Background
ย Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:ย we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a โleave no one behindโ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
ย UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
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As the recently elected New Dawn Government together with its Cooperating Partners including UNDP Zambia move into 2022 and advance further into the Decade of Action with only 8 years left to achieve the SDGs, the world and individual countries are still grappling with COVID-19 response and socio-economic recovery. In this context, as it develops its new Country Programme Document (CPD), UNDP Zambia revisits its approach to programming and delivery to ensure constant relevance and effectiveness in supporting the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) to address key issues and most important priorities, while concurrently exploring innovative and creative ways to accelerate the achievement of the objectives set out in intertwined Agendas 2030, 2063 and the finalized 8th National Development Plan (8NDP) using a strategic approach to planning resulting in an efficient and effective delivery of the Country Programme to promote sustainable human development.ย
Against this backdrop and building upon the lessons learnt over the past years, UNDP Zambia Senior Management has identified the strengthening of the Finance function as an immediate measure to both boost the programme delivery to bridge the existing gap in relation to the initial target and position UNDP as a trusted and key partner by UN sister agencies for ensuring best value for money and client-oriented services.
Job Purpose
The finance function of UNDP serves a portfolio of diverse and large clients for an overall estimated portfolio of USD 18 million, among others, are listed UNDP projects implemented under DIM and CO support to NIM, non-resident UN agencies such as UNODC, UN-Habitat, UN Secretariat such as UNDSS, the Resident Coordinator Office (RCO), the UN Dispensary, the UN House and the UN Annex (UN Common House with at least 5 UN agencies). Given the current financial volume and the existing finance capacity of the Country Office while searching for medium- and long-term solutions, UNDP Zambia is looking for a finance associate with sound knowledge of UNDP financial policies and procedures to strengthen the officeโs finance unit.ย
Under the overall guidance of the Operations Manager and the direct supervision of the Finance Analyst, the Finance Associate ensures the execution of transparent and efficient financial services and processes in the CO. The Finance Associate also promotes a client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Unit. The Finance Associate can supervise clerical and support staff of the Finance Unit. The Finance Associate works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and project staff in the CO and UNDP HQs staff for resolving complex finance-related issues and information exchange.
UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.
ย Duties and Responsibilities ย1) Ensures implementation of the operational strategies adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results:
Full compliance of financial processes, financial records and reports and audit follow up with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implementation of effective internal control; CO finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Finance in consultation with the direct supervisor and office management; Elaboration of proposals on the CO cash management system improvement.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; preparation of all vouchers; pay cycle and payment execution; Approval of vendors in Quantum; Global payrolls processing in Quantum, including the UNV payroll; Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Quantum; payrolls are duly prepared; travel claims, MPOs and other entitlements are duly processed;ย Timely financial accounts closure. Coordination and review of accounts closure; Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, and unapproved vouchers. Timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues.3) Achieves sound and proper CO cash management functioning focusing on achievement of the following results:
Transaction and stop payment initiation on the internet banking systems; Alternate to Finance Analyst for timely preparation of monthly cash flow forecast for use by CO Management and HQs. Liaison with UN Agencies to obtain an estimate of their cash requirement; Regular initiation and creation of deals and bank transfers in Quantum; Presentation of thoroughly researched information on cash management, reports containing analysis and projection; Verification of payments, execution of Pay Cycle and payments; Regular update of information on the procedures and regulations pertaining to maintenance of the office bank accounts; regularly conducted bank surveys; Timely and accurate processing of bank reconciliations of the local bank accounts and accounts that are interfaced with BOA, elaboration of the system on the CO expenditures/donor contributions tracking; Creation of deals, selection of deals, notification of the Manager Level 2 (or3) for approval; Deposit recording in Quantum including application of the deposit to an Accounts Receivable pending item.4) ย Manage the budget of management projects and common services and organize an optimal cost-recovery system, focusing on achievement of the following results:
5) Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:
Organization of trainings for the operations/project staff on Finance related issues;ย Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in Finance; Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.Competencies
Core
Achieve Results:ย LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline. Think Innovatively:ย LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements. Learn Continuously:ย LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback. Adapt with Agility:ย LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible. Act with Determination:ย LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident. Engage and Partner:ย LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships. Enable Diversity and Inclusion:ย LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Strategic Thinking:ย
Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDPs objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks, and opportunities, linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP.Effective Decision Making:
Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated needAccounting (General:
Knowledge of accounting concepts, principles, frameworks, standards, regulations, policies and trends, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations.Budget management:
Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets.Financial planning and budgeting:
Ability to create and manage processes to achieve UNDP's long and short-term financial goals, including through planning, budgeting, forecasting, analyzing and reporting.Financial reporting and analysis:
Understands changes in regulatory, legal and ethical frameworks and standards for financial reporting in the public sector. Ability to extract, evaluate financial data, derive relevant findings and present them in a meaningful and coherent manner to facilitate effective decision making and performance monitoring. Understands the benefits of integrated reporting, including non-financial resources such as human, social, and intellectual capital, and environmental and governance performanceย Required Skills and Experience
ย Education: Secondary Education is required OR.ย University Degree in Finance, Business or Public Administration will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.ย 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) is 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. Candidate 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, Knowledge and Skills: Minimum of 7 years (with High school diploma) or 4 years (with Bachelor s degree) of progressively responsible finance and accounting experience at the national or international level is required;ย Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems and ERP financials such as Oracle is required; Knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS is required; Knowledge of UN/UNDP Processes and Procedures is desirable; Demonstrated experience to monitor budget and modify by ensuring the compliance/conformity of supporting documents is desirable; Professional experience to deal with audit and experience in preparing response if any observation recommended is desired; Demonstrated experience in developing complex financial reports required; Experience in developing reports for donors within an international organizational context is an asset.
Required Language:
Fluency in English is required. ย DisclaimerApplicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย 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.
ย Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.ย ย
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.ย
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