FINANCE ASSOCIATE (LOCAL POSITION)

Location :	Nairobi (with relocation to Somalia when situation permits), KENYA
Application Deadline :	25-Nov-10
Type of Contract :	FTA Local
Post Level :	GS-6
Languages Required :	English
Duration of Initial Contract :	One year
Expected Duration of Assignment :	One year (with possibility of extension)
Background Under the guidance and supervision of the Finance Specialist, the Finance Associate ensures effective execution of financial services and processes in Country Office (CO), and transparent utilization of financial resources. The Finance Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.      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 projects’ staff in the CO and with UNDP HQs staff for resolving finance-related issues and information exchange.   Duties and Responsibilities Summary of Key Functions: Implementation of operational strategies Financial processes Accounting and administrative support Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing 1. Ensures implementation of operational strategies, adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results: Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules and regulations of financial processes, financial records and reports and audit follow up; implementation of the effective internal control framework. CO Finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance in consultation with the direct supervisor and office management. 2. Ensures financial processes and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results: Processing of international staff entitlements upon appointment, assignment and separation which would entail, relocation grants, lumpsum ticket payments, assignment grants lumpsum and Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSAs); Verification and timely settlement (as per Service Level Agreement) of travel related F10 claims; Special Operations Living Allowance (SOLA) and Hazard entitlements of international staff based in Somalia; Settlement of United Nations Humanitarian Air Services(UNHAS) monthly invoices; Settlement of BCD and staff shuttle payments (POs based); Other types of transactions if assigned on temporary basis (backstopping others in absence). 3. 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 Direct Execution (DEX) projects; preparation of all types of vouchers; Pay Cycle and payments execution. Approval of vendors in Atlas (if 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 Atlas; payrolls are duly prepared and processed; travel claims, Monthly Payment Orders (MPOs) and other entitlements are duly processed Timely accounts 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. Timely VAT reimbursements, payment of GLOC by the Government (if applicable). Preparation of vouchers and Purchase Order (PO) vouchers for management and development projects. 4. Ensures proper CO cash management functioning focusing on achievement of the following results: Alternate to Finance Associate (ICS-7) for timely preparation of monthly cashflow forecast for use by Finance Analyst. Liaison with UN Agencies to obtain estimate of their cash requirement. Alternate to Finance analyst (NOB) the Initiation of bank transfers and deals in Atlas. 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/ projects staff on Finance. Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in Finance. Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice. Impact of Results:   The key results have an impact on the overall execution of the Somalia CO financial services and success in implementation of operational strategies. Accurate analysis and presentation of financial information ensures proper financial processes in the CO. Competencies Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values. Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability   Functional Competencies   Knowledge Management and Learning Shares knowledge and experience Encourages office staff to share knowledge and contribute to UNDP Practice Areas Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills Development and Operational Effectiveness Ability to perform a variety of specialized activities related to financial resources management, including formulating budgets, maintaining Accounts Receivables and Accounts Payables, making transactions, reporting. Sound knowledge of financial rules and regulations, accounting Strong IT skills Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system. Leadership and Self-Management Focuses on result for the client Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure Demonstrates openness to change Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view UNDP Accounting and Finance Training and certification Required Skills and Experience Education:           Secondary Education with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance. University Degree in Business or Public Administration would be desirable, but it is not a requirement. Experience:        6 years of progressively responsible finance experience is required at the national or international level. Experience in Atlas is required 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. Language Requirements:             Fluency in both written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset. visit:http://jobs.undp.org to apply visit