Background

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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.

Background and Organizational Context:

The UNDP Resource & Planning Unit (RPU) is a part of UNDP India CO Operations. The unit is responsible for effective delivery of financial services, transparent utilization of financial resources and facilitate effective management of the Country Office (CO) programme and project budgets. The unit in close collaboration with the operations, programme and project teams in the CO and with UNDP HQs staff and Government officials ensures highest level delivery of functions while adherence to UNDP financial rules and regulations. It provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues following a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

Position Purpose:

Ensure effective execution of operation and programme finance management services and processes, consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. The Finance Assistant will support the Head of RPU and the team in ensuring timely and efficient financial management and administrative processes ensuring high quality and accuracy of work. She/he will be expected to promote a client-oriented approach and work in close collaboration with the UNDP Operations, Programme, UN agencies for resolving administration, statutory compliances and finance related issues.
Reporting structure and partners: Reports to Head- Resources & Planning Unit. Works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and project teams in the CO and the state offices and with UNDP HQs and GSSU staff for resolving finance-related issues and information exchange.

Duties and Responsibilities

1.) Ensures implementation of operational and financial management strategies through:

Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules and regulations of financial processes, financial records and reports; implementation of the effective internal control framework and follow-up on audit recommendations.
Input to 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.
Provision of inputs on CO cash management system improvement.

2.) Ensures administration of budgets and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system through:

Support in preparation and modifications of budgets for UNDP projects.
Support cost recovery/ billing from agencies and track service management dashboard and project budgets.

3). Provides accounting and administrative support to the Finance Unit through:

Proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports for development projects; preparation of requests for payments for UNDP and non-Atlas agencies with accurate supporting documents and submission for processing to GSSU.
Ensure timely and correct GL adjustments, process GLJEs and ensure proper supporting documentation are filed for all financial transactions and submission of certifications.
Support in travel claim settlements and reconciliations.
Service support to UN agencies including RCO in processing financial transactions and ensure budget management and financial reporting.
Timely response to HQ/GSSU requests to resolve financial data issues.
Maintenance of the proper filing system for finance records and documents.

4). Ensures proper CO cash management functioning through:

Support timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements. Support to daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in Atlas to monitor imprest level for Paycycle.
Support in processing deposits for incoming receipts from agencies

5). Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO through:

Participation in training for the operations/programme/projects staff on Finance.
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice

Education:

Secondary Education with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance.
Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Public Administration, Economics, Commerce, Finance or closely relevant field with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience will be given due consideration.

Experience:

5 years (or 2 years with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant finance experience 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.
Experience of working with Corporate Financial Management systems is highly desired.
Fluency in English and Hindi.
Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

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