Finance Associate

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.

The primary role of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is to support country-led efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The work of UNDP in 170 countries around the world is anchored in diverse and effective partnerships, which are vital to our two critical roles at country level: (a) as an integrator across policy, programmatic and organizational silos; and (b) as an operational backbone for the United Nations and other partners.

Saudi Arabia is witnessing economic prosperity and progress in all domains of socio-economic development which produced tangible improvement in all human development indicators such as standard of living, health and education services, environmental conditions as well as potentials of comprehensive development. In April 2016, the Government of Saudi Arabia announced its Saudi Vision 2030 – an ambitious long-term development programme. 

Saudi Vision 2030 represents an ambitious blueprint with long-term goals and expectations. It is expressed in three themes of a vibrant society; a thriving economy and an ambitious nation. A review of the three themes and their underlying issues of national concern reveal a holistic approach to development that encompasses the three dimensions of sustainable development: the social, the economic and the environment.

The partnership between UNDP and Saudi Arabia is covering vital sectors and areas which contributes to address the needs of Saudi society, including enhancement of the local capacity of different government institutions and support to policy making and reporting. A wide set of under the scope of technical assistance is provided in order to assist the KSA departments in their reform processes.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Operations Manager and/or Finance Analyst, the Finance Associate provides leadership in execution of financial services in the Country Office (CO) ensuring effective and transparent utilization of financial resources and integrity of financial services. The Finance Associate promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approachconsistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Finance Associate supervises and leads the support staff in the Finance Unit. The Finance Associate works in close collaboration with the Operations, Programme and project teams in the CO, and UNDP HQ and GSSC staff to provide information delivery and resolve complex financial management and operational-related issues.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

1.)   Support administration and implementation of operational strategies and adapt processes and procedures:

•   Ensure CO financial activities, financial recording/reporting system, and follow-up on audit recommendations are in full compliance with UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP) and strategies.  Facilitate implementation of effective internal controls and proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system.
•   Support office management in preparing and reviewing CO finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal standard operating procedures in the finance in consultation with office management.
•   Prepare reports containing analysis of the CO financial situation.
•   Assist in supporting office management to articulate the framework and conditions of contributions within the CO resources mobilization efforts.
•   Elaborate proposals and implement cost saving and reduction strategies in consultations with office management. 
•   Routinely monitor financial exception reports for unusual activities and transactions; and investigate anomalies or unusual transactions. Inform senior CO management and other UNDP staff at Headquarters of the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained.
•   Maintain financing and trust fund agreements, follow up on contributions within the CO resource mobilization efforts. 
 

2.)  Ensure administration of budgets of CO management projects, clearance of budgets for development projects, and functioning of an optimal cost-recovery system:

•   Produce thoroughly researched information for planning of financial resources of the CO.
•   Prepare and modify budgets for UNDP projects, follow up with HQ on authorized spending limits (ASL) for management projects.
•   Ensure administration of control mechanism for development projects by monitoring budgets, preparing and modifying budgetary status versus ASL, follow up with HQ on ASL for management projects. 
•   Prepare timely cost-recovery and DPC bills in ERP for the services provided by UNDP. Elaborate and implement revenue tracking system and follow up on cost recovery. Establish criteria for pro-ration of Agencies contributions to the common services account, prepare and modify the common services budget, and follow up on timely recovery of payments.

3.)  Provide accounting and administrative support to the Finance Unit:

•   Ensure proper control of the supporting documents and payment invoices and proper document management including systematic archiving.  
•   Review periodic oversight of financial reports for projects and management funds/budget balance. 
•   Maintain internal expenditures control system which ensures that invoices processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in ERP; and travel claims and other entitlements are duly processed.
•   Coordinate and review allocated General Ledger and sub-ledger accounts and support timely project closure.
•   Take timely corrective actions on unposted invoices, including invoices with validation errors, match exceptions, and/or unapproved invoices. Provide timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues.
•   Maintain Accounts Receivables for UNDP projects and follow up with partners on contributions.
•   Ensure timely recording, reconciliation, and submission of VAT claims with relevant TAX authority and following up on VAT reimbursements.
•   Record and reconcile other revenue including payment of GLOC, in-kind contribution by governments, and agency income through UPL/LPL
•   Perform timely quarterly and year-end certifications as per OFM guidelines. 
 

4.)  Ensure proper CO cash and Treasury management functioning:

•   Provide timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds for disbursements and maintain liquidity level approved by Treasury. Identify and record receipts and create deposits or revenue applications.
•   Identify and record contributions.
•   Serve as alternate to Finance Analyst/Specialist (or Operations Manager) as primary contact with local bank management on routine operational matters including negotiation of exchange rate on replenishment. May serve as member of bank signatory panel upon decision of Resident Representative.
•   Prepare timely and accurate bank reconciliations. Select bank transfers and deals for approval and settlements.
•   Prepare timely monthly cashflow forecast for use by Operations Manager/Finance Analyst. Liaison with UN Agencies to obtain estimate of their cash requirements. Act as alternate cashier for cash disbursements made on site.
 

5.)   Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO:

•   Organize training for the operations/programme/projects staff on financial management.
•   Synthesize lessons learned and best practices in financial management.
•   Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
 

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Supervise support staff in the Finance unit.

Competencies

Core
Achieve Results	LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work
Think Innovatively	LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking
Learn Continuously	LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning
Adapt with Agility	LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process
Act with Determination	LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously
Engage and Partner	LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion	LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies  

Thematic Area	Name	Definition
Business Management	Customer Satisfaction/Client Management	Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers’ needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns
Business Development	Knowledge Facilitation	Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly externally
Business Management	Working with Evidence and Data	Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making
Finance	Accounting (General)	Knowledge of accounting concepts, principles, regulations, policies and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations.
Finance	Budget Management	Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets
Finance	Audit Risk Management	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.
Finance	Banking and Cash Management	Ability to collect, handle, and manage cash, which involves assessing market liquidity, cash flow, and investments

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Mandatory:

• High school diploma or equivalent AND at least 7 years of progressively responsible finance and accounting experience (national/international) OR
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or public administration AND at least 4 years of progressively responsible finance and accounting experience (national/international) OR
• Fully Qualified Accountant from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy OR
• Completion of the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP)

Additional Requirements (applicable to candidates without professional qualifications):

• Candidates with degrees in accounting/finance must complete the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP) if recruited.
• Candidates with relevant experience must successfully undertake the UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) before shortlisting and must complete the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP) if recruited.

 Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:

• 7 years (with a high school diploma or equivalent) or 4 years (with a bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible finance and accounting experience at the national or international level is required.
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheets and web-based management systems such as ERP financials and database packages.
• Knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS is required. 

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English as the UN language of the duty station is required.
• Fluency in Arabic, the national language of the duty station, is required.

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Disclaimer

 

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders) 

 

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.

 

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