UNDP is the United Nations largest agency with a mandate to eradicate poverty, through sustainable and inclusive human development. UNDP has been in Nigeria since the country became independent in 1960 providing capacity building and policy development support to the Federal Government of Nigeria in areas of Governance & Peace Building, Inclusive growth, and Sustainable Development.
UNDP continues to support the government in the implementation of development interventions aimed at meeting medium to long term goals enshrined in National and Subnational development plans as well as the Sustainable Development Goals. The goal of UNDP is to improve the lives of the people of Nigeria, especially the poorest and most vulnerable, and to ensure a future that offers equality, dignity, and opportunity for all. UNDP works in partnership with the federal Government of Nigeria, development partners, UN agencies, civil society and local communities to help identify local solutions to meet global and national development challenges through a range of interventions that combine UNDP’s expertise and comparative advantage in the areas of Governance & Peace Building, Inclusive growth and Sustainable Development.
Expected start date: 25/10/2021
Duration:- 12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments:- 2
Duty stations: Abuja (2)
Context
The Finance Assistant works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and projects’ staff in the Country Office (CO) and with UNDP HQs staff to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.
Task description
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Finance Analyst or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Finance Assistant will support in the following:
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.
Ensures functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Provision of inputs for preparation of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for the services provided by UNDP, follow up on cost recovery.
Provides accounting and administrative support to the Finance Unit focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports for NEX & DIM projects; preparation of all types of request for payments through Oracle for projects and on-behalf of UNDP and non-Atlas Agencies;.
• Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that payments submission through Oracle to the GSSU Team are correctly recorded in Atlas; travel requests/claims, and other entitlements are duly processed
• Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers, vouchers on hold
• Presentation of information on the status of financial resources as required.
• Maintenance of the Accounts Receivables for UNDP projects and recording of deposits in Atlas.
• Supports the Cost Recovery process for the CO from UN Agencies and Projects
• Timely accounts closure for the CO
• Timely preparation of monthly cash forecast for use by the CO and the issuance of bank introductory letters to staff
• Maintenance of the proper filing system for finance records and documents.
• Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.
Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:
• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
• As an active UNDP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNDP and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:
Required experience
3 years of experience in • Secondary Education with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance. University Degree in Finance, Business or Public Administration desirable, but it is not a requirement.
• Part-qualified accountants from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.).
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
• Have affinity with or interest in UNDP values, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national
Area(s) of expertise
Administration, Business management, Economics and finance
Driving license
–
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Secondary education in
• Implementation of operational and financial management strategies
• Functioning of cost-recovery system
• Accounting and administrative support
• CO cash management
• Knowledge building and knowledge sharing
Competencies and values
• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment
• Self-development, initiative-taking
• Acting as a team player and facilitating team work
• Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively
• Creating synergies through self-control
• Managing conflict
• Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member.
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
he assignment will take place in the nation’s capital, Abuja (Hardship Classification C). Abuja is housed by many expatriate and diplomatic communities. Cost of living in Abuja varies but could be termed as high considering the class of people residing in the capital city. Terrorism is the main threat in the Abuja. General crime is also prevalent. UN staff members are advised to stay only in UNDSS assessed hotels and residential areas. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.
