UNDP has been supporting the Government of India in meeting its national and global priorities and commitments towards sustainable development. The technical and policy support provided by UNDP focus on institutional strengthening and building capacities, while enhancing socio-economic growth at the bottom of the pyramid. The Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity programme of UNDP is supporting the Government of India in meeting national development objectives along with commitments under important multilateral environment agreements especially the Convention on Biological Diversity. The programme has been supporting the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in meeting its national priorities and global commitments. The technical and policy support provided by the programme focus on institutional strengthening and building capacities to utilize natural resources in a sustainable way, while increasing resilience to climate variability and associated risks and impacts. The portfolio supports India’s engagement with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and other donors; and works with Central Ministries and state governments to implement various projects including SECURE Himalaya, Conservation of Wild Cats, Biodiversity Finance (BIOFIN) in India, and Small Grants Programme among many others.

Main Purpose: The Admin and Finance Associate will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Officer, BIOFIN & Land Restoration, UNDP and will support in finance and administrative matters of all the ongoing and upcoming projects. As this is a full–time position, the Admin and Finance Associate cannot hold any other assignments during this assignment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Admin and Finance Associate will work under the direct supervision of Senior Programme Officer, BIOFIN & Land Restoration, UNDP. The responsibilities include:

1. Maintain oversight of overall project finances at National and State level (in coordination with Project
Management Units) including preparation of project budget and expenditure plan as per GOI, UNDP and donor requirements.

2. Provide support in finalization of Annual Work Plan (budget and financial component); enter annual budget in ATLAS and responsible for getting ASL in time

3. Track expenditure and make timely payments

4. Facilitate and manage project audit of financial resources as per UNDP and donor requirements in
accordance with UNDP rules and regulations

5. Prepare financial reports for donors, Government and UNDP as per the financial guidelines, as per
requirement. Develop and implement procurement strategy in consultation with the project management units as per the annual work plans. Manage tendering processes and evaluation, contract and other legal implications pertaining to the contract

6. Undertake regular monitoring of procurement processes to ensure that they are performed consistently to deliver the project outputs in timely manner and in accordance with the corporate standard.

7. Initiate timely recruitment processes as per the requirement of the projects in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations. Ensure appropriate use of different contractual modalities and contract management of the project management units.

8. Review the management of UNDP assets, facilities and logistical services for the team and events including meetings, trainings, workshops planned under the project.

9. Regular monitoring and analysis of the operating environment, timely readjustment of the operations, inform the team leader on legal considerations and risk assessment.

10. Analysis and identification of project-level operational and financial problems in cooperation with Programme Support Unit and provide possible solutions

11. Coordinate with project management and provide necessary /required administrative support.

12. Initiate activities for which UNDP is responsible to ensure Quality Assurance Assessment during implementation of the projects annually; and the regular updating of the ATLAS risk log

13. Coordinate with various UNDP operations units such as Finance, Procurement, HR, Administration and Security to meet the project’s operational requirements and ensure compliance with UNDP regulations (PoPP) and GOIs General Financial Rules (GFR 2017)

14. Follow up with Project personnel on submission and compilation of regular and timely progress reports including quarterly progress reports, Back to Office Reports, Annual Progress Reports etc.

15. Maintain project specific documentation and minutes of the important meetings; upload all necessary document in PIMS.

16. Any other task given by the Senior Programme Officer, BIOFIN & Land Restoration

Min. Education requirements

Secondary Education OR a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce/Science/Finance/Economics or any other closely related field.

Min. years of relevant work experience

Secondary Education with 6 years OR 3 years with (3 years with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in financial management, general administration and programme support service
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc).

Required skills

Good understanding of audit requirements and compliance to the audit requirements.
Ability to extract, interpret and analyze data and resolve problems
Sound knowledge of financial rules, regulations and accounting procedures Strong IT skills

Desired Skills

Experience in handling of web-based management systems. Knowledge of UN systems (ERP system) will be an asset.
Experience of working with UN/International agencies/Government, Inter-Governmental/ Civil Society Organization on similar assignments will be preferred.
Strong understanding of finance and Administration processes of UN/international agencies will be an added advantage.
Ability to prepare minutes, reports and good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Builds and maintains constructive relationships with colleagues (and reports where appropriate); treats people with respect, is co-operative, supportive and helpful with a positive contribution to the working environment.
Works as a team member
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Language(s)

Excellent oral and writing skills in English and Hindi.

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