Project Officer - Finance and Administration
Manage finance and administration for an anti-corruption project.
Overview
Manage finance and administration for an anti-corruption project.
You have:
- At least three years of experience in accounting, financial management, project management and administration, project finances and other related fields.
- Proven track record on budget preparation, tracking, revision, analysis of expenditures, and forecast is required.
- Technical training in Business Administration, Accounting, Economics or equivalent, is desirable;
- Proven experience in preparing financial reports and overviews is required.
- Previous experience in the same role in an international or local organization, including working with donors, is a distinct advantage.
- Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages
- Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation tools is an advantage.
- Knowledge of project management processes is an advantage.
- Knowledge of procurement procedures of national/international organizations is an advantage.
- Professional certificate(s) attesting to the proficiency on finance, budget, financial analysis, and similar, are an asset.
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 Anti-Corruption Project is a UNDP initiative funded by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, aiming to strengthen a whole-of-society commitment to combating corruption. The project seeks to increase support from government officials, communities, and civil society, while enhancing national policy frameworks, institutions, and processes to effectively prevent and address corruption across multiple sectors. Building on previous successful phases and complementary efforts under the UNPRAC Project, the current Initiation Plan (PIP) establishes the foundation for the full implementation of a multifaceted, inclusive anti-corruption approach. It works with stakeholders on both the “supply” and “demand” sides of governance and emphasizes that lasting change requires engagement from a broad range of actors. The project also focuses on strengthening the capacity of integrity institutions and law enforcement agencies, fostering a culture of accountability within public service.
Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Maintain and regularly update project budgets, ensuring alignment with approved work plans and donor requirements. • Prepare, review, and process payment requests, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and UNDP guidelines. • Collaborate with the Procurement Unit to follow up on ongoing procurement processes and ensure timely completion of deliverables. • Maintain budgets and resource availability tables; analyze monthly financial reports to summarize project financial situations. • Prepare and modify project budgets, coordinating budget re-phasing exercises and follow up on financial transactions with the UNDP office. • Implement internal controls and a donor-oriented financial resources management system to ensure effective financial monitoring. • Assist the project in daily management and oversight of project activities, ensuring timely execution of assigned processes. • Facilitate the preparation of documents for vendor registration and invoice processing in the Quantum system. • Support project planning, monitoring, and evaluation activities, reviewing requests for compliance and proposing actions for decision-making. • Ensure timely corrective actions on un-posted vouchers and maintain proper control of supporting documents for payments and financial reports. • Prepare periodic financial reports and statements; monitor expenditures against established allocations. • Investigate anomalies in financial exception reports and ensure systematic archiving of documents. • Assist in organizing events, meetings, and missions; process travel claims and entitlements. • Maintain project documentation and work plans; support the project team in preparing annual work plans and procurement plans. • Prepare for project audits and implement audit recommendations; ensure compliance with financial rules and processes. • Monitor the development of control mechanisms for projects, ensuring adherence to budgets and financial regulations. • Perform any other duties as assigned by the Project Manager, in line with the overall objectives of the project and within the scope of the position
• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management
• At least three years of experience in accounting, financial management, project management and administration, project finances and other related fields. • Proven track record on budget preparation, tracking, revision, analysis of expenditures, and forecast is required. • Technical training in Business Administration, Accounting, Economics or equivalent, is desirable; • Proven experience in preparing financial reports and overviews is required. • Previous experience in the same role in an international or local organization, including working with donors, is a distinct advantage • Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages • Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation tools is an advantage. • Knowledge of project management processes is an advantage. • Knowledge of procurement procedures of national / international organizations is an advantage • Professional certificate(s) attesting to the proficiency on finance, budget, financial analysis, and similar, are an asset.
Fiji, one of the larger countries in the South Pacific region, has a relatively high level of human development and is one of the most developed economies in the region. Fiji became independent in 1970. Its multi-ethnic population, which numbers approximately 900,000, is growing slowly due to a moderately low level of fertility and a high level of emigration. The economy rests primarily on sugar production and tourism but is becoming more diverse, with manufacturing now an important sector of employment. The unit of currency is the Fiji dollar.
Fiji comprises approximately 330 islands, approximately a third of which are inhabited. Fiji covers about 1.3 million square kilometers of the South Pacific Ocean. The two major islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The capital city is Suva, which is located on the south-eastern side of the main island of Viti Levu. The population is made up of a mixture of native Melanesian and Polynesian islanders and a blend of Indian, European, Chinese, Rotuman, and Rabi islanders, making it a rich and vibrant mix of cultures, sights, sounds, and exotic island delicacies. English is spoken widely on the island, and it is the common language of communication, although the native indigenous Fijian language is spoken by many, as is the Hindi language.
Fiji enjoys a mild and stable climate most of the year, due to the large expanses of open water that surround its islands. The wet season extends from November to April, but rainfall occurs throughout the year. Tropical cyclones can blow up between November and April, although they are rarely dangerous. Fiji enjoys year-round tropical temperatures of between 25 and 29 degrees with generally high humidity, making it a perfect location for sun-lovers.
Suva, the capital of Fiji, has a population of approximately 141,000 and is a multiracial and multicultural city. Suva is the largest city in the whole of the region, but it remains easy-going and friendly. It has reasonably modern facilities, including two large hospitals, sporting facilities, restaurants, and supermarkets. Modest accommodation is readily available in Suva, but the availability of small apartments is limited. An open mind and flexibility come in handy when looking for housing in Suva. The public transport is quite good: local buses run every day of the week, and taxis are affordable. Public transport is also available for exploring and visiting other parts of the country, which provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and tropical nature.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience in managing project budgets? | To assess your practical knowledge in budget management and alignment with project goals. | Discuss specific examples of budgets you have managed, detailing your role and any challenges you faced. |
| How do you ensure compliance with financial regulations? | This evaluates your understanding of financial compliance and regulations. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a time you had to adapt your financial planning due to unforeseen circumstances. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you use to monitor and evaluate project expenditures? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you approach teamwork and collaboration in a project setting? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you give an example of a financial report you have prepared? What was the purpose? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What is your experience with procurement processes in project management? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you handle deadlines and prioritization in a busy work environment? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |