Project Associate

  • Location:
  • Salary:
    negotiable / YEAR
  • Job type:
    CONTRACTOR
  • Posted:
    4 months ago
  • Category:
    Project Management
  • Deadline:
    03/09/2024

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.
Job Purpose and Organizational Context

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) makes public and private finance work for the poor in the world’s 46 least developed countries. With its capital mandate and instruments, UNCDF offers “last mile” finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development.  The Local Transformative Finance Practice aims to be a centre of excellence and innovation fund for local government finance. Over a 30-year period the Practice has developed deep expertise in intergovernmental fiscal transfers (IGTF), local development funds, public financial management and performance-based grants. LTF supports policy reforms and advocates for a greater appreciation and use of IGTF and performance based local government financing mechanisms in development finance.

On the basis of this experience, LTF designed and manages the Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL), which is a mechanism to integrate climate change into local authorities’ planning and budgeting through the regular intergovernmental fiscal transfer system using performance-based grants in a participatory and gender-sensitive manner, increase awareness and capacities to respond to climate change at the local level including through ecosystem-based solutions, and increase the quality and number of local investments that address climate change. LoCAL combines performance-based climate resilience grants (PBCRGs), which ensure the programming and verification of change expenditures at the local level, with technical and capacity-building support. It uses the grants and demonstration effect to trigger further flows for local climate action including global climate finance and national fiscal transfers. LoCAL also aims to support private finance for small and medium businesses and municipal finance and public-private partnerships. LoCAL is presently working with 34 countries across Africa, Asia the Caribbean and the Pacific, and has cumulatively mobilised over US$170m for more than 2,100 adaptation projects.  In the Pacific, LoCAL is currently working in Tuvalu and Solomon Islands, with programs under design in a number of other countries.

Duties and Responsibilities
  1. Ensure the implementation of operational and financial management strategies, adapt processes and procedures, focusing on the achievement of the following results:
  • Ensure full compliance with UNDP/UNCDF rules, regulations, and policies in relation to financial activities, financial recording/reporting and follow-up on audit recommendations.
  • Preparation and monitoring of development projects´ budgets. Quarterly financial planning for projects (NIM advance)
  • Accuracy verification and reconciliation of Project’s Responsible Party Direct Cash Transfer Request and Financial report under FACE form
  • Accuracy verification of all cash transfer documentation, certification of Responsible Party’s requests and reports (FACE form). Verification of eligibility of expenses under NIM (NIM spot checks, cash counts);
  • Verification and reconciliation of various expenditures reports from the national implementing partners, CO, HQ and responsible parties.
  • Proper control of the supporting documents for payments, review of DIM/NIM projects Financial Reports.
  • Support maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that quantum Invoice processed are matched and completed; transactions are correctly recorded and posted in quantum.
  • Implement effective internal controls and the proper functioning of a client-oriented financial management system.
  • Undertake continual analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of forecasts for development and management projects, monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions.
  • Ensure full compliance of project closure procedures with the existing POPP requirements.

2. Effective Administrative Management of Projects/Programme:

  • Assist in the archiving, filing, and maintenance of up-to-date electronic mailing lists on programme and technical matters.
  • Support the administration of the NEX/NGO Audits.
  • Organization and provision of researched information for the audit of NEX projects, implementation of audit recommendations,
  • Manage and maintain an accurate filing system of projects and of all national counterparts including grants and document relating to payment to the project’s responsible parties.
  • Present information for audits, support the implementation of audit recommendations.
  • Documents findings and communicates orally and/or in writing to the audited offices on their compliance, performance and potential for improvement.
  • Provides support and advice to business units on audit-related matters.
  • Recommends actions to address shortcomings identified, strengthen internal controls and improve business processes.
            3. Provide procurement supplier services and supplier payment support, focusing on achievement of the following results:
  • Support Mozambique team and prepare the grant payment package including DocuSign and facilitate approval from LoCAL Global Team.
  • Provide day-to-day guidance to implementing partners on implementation of projects, and track use of financial resources.
  • Raise/process requisitions in Quantum and ensure timely follow-up of requests for direct payment to suppliers or advance of funds to projects in accordance with the procedures and approved work plans.
  • Support the execution of tasks of organization and follow-up of travel/missions of staff, partners and consultants or experts as well as the organization of workshops seminars meeting and review.
  • Provide support to project staff on routine implementation of projects.
  • Undertake all logistical, administrative and financial arrangements required for the successful planning and delivery of technical workshops, inter-agency meetings, panel discussions, roundtables, missions, and other events organized by the programme staff in close collaboration with the operations team.
            4. Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in LoCAL country offices within the region, focusing on achievement of the following results:
  • Manage the project procurement plan, and support to timely procurement of services and goods.
  • Provide regular updates on the disbursement status to project management.
  • Co-ordinate with FMS colleagues on creation of payment voucher.
  • Create requisitions/register of goods receipt in Quantum.
  • Complete payment for services and goods rendered.
  • Draft specifications and terms of references for procurement needs of the office.
  • Manage and maintain contract management database for monitoring of contracts.
Competencies
  • Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline,
  • Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships,
  • Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
  • Understands how regulations and professional standards in internal and external audit underpin audit work in the public services.
  • Ability to address audit issues raised in the course of an audit and propose solutions in order to ensure a true and fair audit opinion is achieved .
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
  • Secondary education is required, OR
  • A university degree (bachelor’s degree) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Project Management, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or related field will be given due consideration, but is not a requirement.
Experience:
  • Minimum 6 years (with secondary education) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant work experience working in responsible financial management, project management is required
  • Knowledge of programme or project finance is desirable.
Disclaimer
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
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.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. Female Candidates and persons with disability are highly encouraged to apply.
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