UNDP Jobs - 31243- ADMINISTRATIVE/FINANCE ASSOCIATE

ADMINISTRATIVE/FINANCE ASSOCIATE - Support to Confidence Building Measures - Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Location :

Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

03-Sep-2012

Application Deadline :

27-Jul-12 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

till 31 December 2012, with possibility of extension

Languages Required :

English Russian

Expected Duration of Assignment :

3 years

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

The overall objectives of the project are:

To address the needs of Transnistrian communities by increasing their access to basic social and economic services, as well as to objective and diversified sources of information;
To increase confidence between Chisinau and Tiraspol by involving municipalities and civil society organizations in various economic and social confidence building projects.

Project specific objectives:

To enhance economic development in the Transnistria region and contribute to economic rapprochement between the two banks of the Nistru River by promoting cross-river exchanges and expanding the range of catalytic business support services;
To empower local communities and actors from both sides to participate in collaborative projects addressing pressing development needs and ensure the delivery of essential public services;
To address common environmental development concerns by creating opportunities and platforms for joint collaboration from both banks;
To foster civil society development by enhancing the capacity of NGOs to generate activities which promote cross-river collaboration and addressing key development needs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Programme Manager, the incumbent contributes to an effective and efficient implementation of confidence building projects through a range of actions contributing to the design, planning, management and monitoring of project activities. The Finance Officer applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Administrative/Finance Associate works in close collaboration with the Project team as well as the team in the Country Office (CO) for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex programme/project-related issues and information delivery. The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

The Administrative/Finance Associate, in close cooperation with the project team, under the direct guidance and supervision of the Programme Manager, will ensure the provision of financial and administrative services of the highest quality and standards to the project team, UNDP Country office, as well as national counterparts and clients. More specifically:

Administrative management:

Pro-actively contribute to day-to-day project implementation and ensure conformity to expected results and project work-plans;
Coordinate and prepare documents necessary for the launch of procurement processes and issue contracts;
Supervise other support staff (Assistant, Drivers) and coordinate short-term consultants;
Assume overall responsibility for the coordination of administrative matters;
Provide advice to the team on financial and administrative issues;

Financial management:

Monitor budget expenditures and maintain a proper record of approved project budgets and their revisions;
Prepare proposals for budget revisions;
Upon request, prepare and submit expenditure and programme budget status reports;
Maintain accurate budget reporting in both UNDP and EU standard templates;
Prepare other recurring reports as scheduled and special reports as required for budget/financial preparations and audit;
Respond to queries from the UNDP and EU Delegation with respect to financial aspects of the programme, liaise with UNDP-appointed and external auditors wherever required;
Undertake other financial and administrative tasks as required.

Procurement:

In accordance with the Work Plan coordinate and contribute to the procurement of equipment, supplies and services;
Prepare the procurement plans for the projects and monitoring of their implementation;
Create and mange e-requisitions in ATLAS;
Coordinate equipment maintenance and insurance as required;
Ensure that contractual processes follow the stipulated UNDP procedures;
Clear and ensure delivery of equipment and supplies procured for the various programme sites;

Key Results:

The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the Support to Confidence Building Measures project. Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP’s position as a strong development partner. The information provided facilitates decision-making of the Project Board, the Beneficiary and UNDP management.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures. Familiarity with the internal control framework and results-based management tools is a must;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Ensures that programmes and projects are consistent with UN/UNDP values;
Treats peers fairly by maintaining consistent values inspiring trust and confidence through personal credibility;
Accepts responsibility and accountability for the quality of the outcome of his/her decisions.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

Shares knowledge and experience;
Promotes a supportive environment to enhance partnerships, leverages resources and build support for UNDP’s strategic initiatives;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise / In-depth knowledge of the Subject-matter

Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines;
Serves as internal consultant in the area of expertise and shares knowledge with staff;
Continues to seek new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit;
Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Results-Based Management, including support to design, planning and implementation of Programme, managing data, reporting;
Ability to provide input to business processes, re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems;
Ability to engage with various partners and stakeholders at different levels, to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the host government and represent UNDP in national and regional fora;
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is required to obtain, evaluate and interpret factual data and to prepare accurate and complete reports and other documents;
Adapts flexibly to changing situations, overcomes obstacles and recovers quickly from set-backs.

Leadership and Self-Management

Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Ability to achieve results and meet strict deadlines in an effective manner, maintaining a high quality standard throughout;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Tolerates conditions of stress, uncertainty or ambiguity and continues to maintain a positive outlook and to work productively.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University Degree in economics, finance, accounting, law, public administration or other related field.

Experience:

At least seven years of complex experience in administrative work, accounting/finance, economics, or other substantive area is required;
At least two years of previous experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, consulting company, or NGO is compulsory. Previous experience with EC/UNDP is a very strong advantage;
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 web-based management systems.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in oral and written English, Romanian and Russian;
Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language would be an asset.

This is a local position, therefore only citizens of the Republic of Moldova are eligible to apply.
Applications should be submitted on line and include fully completed Personal History Form (P11) as attachment instead of CV/resume.
Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.