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Program Finance Officer at UNDP

  • Full Time
  • Lilongwe, Malawi
  • Applications have closed
  • Salary: 000

UNDP

General

Description of assignment title

Program Finance Officer

Assignment country

Malawi

Expected start date

01/10/2022

Sustainable Development Goal

10. Reduced inequalities

Volunteer category

National UN Volunteer Specialist

DoA reserved for persons with disabilities

Yes

Host entity

UNDP

Type

Onsite

Duration

12 months

Number of assignments

1

Duty stations

Lilongwe

Details

Mission and objectives

UNDP works in more than 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience to sustain development results. UNDP has been present in Malawi since 1964. Working closely with the Government of Malawi, civil society and the private sector, UNDP’ s work aims to contribute to economic growth, sustainable environmental management, and democratic governance and accountability in Malawi. UNDP’s Country Programme Document is closely aligned to the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MDGS III) and supports Malawi’s aim to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. UNDP ‘s programme is designed to address the interlinked issues of poverty, inequality and vulnerability to shocks and is managed within two portfolios: Responsive Institutions and Citizen Engagement which works towards strengthening effective, accountable and inclusive governance that promotes civic engagement, respect for human rights, rule of law, peace and democracy. It also works towards strengthening data generation and analysis. Resilience and Sustainable Growth which focusses on enhancing economic innovation, inclusive business, job creation, and renewable energy access. It also works towards helping Malawi adapt to climate change and build resilience to disasters.

Context

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, the Programme Finance Officer provides leadership in execution of financial services in the Country Office (CO) Programme Unit ensuring effective and transparent utilization of financial resources and quality assurance. The Programme Finance Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. The incumbent works in close collaboration with the operations, Programme and project teams in the CO and UNDP HQs staff for resolving programme and operational issues and information delivery.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: 1. Assist in ensuring 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. • Assist in mapping the CO Programme Finance business processes and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Programme Finance in consultation with office management. • Support the implementation of cost sharing and trust fund agreements, elaboration of conditions of contributions within the CO resource mobilization efforts. 2. Assist CO Programme Finance management and the functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results: • Support the preparation and modifications of budgets for UNDPs management pro-jects, follow up with HQs on authorized spending limits (ASL) for management pro-jects. • Assist in implementation of the control mechanism for development projects through monitoring budgets preparation and modifications, budgetary status versus ASL, follow up with HQs on ASL for development projects, maintenance of the General Ledger. • Proper control of the supporting documents for payments, review of financial re-ports for NIM/DIM projects. 3. Assist in the training of office and IP staff members as appropriate. • Maintain awareness of IP’s financial management practices and internal controls • Check accuracy of IP’s reporting on use of funds, to ensure that the presented expenditures were true and fair • Scheduled Audits of internal controls for cash transfer to address specific weaknesses identified. • Participate in the HACT working group and support implementation of joint assurance activities. 4. Review of Country Office dashboard for operations and programme • Management of data and information • Organization of trainings for project and operations staff on Project Finance. 5. Ensuring compliance with corporate programme and project management requirements (including planning, M&E and reporting) • supporting monitoring and reporting as well as quality assurance of the country programme and related projects, in support of effective partnership building and resource mobilization

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in finance is required at the national or international level. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems. Solid financial Management skills in ATLAS or similar ERP. Experience of IPSAS and/or IFRS will be an asset.

Area(s) of expertise

Economics and finance, Business management

Driving license

Languages

English, Level: Working knowledge, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting, Business Management or related fields.

Competencies and values

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients. Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP in daily activities and behaviors while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behavior; does not abuse power or authority. Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups. Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary. Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

The current premises allow for wheelchair access and disabled toilet facilities and the workstation is wheelchair accessible. However, other improvements to the premises may be required to accommodate other disabilities. Technology is fairly limited in Malawi so facilities available in more developed countries to support persons with hearing or visual disabilities may be hard to access.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.