International Admin, Finance and Procurement Specialist

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Since the beginning of the country, decentralization has been considered a tool for the nation’s development. Initial steps towards this process began nearly 10 years ago with the territorial administrative division of Timor-Leste and the initiation of the deconcentrating process.

In 2016, progress was seen with the establishment of four Municipal Authorities (Baucau, Bobonaro, Ermera, and Dili) and eight Municipal Administrations (Aileu, Ainaro, Cova Lima, Lautem, Liquica, Manatuto, Manufahi, and Viqueque) in the country. This was further reinforced by the adoption of a new Suco Law in 2016 and the Decree Laws 4/2014 and 3/2016. In 2019, with the Government Resolution N 11/2019, the government reaffirmed its “commitment and determination to implement the Strategy for Decentralization”. To make this process possible and further consolidate local development in the country, new skills and capacities need to be built, particularly in the areas of finance, administration, procurement, management, transparency, as well as data collection and analysis.

In order to address the abovementioned challenges, the project will promote informed policy development and capacity building of municipal public servants. The overall objective of the project is to contribute to Timor-Leste's sustainable development. More specifically, it aims to support the deconcentration and decentralization process, bringing governance, public administration and services closer to people, for both women and men, giving special attention to the needs and priorities of people living in vulnerable situations.

The project activities were designed around three different components which will contribute to three main expected results:

Result 1: Strengthened capacity of the National Parliament in Timor-Leste. Result 2: Improved capacity of municipal public servants to deliver services at local level; Result 3: Improved capacity of local institutions to collect, analyse and use reliable and timely

Under the supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) and National Project Manager (NPM) in close consultation with the Financial Operation Unit of the UNDP Country Office, the International Admin, Finance and Procurement Specialist will execute and ensure that all financial and related activities of decentralisation project are implemented in a timely manner in strict accordance with UNDP’s set rules, guidelines and procedures.

1. Ensure administration of budgets and implementation of finance processes are in line with UNDP operational procedures and donor requirement:

Prepare and modify budgets in the operational system as per orientation of the CTA and NPM Monitor all expenditures through a shadow accounting-tracking mechanism so the precise financial status of the project is maintained. Support NPM initiate project annual budget, review and perform budget revision and reversal. Monitor budget delivery and implementation in order to alert the NPM for timely modifications. Prepare budget reports - quarterly and annual financial reports as per agreed work plan. Prepare financial ad-hoc reports upon request of NPM or by UNDP Management. Maintenance of accounts receivables for the project and inform NPM on need to follow up on contributions. Establish and promote inside the office financial guidelines and procedures as per UNDP rules, regulations and procedures. Advise the project team on the specific EU financial guidelines. Proactively monitor Finance Dashboard and take corrective action. Provide financial input to prepare the Work Plan of the Programme.

2. Principle accounting, cash management and administrative support functions:

Review and ensure all request for payments, requisitions and required vouchers, all payments and receipts are compliance with the UNDP Rules and Regulations. Ensure control of supporting documents for payments Maintenance of internal expenditures control system, which ensures that vouchers and all transactio

Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Working in Teams

At least 3 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in finance, accounting and audit, or other relevant programmes; experience with finance, economics and administration is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; Experience in resource management or related functions; Must have proven experience in capacity building or provision of training; Must have excellent interpersonal skills, including demonstrable analytical, communication, coordination and teamwork skills; culturally and socially sensitive; Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; 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, etc.); advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages; and office technology equipment; experience in handling of web-based management systems, especially Atlas and ERP financials, preferably PeopleSoft; Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; Sound security awareness; Have knowledge of or experience in gender equality and the elimination of violence against women and girls, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Timor Leste is half of a tropical island on the Australian continental shelf characterized by a rugged mountain chain running east-west that divides the country into a generally warmer north coast and a milder south coast. The capital city, Dili, is located in the north.

Climate: The climate along the coast is relatively warm hot year-round with an annual average temperature of 30°C. There are two distinct seasons: the north-east monsoon season, which runs from November to March, constitutes the rainy season throughout the country. The southeast monsoon season, which runs from March to October, constitutes the dry season with some rain on the southern coast but otherwise dry and windy conditions in the rest of the country. The climate inland with its high mountains can be very cold with an annual average temperature of 15°C.

Health: Public hospital and private clinic provide services to community. Stamford clinic in Dili serves as a recommended medical facility for UN staff. There is a national hospital with some international staff and a limited number of other private clinics in Dili (such as DMC). For more complex medical treatment and assessment, it is necessary to evacuate to neighbouring cities/countries such as Darwin or Singapore. There is currently no reported cases of Corona Virus in Timor-Leste.

Diet, Food and Water: Most staple foods can be found in the markets such as rice, meat, vegetables, cooking oil, salt and sugar. There is a variety of food ranging from Western to Southeast Asian fare. You can also find several local restaurants with less expensive meals. The price range for a meal can range from $3 to $14+.

Telecommunications: There are three telecommunication providers in country, Timor Telecom and Telcomcel and Telemor. While Timor Telecom has been long present, Telcomcel and Telemor were newly launched in Timor-Leste, and started operating in February 2013. The SIM cards cost $2-3 and pre-paid/pulsa cards range from $1 to $50. Further, depending on UN Agency, you may receive a PIN code to make international phone calls that will be charged to your VLA.

Hotels: The UNV Field unit in Dili will assist to share a list of approved hotels for you to choose from for your temporal accommodation, at your expense. There price of hotel accomodation start from $40 and above per night.

Permanent Accommodation: Expect that your accommodation will range from the very basic to adequate, although many private houses in Dili have been renovated to a reasonable or even considered ‘luxurious’ level of comfort. The rate of reconstruction and renovation in the districts has been much slower than in Dili. Accommodation is far more likely to be of a very basic level ranging from $400 per month and above for an appartment and or a house.