology/human resources, logistics or any other related field is required.

PROFESSIONAL:

• A minimum of 3 years of professional experience performing operational, logistics and/or administrative tasks is required. • Previous experience with budget management and financial reports is required. • Experience in planning, implementation or monitoring and report of national and/or sectorial plans, programs, and/or projects related to climate change and/or environment is desirable. • Experience with procurement processes, dealing with local suppliers, and knowledge of finance administration, norms, and regulations is desirable. • Previous experience working effectively with national, local government and/or cooperation entities in El Salvador is an advantage. • Demonstrated work experience in the organization and implementation of small to medium size events is desired. LANGUAGE:

• Fluent in Spanish is required. • Fluent in English is required.

SKILLS: • Proficiency in MS Office (MS Word, Power Point, Excel and Outlook) software applications. Proficiency in design and layout software packages is required. • Ability to communicate complex issues in a language and format that is appropriate to specific target audiences. • Ability to analyze and have critical thinking on financial and administrative management. • Strategic vision to analyze project´s expenditures, and their contribution to the compliance of objectives and scope established. • Ability to work with different stakeholders, their interests and priorities, in favor of the project’s progress. • Ability and willingness to travel to urban and rural regions of the country. • Excellent interpersonal communication skills and experience in stakeholder engagement and public relations.

COMPETENCIES:

• Professionalism: Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. He/she shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. • Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Teamwork: Is able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team to achieve organizational goals and to take leadership when appropriate; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; 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; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Languages

Not available.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.