Finance Assistant (Recovery Programme)

Volunteering Admin Finance & Economy

Overview

Provide finance and administrative support for the Recovery Programme.

You have:

• At least a bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting, Public/Business Administration and related qualifications is required.
• Possession of a specialized certification in Accounting and Finance is a great asset.
• Part-qualified accountants from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.
• At least 3 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in finance and accounting is required.
• Experience with ERP financials, preferably PeopleSoft (QUANTUM/UNALL), is desirable and will be an asset.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages such as Microsoft Excel, Word or other relevant programme; advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages is required.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a United Nations agency that constitutes one of the main funding programmes of this international organization. Officially created on January 1, 1966, its major role is to help developing countries by providing them with advice but also by pleading their case with donors for the granting of financing, grants or donations. Overall, the main fields of action of the UNDP cover several points, notably: Promoting democratic governance and social cohesion, overall reduction of poverty and promotion of human development, prevention of crises, conflicts and wars and sustainable management of natural resources and protection of the environment.

This UNV Assignment is part of UNDP’s Recovery Programme. The crisis that affected the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon has damaged public infrastructures, broken social cohesion and slowed down economic development. With the aim to resolve the crisis, the President of the Republic called for a Major National Dialogue, that brought together more than 600 participants from all 10 regions of the country. Three quarters of participants to the Dialogue came from the NWSW regions. The Head of State instructed the Prime Minister, Head of Government to preside over the Major National Dialogue. Among other recommendations, the Major National Dialogue recommended the reconstruction of North-West and South-West regions.

The Government of Cameroon and UNDP collaborated in the formulation of the Presidential Plan for Reconstruction and Development (PPRD) of the North-West and South-West regions. The PPRD is a component of the National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (NDS30), aiming at reducing the effects of the socio-political and security crisis for the affected communities in the NW/SW regions. The PPRD feeds into the government efforts to resolve the current crisis. This initiative is complementary to other key reforms such as the establishment of a Special Status for the NW/SW regions.

Confronted with complex development challenges, the Government intends to emphasize on governance, economic recovery and crisis prevention in order to consolidate the peace process. Through the PPRD, the government aims at reinforcing the resilience and development of the populations in the affected regions of North-West and South-West. The Government envisages to restore social cohesion, provide livelihood opportunities and increase access to basic services for communities in the NW/SW regions. Finally, through the PPRD, the Government ambitions to bring about short and medium terms transformational changes.

The United Nations Development Programme is an implementing partner and fund manager of the PPRD. The programme is implemented through a dedicated accelerated execution modality. UNDP is building on its extensive experience to implement similar Recovery and Reconstruction large programmes. The PPRD is consolidating peace in the NW/SW regions, by building capacity at national and local levels to address the underlying structural causes of vulnerability, marginalization and insecurity.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Programme Coordinator of the Recovery Programme or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Finance Assistant will:

Accounting, finance and administrative support Implementation of operational and financial management strategies Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1.Provide accounting, finance and administrative support to the Recovery Programme focusing on achievement of the following:

Ensure full compliance with financial processes and financial records with UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP) and strategies. Preparation of all types of vouchers; pay Cycle and payments execution; proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports for the programme. Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Quantum. 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. Timely corrective actions on erroneous data in Quantum. Preparation of financial reports as required. Notification of payees of status of payments as and when required. Assisting with queries on payment-related issues

2.Ensure implementation of operational and financial management strategies, adapt processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following:

-Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules and regulations of financial processes, financial records and reports and audit follow up. -Implementation of the internal control framework. -Provision of inputs for implementation of cost-saving and reduction strategies in consultation with the programme management. -Support/assist in the reconciliation of commitments, adjustments and liabilities under RP financial data. -Review journal voucher requests for the reversal of incurred charges. -Draft/provide financial inputs to programme reports. -Assist programme colleagues in the analysis of RP financial information and reports generated. -Draft routine correspondence with respect to enquiries related to relevant financial and budget matters.

3.Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing focusing on achievement of the following:

-Organization of training for the programme personnel on Finance. -Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in financial management. -Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice

13.Results/expected outputs:

As an active UNDP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNDP and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: - Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing - Promoting Organizational Change and Development - Building Strategic Partnerships
- Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise - Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment. - A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

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, mission and vision, as well as to the UN and UNDP Core Values.

At least a bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting, Public/Business Administration and related qualifications is required. Possession of a specialized certification in Accounting and Finance is a great asset. Part-qualified accountants from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage At least 3 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in finance and accounting is required. Experience with ERP financials, preferably PeopleSoft (QUANTUM/UNALL), is desirable and will be an asset, working experience in Finance or accountancy with an international NGO, Organism, or UN will be an asset. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages such as Microsoft Excel, Word or other relevant programme; advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages is required. Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. An experience with a development organization is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization.

Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development. Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, Powerpoint etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. Have affinity with or interest in Governance and Peace Building, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The living conditions are Yaoundé are relatively good, but housing and accommodation costs are high. Especially in areas heavily populated by internationals and diplomats. There are frequent power cuts and water shortages. Modern shopping malls exist bit tend to be expensive; the local market sells fresh fruits and vegetables which are reasonably priced and affordable. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

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Potential interview questions

Added 5 months ago - Updated 4 months ago - Source: unv.org