Finance Assistant

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 Federal Government of Nigeria jointly with UNDP and with financial support from the European Union launched a nationwide youth empowerment Programme aimed at connecting fresh graduates to employment opportunities through a 12-month paid placement in public and private enterprises.

Following the launch of the onboarding process in October 2022, over 5,000 fellows have commenced their placements across the country.

As the number of Fellows commencing their placements across the country continues to grow, there is need to ensure effective coordination of stipend payments of fellows, production of financial analysis and tracking backlogs across the payment cycle.

To ensure coordinated, effective monthly stipend payment system, the Stipend Payment coordinator working under the guidance of the NJFP Project Finance Associate will oversee the payment process from certification stage to when all fellows are duly paid within the stipulated timeline. As such, s/he will perform the following tasks: 1. Ensure the double authentication of the attendance confirmation form - using the (Unique identification number) - Index number that is system-generated to all fellows who have been matched to a host organization. 2. Conduct thorough verification process flow that ensures that the list for payment of stipends is verified against the list of all short list and the matching data base 3. Reviewing certification from host organisation and reconciling payments with previous month’s payment 4. Verifying payments and uploading for processing by GSSU 5. Working with the finance team to check for returned/rejected payments and reprocessing 6. Documenting payments made, to identify any missing payments (no of days/months worked by fellow against total amount paid) 7. Proper e-filing for all payments (by month, with certifications, and supporting documentation properly filed) 8. Providing a monthly report on actual payment made against request

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

• finance and accounting • Analysis of financial data, preparing financial reports is required • 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. Knowledge of IPSAS required.

Nigeria is a unique country and UNDP is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.