Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you hold the applicable contract as defined below.
· Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates)
· Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
· Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates
Background:
As all countries around the globe are seeking new ways to address complex and interconnected challenges such as shocks from crises, economic stagnation, inequality and poverty, providing access to clean and affordable energy, protect the environment, or mitigating and adapting to climate change, UNDP aims to develop integrated responses to these issues.
UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition to multilateral and bi-lateral partnerships, UNDP provides countries with specialized integrated technical services for eligibility assessment, programme/project formulation and implementation, capacity development, policy advice, technical assistance, training and technology transfer, mobilization of co- financing, implementation oversight, results management and evaluation, performance-based payments and knowledge management services.
The UNDP Country Office (CO) in Brazil is a key development partner of the Brazilian government and supports national and sub-national public and private sector institutions and civil society to achieve a more sustainable and inclusive society by strengthening democratic institutions, improvement of governance effectiveness, reduction of poverty and inequalities and addressing climate change and biodiversity issues.
In the pursuit of aligning organizational resources with UNDP strategic objectives and serving as the overarching framework to propel the operational reform agenda and streamline the United Nations (UN) operational presence in Brazil, the Country Office (CO) has structured its functional organization into three primary domains: the management support functions, the Programme team, and the Operations Team. The Operations Team is further comprised of units encompassing Finance, Human Resources (HR), Support to Projects, and the Common Back Office (CBO), with the latter encompassing provision of common services for the UN House, including Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Administration and Logistics, Procurement and Travel, and HR services tailored for UN entities and Protocol. All of these units bear the responsibility to ensure adherence to UN principles and UNDP policies and procedures in the realm of operational functions.
The Operations Team plays a pivotal role in enhancing the efficacy of UN operational services and UNDP Brazil. It does so by crafting a comprehensive service delivery platform aimed at providing operational solutions to all UN entities and UNDP programs and projects. Moreover, it coordinates operational services and explores their potential expansion to the UN Common Back-Office.
The Finance team supports the Country Office (CO) in the promotion of its sustainable development agenda by continuously enhancing CO financial performance, delivering sound management of financial resources, and ensuring strong accountability through informed decision making, effective financial management processes, and transparent financial reporting that complies with international standards and regulatory guidelines.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Finance Analyst, the Finance Associate ensures the effective execution of financial services in the Country Office (CO), promoting transparent utilization of financial resources and integrity of financial processes. The Finance Associate supports a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.
The Finance Associate provides analytical support and quality assurance within the Finance Unit. The role involves working closely with Operations, Programme and project teams in the CO, as well as UNDP HQ and GSSC staff, to deliver accurate financial information and assist in resolving complex financial management and operational issues.
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.
1. Support administration and implementation of operational strategies and adapt processes and procedures
• Ensure CO financial activities, financial recording/reporting system, and follow-up on audit recommendations are in full compliance with UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP) and strategies. Facilitate implementation of effective internal controls and proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system.
• Support office management in preparing and reviewing CO finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal standard operating procedures in the finance in consultation with office management.
• Prepare reports containing analysis of the CO financial situation.
• Elaborate proposals and implement cost saving and reduction strategies in consultations with office management.
• Routinely monitor financial exception reports for unusual activities and transactions; and investigate anomalies or unusual transactions. Inform senior CO management and other UNDP staff at Headquarters of the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained.
2. Ensure administration of budgets of CO management projects, clearance of budgets for development projects, and functioning of an optimal cost-recovery system.
• Analyze financial data to identify variances and advise management on corrective actions.
• Prepare analytical reports on the program portfolio, implementation modalities, and emerging trends to support strategic decision-making.
• Liaise with UNDP Headquarters on potential critical situations or inconsistencies, acting as a third-level escalation point after program-level resolution attempts.
• Monitor expenditures to ensure alignment with approved budgets and cost-recovery policies.
• Prepare periodic financial reports, summaries, and forecasts to inform decision-making.
• Review and revise project budgets in line with UNDP rules, regulations, and donor agreements.
• Ensure proper coding of expenditures and budget revisions in UNDP’s ERP system (e.g., Quantum/UNALL).
• Verify availability of funds before approval of financial commitments.
• Support implementation of cost-recovery mechanisms and maintain cost-sharing agreements.
• Prepare and modify budgets for UNDP projects, follow up with HQ on authorized spending limits (ASL) for management projects.
• Ensure administration of control mechanism for development projects by monitoring budgets, preparing and modifying budgetary status versus ASL, follow up with HQ on ASL for management projects.
• Prepare timely cost-recovery and DPC bills in ERP for the services provided by UNDP. Elaborate and implement revenue tracking system and follow up on cost recovery. Establish criteria for pro-ration of Agencies contributions to the common services account, prepare and modify the common services budget, and follow up on timely recovery of payments.
3. Provide accounting and administrative support to the Finance Unit.
• Process financial transactions (invoices, payments analysis, journal entries) in the ERP system.
• Maintain accurate accounting records.
• Review periodic oversight of financial reports for projects and management funds/budget balance.
• Maintain internal expenditures control system which ensures that invoices processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in ERP; and travel claims and other entitlements are duly processed.
• Coordinate and review allocated General Ledger and sub-ledger accounts and support timely project closure.
• Maintain Accounts Receivables for UNDP projects and follow up with partners on contributions.
• Record and reconcile other revenue including payment of GLOC, in-kind contribution by governments, and agency income through UPL/LPL
• Perform timely quarterly and year-end certifications as per OFM guidelines.
• Identify and record contributions, as per the Bank Statement and information received from Program team.
• Review and certify financial Review and certify financial documents for completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
• Assist in month-end and year-end closing processes and submission of financial statements.
4. Compliance, Risk Management, and Quality Assurance Service
• Ensure compliance with UNDP Financial Regulations and Rules (FRRs), IPSAS, and internal control frameworks.
• Monitor dashboards and program portfolio panels, ensuring quality assurance across financial data and reporting.
• Support project closure processes, including financial reconciliation between Accounting Modules, compliance checks, and documentation for audit readiness.
• Review financial processes and dashboards to strengthen internal controls and accountability.
• Monitor implementation of risk mitigation measures related to financial management.
• Support internal and external audits: prepare documentation, respond to queries, and follow up on recommendations.
• Review and validate financial data entries before submission to management.
• Ensure timely and high-quality delivery of financial services within the Country Office.
• Provide guidance to junior finance assistants or clerks, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
5. Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO.
• Organize training for the operations/programme/projects staff on financial management.
• Organize and conduct training for the operations/ programme/projects staff on financial management. Assist in providing regular training and technical guidance/advice on audit and compliance matters, including implementation of Internal Control Framework (ICF).
• Synthesize lessons learned and best practices in financial management.
• Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement:
Under the guidance of the Operations Manager and direct supervision of the Finance Analyst, the Financial Associate 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.
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:
NÍVEL 1: Demonstra determinação e motivação, mantém a calma diante da adversidade,
e tem confiança
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 Development - Customer Satisfaction/Client Management:
Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results to fulfil and understand real customers' needs. Provide inputs to customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond immediate requests. Anticipate upcoming client needs and concerns.
Business Development - Knowledge Facilitation:
Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, design and facilitate activities to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas. Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation.
Business Management - Working with Evidence and Data:
Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making.
Finance - Accounting (General):
Knowledge of accounting concepts, principles, regulations, policies and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations.
Finance - Budget Management:
Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets.
Data - Data Analysis:
Ability to extract, analyze and visualize data to form meaningful insights and aid effective business decision making.
Business Management - Risk Management:
Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks.
Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA
MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
- Secondary Education is required.
- University degree in Finance or Accounting is desirable.
- Part-qualified accountants from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy
will have a distinct advantage.
(The degree must state that the major is in accounting or finance.
Degrees in Business Administration or Public Administration are not considered equivalent.)
- 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 the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), if recruited.
No UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) is required.
- Candidates with no professional accountancy qualifications but with relevant experience
must successfully undertake the UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) before shortlisting
and must complete the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), if recruited.
MINIMUM YEARS OF RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE
- Minimum 7 years (with secondary education) OR
- Minimum 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in finance and accounting at the national or international level is required.
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.).
- Advanced knowledge of spreadsheets and web-based management systems such as ERP financials and database packages.
DESIRED SKILLS (in addition to competencies section)
- Experience in providing financial and budget support to programs and projects.
- Experience with ERP systems and advanced financial tools.
- Relevant experience at national and international level in providing financial management services.
- Relevant experience in the preparation of financial reports and forecasts for decision-making.
- Relevant experience in quality assurance, compliance and risk management.
- Experience delivering trainings to project teams.
REQUIRED LANGUAGES
- Fluency in Portuguese is required.
- Working knowledge in English is required.
Equal opportunity
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.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
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.
Right to select multiple candidates
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.
Scam alert
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