Finance Associate [Open to Tier 1 & 2 applicants]

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

1.    Ensures administration and implementation of operational finance strategies, processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results:

• →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.
• →Finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance in consultation with office management.
• →Elaboration of proposals and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies in consultations with office management.
• →Review, analyse and recommend improved work processes

2.    Provides accounting and administrative support to the Finance Unit focusing on achievement of the following results:

• →Proper control of the supporting documents for payments, review of financial reports for NEX projects.
• →Approval of vendors in ERP (as a senior member of the Finance team).
• →Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in ERP; payrolls are duly prepared; travel claims, MPOs and other entitlements are duly processed.
• →Coordination and review of accounts closure and project closure
• →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.
• →Maintenance of the Accounts Receivables for UNDP projects and follow up with partners on contributions.
• →Timely and accurate recording of General Ledger transactions (assets, cash, investment, and others).
• →Support the Team Lead in the preparation of investment financial schedules, internal reports production of working papers and variance analysis reports and support to the preparation of annual financial statements.
• →Defines relevant data, processes, systems to be performed and relevant analysis by recording its activities, analysing discrepancies, and participating in continuous improvement exercises.
• →Timely  and  accurate  recording  of  accounting  and  financial  records.  Ensures  completeness of Revenue and Treasury operations for UNDP and other organizations served by UNDP.
• →Conducts    accounts    analysis    between    sub-system and GL in ERP, to prepare  accounts reconciliations, identify differences and take corrective actions.

3.    Ensures proper cash management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• →Timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements. Timely identification and recording of receipts for income application.
• →Daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in ERP to monitor imprest level; identification and recording of contributions.
• →Alternate to Finance Analyst (or Operations Manager) as primary contact with bank management on routine operational matters including negotiation of exchange rate on replenishment.
• →Approval and submission of monthly UN exchange rate report to Treasury.
• →Timely and accurate preparation of bank reconciliations.
• →Selecting bank transfers and deals for approval and settlements.
• →Performing pay cycle manager role in ERP.
• →Timely preparation of monthly cashflow forecast for use by Operations Manager/Finance Analyst. Liaison with UN Agencies to obtain estimate of their cash requirements.
• →Alternate as cashier for cash disbursements made on site.

4.    Ensures quality assurance and compliance with regulations and rules, best practice and guidance:

• →Performs post facto reviews of transactions and works with relevant offices to address any impediments/improve service.
• →Completes reports on spot/check findings and provide recommendations for remedial action.
• →Monitors and updates the GSSC risk register in consultation with GSSC Service Teams Leads.
• →Supports development and training in respect of service lines, workflows, and standard operating procedures to be amended or optimized.
• →Supports standardization through developing and establishing quality assurance mechanisms and assists in the development of the training and onboarding process for new GSSC staff.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.

Core Competencies:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:

Business Management:    

Customer Satisfaction/Client Management    

• Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. 
• Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. 
• Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.

Communication    

• Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. 
• Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels

Finance:   

Treasury Cash Management     

• Ability to manage organization's cash and investment holdings with the ultimate goal of maximizing liquidity and mitigating risks.
• Understands the economic environment, interest rates and the importance of economic forecasting. Understands and can implement a treasury management strategy, including cash flow management, debt management and investment strategies.

Anti-fraud and anti-bribery and corruption

• Anti-bribery and corruption: Understands the policy and best practice relating to anti-bribery and corruption controls and ensures these are implemented and widely understood within the organization. 
• Anti-fraud: Understands the fraud risks faced by public bodies and is able to effectively analyse data to support fraud identification and fraud risk management; understands the fraud risks faced by public bodies and is able to conduct fraud risk assessment and response plan. 

Banking and cash management    

• Ability to collect, handle, and manage cash, which involves assessing market liquidity, cash flow, and investments. 

Finance Business Partnering.

• Able to support business units and add value by innovating and providing solutions to financial issues/queries, including through FAQs, financial tools, advisory, etc. Influences and appropriately challenges non-finance colleagues for whom the service is being provided. Understands the operations, opportunities and challenges of the organization. 
• Holds a commercial outlook,
  demonstrating accountability towards organizational goals
   
   

Education:

• Secondary Education is required, OR
• A University degree (Bachelor’s degree)in Finance or Accounting will be given due consideration but not a requirement
• Fully Qualified Accountant, from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy or Full Completion of the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP). No UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) required.  
• Candidates with no professional accountancy qualifications, but with degrees that major in accountancy and/or finance must complete UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), if recruited. However, no UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) is required. 
• Candidates with no professional accountancy qualifications but with relevant experience must successfully undertake UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) before shortlisting, and must complete the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), if recruited. 

Experience:

• Minimum 6 years (with secondary school education) or 3 years (with a Bachelors’ degree) of relevant experience in finance at the national or international level is required.
• Knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS is required.  
• Experience in the usage of computers and MS Office packages.
• Advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.
• Experience in providing administrative support is desired.
• Hands-on experience with Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP), preferably with PeopleSoft/Oracle is desired. 

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required. 
• Working knowledge of any other UN languages (French/Spanish/Arabic) is desirable.

This vacancy is open to nationals of the respective country.

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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