National Field Finance Associates - SOUTH SUDAN

Background

NATIONAL FIELD FINANCE ASSOCIATE (FOR SOUTH SUDANESE NATIONALS ONLY) UNDP’s programme in Southern Sudan is expected to grow substantially in coming years. In 2006 UNDP established a number of field offices. The presence of UNDP at State Level has dramatically increased, bringing into light important administrative activities which could not be kept centralized at Juba level. The National Field Finance Associate will work closely with the rest of Field Operations team to ensure timely delivery of operational support to the activities in the field. Under the direct supervision of the Field Operations Specialist, and overall guidance from the Head of Operations, the National Field Finance Associate works in close collaboration with the State Coordinator, National Field Associates and other staff in the Field Office solving finance related issues and information delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions: Administration and implementation of Operational and Financial Management Strategies. Accounting, Finance and Administrative Support Field Office Cash Management Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing Ensure administration and implementation of operational financial services, adapts process and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results: Review and verify financial transactions/activities/documentations for accuracy, appropriateness and completeness and ensure full compliance of financial services and transaction in line with UNDP rules, regulations, policies and recording and reporting system. Certify transactions for accuracy and propriety prior to submission to the supervisor for approval and/or action. Analyse/interpret the financial rules and regulations, as well as established policies and procedures, and provide advice and recommend solutions to financial issues. Monitor and implement an effective and proper functioning of the financial resources management system at the field office Recommend and/or implement cost saving and reduction strategies, in consultation with the office management Follow-up and/or take action on audit recommendations to ensure implementation of corrective actions Supervise and guide staff and personnel under his/her responsibility, as applicable, provide technical guidance and monitor performance to ensure delivery of results according to plans and standards of accountability and performance. Ensures accounting and administrative supports to the Field Office focusing on achievement of the following results: Proper control of the supporting documents for payments, review of financial reports for all projects activities in the field Submit payment request in a timely manner to the Country Office with proper supporting documents in line with UNDP Financial rules and regulations. Ensure all supporting documents on financial transactions are secured and properly filed. Timely processing of all field staff and vendor payments. Timely preparation of cost recovery documents for services provided by UNDP to other UN Agencies or institutions. Elaborate and implement the income tracking system and follow-up on cost recovery Ensures proper Field Office Cash Management functioning focusing on achievement of the following results: Timely review of both operational and working advances at the field office to ensure sufficient funds on hand for activities. Expenditures are within the approved workplan submitted for both operational and working advances. Verify the authenticity and accuracy of receipts and invoices submitted for retirement of advances Prepare accountability documents for replenishment of operational and working advance Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the Field Office focusing on achievement of the following results: Organization of training for the operations/programme/projects staff on financial management Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in financial management Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practices.

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 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 standard tasks related to financial resources management, including screening and collecting documentation, financial data processing, filing, provision of information Good 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 and responds positively to feedback Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure UNDP Accounting and Finance Training and certification

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Secondary Education with specialized diploma in Accounting and Finance. University Degree in Business or Public Administration, Accounting or Finance would be an added advantage. Experience: 7 years of relevant experience in finance or accounting is required. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems. Language Requirements: Fluency in English required; Arabic is an advantage.

National Field Finance Associates (FOR SOUTH SUDANESE NATIONALS ONLY)