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UN Full-time: Finance Associate – Caracas

Winrock International

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  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 ‘leave no one behind’ 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.
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.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 170 countries and territories, working with Governments and people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges to help empower lives and build resilient nations.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the pledge to leave no one behind reflect the interconnectedness of health and sustainable development issues such as the widening economic and social inequalities, the climate crisis, rapid urbanisation, the continuing burden of HIV and other infectious diseases (e.g., malaria, tuberculosis, COVID.19), the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and the emergence of health threats. The scope and scale of delivering health and well-being for all demands innovative partnerships and financing.
UNDP’s partnership with the Global Fund (GF), in line with UNDP’s HIV and Health Strategy 2022-2025: ‘Connecting the Dots’, makes a vital contribution to UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the pledge to leave no one behind. When requested, UNDP acts as interim Principal Recipient (PR), working with national partners and the Global Fund to ensure management, implementation, and oversight of GF grants, while simultaneously strengthening health institutions and systems for national entities to assume the PR role over time.
UNDP has been identified by the Global Fund as the interim PR for the Venezuela malaria grant, which is in the final year of grant implementation, having started on 1 January 2021 and ending on 31 December 2023. The grant was exceptionally approved by the Global Fund Board as a result of the sustained increase in malaria cases which began in 2010.
UNDP implements the programme in close coordination with the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), the Ministry of Popular Power (MPPS), and other technical agencies.
Office/Unit/Project Description
In order to manage the malaria grant and achieve its aforementioned goal, a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU), has been established to ensure strategic, programmatic and operational management and oversight of the grant. Importantly, since there is no CCM in Venezuela, a multi-stakeholder advisory group (‘the malaria technical advisory group’) has been established. Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) was the Sub-recipient supporting programme implementation.
In March 2023, UNDP was nominated to serve as PR for the next Global Fund grants – one malaria grant and one HIV/TB grant, both of which started on 1 January 2024 for a 3-year grant period.
Position Purpose
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Finance Analyst, the Finance Associate is responsible for effective and transparent utilization of financial resources and integrity of financial services for Global Fund programmes. The Finance Associate analyzes and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues. H/She promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach across the grant Sub-recipients (SRs), contractors and stakeholders and shall coordinate and collaborate with national programmes, UN agencies, NGOs and technical partners, consistent with UNDP rules and regulations and UNDP’s grant agreement with the Global Fund. The Finance Associate works in close collaboration with the PMU and Operations team at UNDP Venezuela in ensuring successful implementation and oversight of Programme resources and performance in financial management., and promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach across grant sub-recipients, contractors and stakeholders and shall coordinate and collaborate with national programmes, UN agencies, NGOs and
technical partners.
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 in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.
Duties and Responsibilities
1.) Support implementation of operational and financial management strategies, and adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results:
  • Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, and policies and UNDP’s grant agreement with the Global Fund relating to financial activities, financial recording/reporting system; implementation of effective internal controls, proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system.
  • Continuously reviewing the financial situation and supporting the Programme Management Unit (PMU) in the preparation of forecasts and periodical Disbursement Requests for submission to the Global Fund.
  • Quarterly review and approval of Funding Authorizations and Certificate of Expenditures (FACE) Form for the SR(s) and undertakes quarterly verification of SR expenditures.
  • Routinely monitor financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions and investigates anomalies or unusual transactions and inform the supervisor of the results of the review when satisfactory answers are not obtained.
  • Provide advice and guidance to UNDP CO staff and consultants and SR staff on overall financial and asset management.
  • Under the guidance of the supervisor, supports the audit and investigations processes and follow-up in a timely manner to ensure that recommendations are properly addressed.
2.) Ensures the management of the Global Fund Programme and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:
  • Completing the financial sections of the Progress Update and Disbursement Request (PUDR) and preparation of bi-annual and annual Cash Flow Forecasts, and budget and expenditure variance analysis for the prior period in compliance with the Global Fund requirements for submission to the Global Fund.
  • Timely revision and finalization of Annual Financial Report for the malaria and HIV/TB grants and other ad hoc financial reports as required by the Global Fund.
  • Periodical preparation of the Programme fund balances, taking into consideration the data provided by the SR(s) fund balances to ensure better forecasting of activities as appropriate.
  • Timely preparation of Programme budget reviews and the provision of justifications for budget reallocation/reprogramming requests (if any) for submission to the Global Fund.
  • Preparation and monitoring of budgets; regular analysis and reporting on the budget approvals and the delivery situation.
  • Monitoring and ensuring that contributions from the Global Fund are properly transferred to UNDP on a timely basis.
3.) Support proper control of the Global Fund Programmes accounts focusing on achievement of the following results:
  • Analysis and elaboration of proposals for the internal expenditures’ control system ensuring that invoices processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Quantum; Advances to SRs, direct payment on behalf of SRs, travel claims and other payments are duly processed and receipting of goods and services and establishment of accruals are properly done in compliance with IPSAS and UNDP policies and procedures.
  • Timely monthly and year-end accounts closure.
  • Timely corrective actions on unposted invoices, including the invoices with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved invoices. Timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues.
  • Control of the Accounts Receivables for the Global Fund programmes and maintenance of the General Ledger.
  • Control of all Programme assets and reporting requirement in compliance with UNDP and Global Fund rules and regulation.
  • Control of the asset and inventory transfer once the programme is closing out.
4.) Ensures proper Global Fund programmes cash management focusing on achievement of the following results:
  • Timely review of the SR cash accounts to ensure the availability of sufficient funds for implementation and appropriate disbursements.
  • Timely review of the budget and cash availability for the Global Fund projects in Quantum and ensure transactions are correctly recorded.
  • Timely identification and recording of receipts for income application.
  • Timely preparation of monthly cash flow forecast for use by the supervisor.
  • Acts as cashier for onsite transactions.
5.) Ensures facilitation of capacity building and knowledge building and sharing, focusing on achievement of the following results:
  • Under the guidance of the Finance Analyst, support in the capacity assessment process and the development of the capacity building and transition plans in the area of financial management and asset management and in the implementation and monitoring of the plan.
  • Develop tools, standard operating procedures, guidance materials for use by the PMU and SRs.
  • Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in financial and asset management.
  • Actively participates in UNDP and other relevant external networks to promote the Programmes and represent UNDP in relevant technical meetings, working groups at country, regional and global level and gathers lessons learnt to apply to the Programmes.
  • Identifies and supports development of communications (print, video) highlighting key financial management achievements, best practices, and lessons learnt and contributes to information sharing with the Ministry of Health, Sub-recipients, UN entities, financial and technical partners, the GF and the MAC.
  • Ability to represent UNDP and the project when required, and to act as officer in charge of the Programmes, if required.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.
Competencies
Core Competencies
  • ACHIEVE RESULTS – LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
  • THINK INNOVATEVELY – 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 – LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
  • 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 Competencies
  • BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
    • KNOWLEDGE GENERATION: Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need.
  • BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
    • PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals.

Technical Competencies

  • OPERATIONS: FINANCE
    • FINANCIAL COMMUNICATION AND IMPACT: Ability to report financial information clearly to non- finance leaders, including to various governing bodies such as the Executive Board.
    • ACCOUNTING (GENERAL): Knowledge of accounting concepts, principles, frameworks, standards, regulations, policies and trends, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations.
    • FINANCE BUSINESS PARTNERING: Able to support business units and add value by innovating and providing solutions to financial issues/queries, including through FAQs, financial tools, advisory, etc. Influences and appropriately challenges non-finance colleagues for whom the service is being provided. Understands the operations, opportunities and challenges of the organization. Holds a commercial outlook, demonstrating accountability towards organizational goals.
    • FINANCIAL ANALYSIS: Knowledge of evaluating businesses, projects, budgets, and other finance related transactions to determine their performance and suitability
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
  • Secondary Education with specialized certification in accounting and/or Finance. University degree in Finance or Accounting 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 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:
  • Minimum 6 years (with secondary education) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in providing financial management advisory services and/or managing staff and accounting operational systems.
  • Good knowledge of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software and experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
  • Experience with UN or UNDP financial rules, policies and procedures, is an asset.
  • Experience working for an international organization is an asset.
  • Experience with Global Fund’s financial rules, policies and procedures, is an asset.
Languages:
  • Fluency in Spanish Required
  • Good command of the English language is desirable.

Disclaimer

Important applicant information
All posts in the GS categories are subject to local recruitment.

Candidates selected pursuant to this vacancy may be subject to UNDP’s policy on Probation upon assignment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: 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.

Workforce diversity
UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements


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