Job opportunity: UNDP Finance Assistant- Hargeisa

Under the guidance and supervision of the Operations Manager and direct supervisor, the Finance Assistant provides financial services ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work. The Finance Assistant promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Finance Assistant works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and projects’ staff in the Country Office (CO) and with UNDP HQs staff to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.

• Implementation of operational and financial management strategies;
• Functioning of cost-recovery system;
• Accounting and administrative support;
• CO cash management;
• Knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

Ensures implementation of operational strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance of financial processes and financial records with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies;
• Input to the CO business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance in consultation with the direct supervisor and office management.

Ensures functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Provision of inputs for preparation of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for the services provided by UNDP, follow up on cost recovery.

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

• Proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports for NEX projects; preparation of all types of vouchers for projects and on-behalf of UNOPS and non-Atlas Agencies; PO vouchers; Pay Cycle and payment execution;
• Proper receipting of goods and services and establishment of accruals;
• Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas; travel claims, MPOs and other entitlements are duly processed;
• Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers;
• Presentation of information on the status of financial resources as required;
• Maintenance of the Accounts Receivables for UNDP projects and recording of deposits in Atlas;
• Management of cash receipts and petty cash;
• Maintenance of the proper filing system for finance records and documents.

Ensures proper CO cash management system functioning focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Alternate to Finance Associate for 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;
• Alternate to Finance Associate for daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in Atlas to monitor imprest level; identification and recording of contributions;
• Preparation of monthly UN exchange rate report to Treasury;
• Timely and accurate preparation of bank reconciliations;
• Initiation of bank transfers and deals in Atlas.

Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Participation in the trainings for the operations/ projects staff on Finance;
• Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the execution of the CO financial services management in terms of quality and accuracy of work.  Accurate data entry and presentation of financial information and a client-oriented approach enhances UNDP’s capability to effectively and efficiently manage financial resources.

Building Partnerships:

Maintaining information and databases

• Tracks and reports on mobilized resources.

Promoting Organizational Learning And Knowledge Sharing:

Basic research and analysis

• Identifies and communicates opportunities to promote learning and knowledge sharing.

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise:

Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures

• Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position (financial resources management);
• Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures related to the financial resources  management and applies them consistently in work tasks;
• Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning;
• Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments.

Promoting Organizational Change and Development:

Presentation of information on best practices in organizational change

• Demonstrates ability to identify problems and proposes solutions.

Design and Implementation of Management Systems:

Data gathering and implementation of management systems

• Uses information/databases/other management systems;
• Makes recommendations related to work procedures and implementation of management systems.

Client Orientation:

Maintains effective client relationships

• Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion;
• Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines;
• Responds to client needs promptly.

Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management:

Gathering and disseminating information

• Maintains databases;
• Prepares timely inputs to reports.

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
• Self-development, initiative-taking;
• Acting as a team player and facilitating team work;
• Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively;
• Creating synergies through self-control;
• Managing conflict;
• Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others;
• Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member;
• Informed and transparent decision making.

• 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.

Experience:

• 5 years of relevant finance experience at the national or international level is required;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems;
• Experience with ERP financials, preferably PeopleSoft, desirable;
• Knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS  desirable.

Language:      

• Fluency in written and spoken English and Somali is required.