Programme Finance Assistant (Limited to Nationals of Uruguay only)

Contract

This is a SB-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as Service Board / Service Contract. It is normally only for nationals. More about SB-3 contracts.

Background

This job description is a direct response to UNDP’s improved business model in Uruguay. It envisions a new office structure adapted to current and future needs of the country, underpinning its advisory and programmatic offer while at the same time delivering solid implementation support. It also promotes a more collaborative approach to work across the office and with external partners.

The new structure defines the skillsets required to position UNDP in the new NCC context, adding substantive value through thought leadership and innovation, mobilizing strategic resources and ensuring projects are implemented in a smooth, efficient and transparent manner. This also entails engaging on the most pressing and transformational development challenges of the country.

Through its portfolio, the CO has tailored localized integral solutions to specific sustainable development issues and is crafting methodologies and toolboxes to deploy and escalate them across the country. This strategy requires excellent programme management and an organizational structure that reinforces the entire programming life cycle including planning, implementation, oversight, monitoring and evaluation, communications and efficient operations. The new structure will strengthen UNDP´s role as a learning organization ‘fit-for-purpose’ to deliver on Agenda 2030. It is designed to provide the foundation for the whole public policy life cycle with a special emphasis at sub-national level that, as an engagement strategy, is expected to allow new areas of joint work and resource mobilization.

In this context and under the direct supervision of the DRR, the Programme Finance Assistant ensures effective execution of programme and project financial services and processes with a view to contribute to the quality assurance of the CO programme and project management activities. The Programme Finance Assistant works in close collaboration with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Assistant, Programme, Projects and Operations Staff in the CO and UNDP HQ to resolve finance-related issues and exchange of information.

Incumbent is expected to display initiative, a positive approach and a strong client orientation. As such, s/he might be required to undertake other emerging tasks and additional duties as required by direct supervisor or senior management.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

1. Administration and implementation of programme and project financial management strategies,
2. Support to CO programme management, administration of budgets and effective cost recovery
3. Support to implementation of the resource mobilization strategy

4. Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing, guidance to all stakeholders on financial matters

5. Ensures administration and implementation of programme and project financial management strategies, adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Ensure full compliance with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, and policies of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and follow-up on audit recommendations; implementation of effective internal controls, proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system.
• CO programme/project finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures for programme finance in consultation with office management and the CO finance/operations team.
• Support to the implementation of cost sharing and trust fund agreements,
• Elaboration of conditions of contributions within the CO resource mobilization efforts.

2. Provides support to CO programme management and ensures the optimal cost recovery focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Supports the development and follow up on Programme Portfolio Pipeline and Project Tree in Atlas. Entry of data of new proposals into Atlas and monitoring of projects, outputs and AWPs status.
• Oversee Atlas matching, implementation of effective internal controls, proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system, control mechanism for development projects through monitoring budgets preparation and modifications, budgetary status versus ASL, follow up with HQs on ASL for development projects, maintenance of the General Ledger.
• Provision of the information/reports on the situation in programme, identification of operational and financial problems, proposal of solutions.
• Accuracy verification of Combined Delivery Reports and follow-up on their signing by National Counterparts through Bridge platform.
• Regular monitoring of the CO delivery
• Provision of advice on reporting
• Preparation of reports including donor reports
• Verification and reconciliation of various expenditures reports from the CO, HQ and Executing Agencies.
• Periodic monitoring of dashboards and exceptions, identification of the remedial actions in coordination with the supervisor.
• Provides information on services provided to projects for DPC cost-recovery, implementation of the income tracking system and follow up on programma portfolio cost recovery.
• Provision of researched information for the audit of NIM projects, implementation of audit recommendations.

3) Provides support to implementation of the resources mobilization strategy focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Support to the drafting and review of cost-sharing and trust fund agreements.
• Monitoring of contributions and Authorized Spending Limits of cost-sharing and trust fund agreements.
• Provide guidance to programme and project staff on different donor reporting requirements; monitoring of financial reports to be submitted to donors.

4) Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing, guidance to all stakeholders on financial matters focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Guidance to the implementing partners and executing agencies on routine implementation of projects, tracking use of financial resources.
• Guidance to project staff on UNDP administrative and NIM reporting, in particular, on budgetary issues.
• Organization of training for the operations/programme/projects staff on financial management and RBM.
• Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in programme and project finance.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Competencies

Core

Innovation

Ability to make new and useful ideas work

Level 2: Analyzes complex technical materials (including data) and makes concise, relevant recommendations

Leadership

Ability to persuade others to follow

Level 2: Proactively identifies new opportunities and challenges

People Management

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction

Level 2: Takes ownership of responsibilities

Communication

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

Level 2: Understands, explains and shares information on assigned tasks with accuracy and clarity

Delivery

Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

Level 2: Meets goals and timelines for delivery of products or services;

Technical/Functional

Building Partnerships

Ability to maintain information and databases

Level 2: Execute & Learn: Performs defined tasks efficiently and deepens knowledge of area of work

Promoting Organizational Change and Development

Ability to conduct basic research and analysis

Level 2:Execute & Learn:Performs defined tasks efficiently and deepens knowledge of area of work

Job knowledge and Expertise

Understand main processes, methods and procedures related to the job

Level 2:Execute & Learn:Performs defined tasks efficiently and deepens knowledge of area of work

Client Orientation

Ability to maintain effective client relationships

Level 2:Execute & Learn:Performs defined tasks efficiently and deepens knowledge of area of work

Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management

Ability to maintain databases

Level 2:Execute & Learn:Performs defined tasks efficiently and deepens knowledge of area of work

Accounting

Knowledge of accounting concepts, principles, regulations, and policies and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations

Level 2:Execute & Learn:Performs defined tasks efficiently and deepens knowledge of area of work

Financial Management

Ability to create a process to achieve financial goals

Level 2:Execute & Learn:Performs defined tasks efficiently and deepens knowledge of area of work

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary Education, with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance.
• University Degree in Finance, Business or Public Administration desirable, but it is not a requirement.
• Part-qualified accountants from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.
• UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) required (part-qualified accountants from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy may be exempt).

Experience:

• 5-6 years of progressively responsible finance experience, is required at the national or international level.
• Alternatively,
• 2-3 years of relevant experience will suffice if in possession of a Bachelor’s degree
• Proven experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

• Experience in handling of web-based management systems is required.

• Experience in handling of web-based management systems and ERP financials, preferably PeopleSoft (Atlas).

• Candidates enrolled in a Finance Certification Programme will have a distinct advantage.

Language Requirements:

• Proficiency in Spanish and working knowledge of English.