United Nations Volunteers Jobs - Finance Associate

FINANCE ASSOCIATE


Location : Abuja, NIGERIA
Application Deadline : 17-Jan-13
Type of Contract : UNV
Post Level : UNV
Languages Required : English
Duration of Initial Contract : Initial duration of one year


Background
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers.


In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities.


In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and productive.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the guidance of the Deputy Country Director (Operations) and supervision of the Finance Analyst, the Finance Associate provides financial services ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work. The Finance Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.


Summary of Key Functions:


Implementation of operational strategies
Accounting and administrative support
CO cash management
Knowledge building and knowledge sharing
1. Ensures implementation of operational strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:
Full compliance of financial processes and financial records with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies.
Input to the CO business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance in consultation with the direct supervisor and office management.


2. Provides accounting and administrative support to the Finance Unit focusing on achievement of the following results:
Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas; travel claims, MPOs and other entitlements are duly processed
Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers.
Presentation of information on the status of financial resources as required.
Processing of International Staff Payroll (MPO)
Other UN Agencies (IFAD, UNODC, UNOCHA, UNAIDS, UN-HABITAT, IAEA, WMO, UNOPS PROJECTS,UNOWA,UNIC,UNITAR,UNHQ,WIPO, WFP, etc.) payments
Monitoring of Exception Report
Monthly Reports to Agencies.


3. Ensures proper CO cash management system functioning focusing on achievement of the following results:


Backstopping for other Finance Associates while on leave
Initiation of bank transfers and deals in Atlas.
Reconciliation of UNDP Balance sheet Accounts
Review and reconcile workshop advances to Standard Chartered Bank
Actively participate in UNDP yearly Accounts Closure


4. Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:


Participation in the trainings for the operations/ projects staff on Finance.
Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice.


Furthermore, UNV volunteers are encouraged to:


Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and taking active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark IVD);
Getting acquainted with and building on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
Reflecting on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
Contributing articles/write-ups on field experiences and submitting them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
Assisting with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UNV volunteers;
Promoting or advising local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encouraging relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.


Results/Expected Output:


The key results have an impact on the overall CO efficiency in financial resources management and success in introduction and implementation of operational strategies. Accurate, thoroughly researched and documented financial information, timely and appropriate delivery of services ensure client satisfaction and enhance UNDP credibility in use of financial resources.


A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the UNV assignment such as specific quantification of mobilized volunteers, activities, capacities.


Competencies


Computer skills:
Experience in handling web-based management system
Proficiency in Standard Computer Software (Word, Excel, Database, PowerPoint, Internet)
Strong aptitude for learning computer based financial and program management software for monitoring programs
Experience in the usage of ATLAS (Finance Application Access Module) will be an advantage.


Language skills:
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Communication and negotiation skills


Demonstrable experience in:


Commitment to United Nations ethics, values and code of conduct
Displays social, cultural and gender sensitivity and adaptability


Ability to:
Organize and prioritize workload using initiative, coping with stress in harsh, insecure conditions.
Work well as part of a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary team
Professional and personal flexibility and adaptability
To be result oriented


Required Skills and Experience
Bachelors degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting
2 to 4 years relevant working experience
Conditions of Service


A 12-month contract; monthly volunteer living allowance (VLA) intended to cover housing, basic needs and utilities, equivalent to N94; 914 settling-in-grant (if applicable) Equivalent of one month VLA, i.e. N94, 914 for a 12-month assignment if candidate is recruited from outside the duty station, or pro-rated if assignment is shorter than 12 months; life, health, and permanent disability insurance; return airfares (if applicable); resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.




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