Background 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.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. The Fiji multi-country office covers ten countries including Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu as well as provides support to regional initiatives.
UNDP in the Pacific has developed its multi-country programme document (MCPD, 2023-2027) to guide its interventions in the next five years in full alignment and directly to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF, 2023–27). The Office covers 10 countries in the Pacific with an extensive portfolio which has grown over time. The UNSDCF and UNDP MCPD are designed in full alignment with the 2030 agenda, Samoa Pathway, and 2050 Blue Content Strategy, which is endorsed by the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) among others. The UNDP Pacific Office next five-year plan strategic priorities are encapsulated under three outcome areas: (i) Planet, (ii) Prosperity, and (iii) Peace. Following a strategic review process which was completed in June 2022, UNDP Pacific office structure is aligned to the emerging priorities of the office. In this regard, the programme portfolio will include mutually reinforcing work streams crafted around two clusters (i) Resilience and Climate Change; and ii) Inclusive growth and Effective governance, supported by a policy and innovation team, Operations team, Management and Oversight team that provides strategic guidance on results Management and compliance entrusted with the corporate alignment, programme finance management and quality assurance, and strategic communications team that provides knowledge management and communication support to all programme interventions. Within the Pacific Office Multi-Country Office (MCO), the Operations Team provides programme with backbone support and services related to finance, procurement, human resources, digital services, travel, and logistics, as well as common services and CO transactions support. The team further provides demand driven Common services to the UN agencies (per agreed procedures). In addition, the team will provide administrative support to UNDP Staff including project personnel on areas such as protocol, visa facilitation, travel, and others. Duties and Responsibilities
Under the guidance and of the Finance Analyst and direct supervision of the Finance Associate, the Finance Assistant ensures effective execution of financial services and processes in MCO and transparent utilization of financial resources. The Finance Assistant promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.
The Finance Assistant works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and projects’ staff in the MCO, UNDP Global Shared Services Center (GSSC), UNDP Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific (RBAP) and with UNDP HQs staff for resolving finance-related issues and information exchange. The Finance Assistant is responsible for the following:-
Implementation of operational and financial management strategies Administration of budgets and cost-recovery system Accounting. Finance and administrative support MCO cash management Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharingEnsures implementation of operational and financial management strategies, adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results: Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules and regulations of financial processes, financial records and reports and audit follow up; implementation of the effective internal control framework. MCO finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance in consultation with the direct supervisor and office management. Provision of inputs for implementation of cost-saving and reduction strategies in consultation with the office management. Ensures administration of budgets and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results: Preparation and modifications of budgets for UNDP management projects, follow-up with HQs on ASL for management projects. Establishment of criteria for pro-ration of Agencies contributions to the common services account, preparation and modifications of the common services budget and follow up on timely recovery of payments. Presentation of researched information for planning and status of financial resources of the MCO. Timely preparation of cost-recovery bills in ERP System for the services provided by UNDP, implementation of the income tracking system and follow up on cost recovery. Ensures effective administrative control in the office, focusing on achievement of the following results: Proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports for NEX projects; preparation of voucher request to GSSC and follow up on payments execution. Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in ERP System; payrolls are duly prepared and processed; travel claims, MPOs and other entitlements are duly processed. Timely accounts closure Timely identification and liaison with GSSC for corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers. Timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues. Timely corrective actions on erroneous data in ERP System. Preparation of financial reports as required. Maintenance of the Accounts Receivables for UNDP MCO and projects in cooperation with SPIU. Timely VAT reimbursements, payment of GLOC by the Government.
Ensures proper MCO cash management functioning focusing on achievement of the following results: Alternate to Finance Associate (ICS-7) for timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements. Timely identification and liaison with GSSC for recording of receipts for income application. Alternate to Finance Associate (ICS-7) for daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in ERP System to monitor imprest level; identification and liaison with GSSC for recording of contributions. Timely and accurate follow-up on pending items of bank reconciliations. Alternate to Finance Associate (ICS-7) for timely preparation of monthly cashflow forecast for use by Operations Manager. Liaison with UN Agencies to obtain estimate of their cash requirement. Preparation of bank transfers and deals request for approval and submission to GSSC. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the MCO focusing on achievement of the following results: Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects/ programme staff on Finance. Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in financial management. Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Performs other duties within the functional profile as assigned or deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the office. Competencies
Core
Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
This vacancy is archived.