Background
In Thailand, UNDP’s programme priorities and partnerships are defined and operationalized through the Country Programme between Government of Thailand and UNDP to support and contribute to the development priorities and results envisioned in the Thailand’s 20-year National Strategy with an emphasis on security, prosperity, and sustainability. UNDP partners with the host government, civil society including the business community, the United Nations system, as well as various development partners to help the country achieve sustainable development including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by supporting Thailand’s transformation into an inclusive economy based on a green, resilient, low carbon development, contributing to eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, accelerating structural transformations for sustainable development, and building resilience to crises and shock.
Thailand Country Office (CO) seeks to strengthen the overall management performance and oversight of the UNDP Country Programme and projects to ensure sound programme management and quality of development results. CO seeks to strengthen its Programme Finance and project oversight in order to provide cost-effective and timely partnering services to the UNDP CO to maintain the sound financial management of and responsible resource allocation for its development programme and projects.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative (DRR), and in close collaboration with the Operations Manager, Integrated team Lead, and the direct supervisees, the Management and Oversight Analyst acts as a primary focal point for management performance oversight and troubleshooting and supports in implementing solutions to identified challenges, including development and follow-up to improvement plans or remedial actions. S/he leads oversight and compliance activities of the Country Office and provides advice to the Resident Representative and Deputy Resident Representative on quality assurance and oversight work for CO programme and operations activities. S/he provides guidance and support to development project teams to ensure appropriate and adequate budgeting for projects, monitoring of budgets to identify gaps against allocations, and financial reporting to CO management to promote transparency and informed decision making.
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.
1. Ensure effective oversight of programme and projects’ management for optimization of development initiatives:
Review internal control mechanisms and ensure compliance of project and programme management actions, at the design, implementation and closure stages, to ensure that they are implemented consistently and in accordance with UNDP rules, regulations, policies and procedures (POPP). Set risk-informed standard operating procedures (SOPs) and business processes for quality of the project formulation and implementation, including high-risk, high complexity and vertical fund projects to enable adequate monitoring and oversight. Identify opportunities for converting business processes into web-based systems to enhance efficiency, accountability, and risk management. Review and advise on programme planning, resource allocation, and consolidated project budget planning, pipeline management and ensure the corporate systems are up to date and reflect accurate data on resources. Ensure inputs to project design, pre-appraisal, and quality assurance reviews of the draft project documents to improve the quality of programming, including capacity assessments of partners, resource management, strong governance mechanisms and arrangements etc. Contribute to the achievement of project objectives and outcomes by carrying out regular oversight reviews of projects focusing on programme finance; assess reliability and integrity of information provided in project reports, and the completeness of supporting documents. Perform the function of Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) oversight focal point working closely with the programme and project teams on HACT. Contribute to effective programme finance management by advising and supporting programme teams on effective use of tools and methodologies for planning, monitoring and reporting to better orient environment vertical fund projects and other donor-funded projects against UNDP corporate and donor policies related to programme and project design and management, offering substantive advice and concrete programming options to enhance project compliance, portfolio analysis, performance analytics, and other available sources of lessons and best practices. Strengthen transparency and accountability in project implementation and overall programme management and carry out targeted performance reviews to ensure delivery targets are met; and make appropriate recommendations for improvement. Perform other tasks/duties that may be required upon by the supervisor.2. Ensure effective resource management including promoting efficiencies and sound budget management performance:
Collect and report accurate, reliable and coherent data on programme and project implementation focusing on resources management achieving the right balance of qualitative and quantitative evidence. Provide suggestions on data use, support senior management to assess country programme results, coordinate with Team Leaders, programme and project teams to improve programme quality, identify trends, and inform future decision-making processes that should enable CO programme teams to report against Country Programme document, projects reporting and other corporate and regional reporting. Oversee project set-up in ERP, ensure data matching, implement effective internal controls, and facilitate proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resource management system. Implement control mechanisms for development projects by systematizing quality preparation and modifications of budgets, annual/multi-year workplans, and effective monitoring of budgetary controls. Analyze requirements and synthesize proposals on proper mechanisms to eliminate deficiencies in budget management. Ensure Control of Combined Delivery, regular monitoring of the CO delivery, and control of Accounts Receivables for UNDP projects. Provide advice on administrative and programme reporting, particularly on budgetary issues, and prepare reports. Monitor dashboards and exceptions; and identify remedial actions. Monitor cost-recovery bills preparation in ERP for the services provided, implement the revenue tracking system, and follow up on cost recovery closely coordinating with Finance Analyst. Perform transactional reviews on FACE forms, financial expenditures, and other documentation, as requested by Senior Management. Provide advice and actively engage in CO’s financial sustainability analysis by running budget analysis and scenarios to contribute to management decisions. Establish and maintain robust budgetary control mechanisms, and systematic monitoring of both the Institutional Budget (IB) and development funds financial performance. Ensure proper planning of CO financial resources, tracking and recording of expenditures in compliance with IPSAS.3. Ensure effective management performance oversight and implementation of operational strategies:
Ensure full compliance with UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP) of financial activities and financial recording and reporting system. Supervise and guide the Procurement Associate and Human Resources Associate. Ensure that procurement and HR plans are executed in a timely and efficient manner to support programme implementation Facilitate CO Programme Finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of standard operating procedures in programme finance in consultation with the office management. Perform the function of Country Office Audit focal point (when required) and work closely to support the CO’s senior management to ensure that actions across various audit-mandated and compliance tasks are completed in a timely manner. Participate in the projects’ audit, follow-up on audit recommendations, and provide support in closure of audit gaps. Review audit trends and ensure management actions plans as well as adjustments to business operations and programming approaches. Regularly monitor and take corrective actions on Country Office’s management key performance indicators. Prepare data analysis and reports, with recommendations on control issues requiring CO management’s actions and interventions. Elaborate proposals and implement cost saving and reduction strategies in consultations with office management. Provide continuous analysis and monitoring of the CO financial and management performance (e.g., quarterly milestones, etc.), and present forecasts for allocated development projects, transactions, and activities. Provide advice and quality assurance on the design and implementation of internal control frameworks and oversight processes in the office. Monitor financing contributions, track and report on mobilized resources, analyze revenue streams and advise Senior Management on the scenarios and forecasts. Provide advice to Programme and Project Staff on different donor reporting requirements; and ensure tracking of the financial reports to be submitted to donors in a timely manner. Track and consolidate reporting for CO’s Institutional Budget (IB) and programme core and non-core resources. Provide inputs to the IB planning exercise and ensure adequate oversight of the resource allocation and spending.4. Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing and contribute to capacity development on operational and programme/management finance related matters:
Ensure needs and capacity assessments are conducted on a regular basis and capacity development actions are designed in an efficient manner to enhance programme and management finance and operations skills. Organize and conduct training for the Operations/Project/Programme Staff on resource management, budget controls, project monitoring and financial reporting, application of EPR/Quantum, Quantum+, Executive Snapshot, IFD and other management and programme finance and operations related dashboards and reports, etc. Facilitate in providing regular training and technical guidance/advice on risk management and compliance matters, including periodic review and implementation of Internal Control Framework (ICF). Provide guidance to the partners on project management matters focusing on HACT policy implementation, FACE forms preparation and reporting, assurance activities as per UNDP rules and regulations. Advise on identification, monitoring and reporting of risks related to partner capacities, financial and operational risks, oversee implementation of the treatment activities and risks mitigation strategies in high risk and complex programming interventions. Analyze issues arising from HACT assurance activities and suggest capacity development or improvement strategies. Synthesize lessons learned and best practices in programme and programme finance. Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice as relevant. Serve as a security focal point for the CO and support senior management in security related matters. Serve as a liaison between the CO and Operations Support Team (OST), work closely with the OST Manager and finance, procurement, ICT, and Admin Teams.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 the Procurement Associate and Human Resources Associate.
Competencies
Core Competencies:
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 makingPeople Management:
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Business Management
Operations Management: Ability to effectively plan, organize and oversee different parts of corporate operations, simultaneously and in an integrated way, in order to convert the organization’s assets into the best results in the most efficient way. Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms. Portfolio Management: Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initatiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investmentFinance
Financial planning and budgeting: Ability to create and manage processes to achieve UNDP's long and short-term financial goals, including through planning, budgeting, forecasting, analyzing and reporting. Finance business partnering: Able to support business units and add value by innovating and providing solutions to financial issues/queries, including through FAQs, financial tools, advisory, etc. Influences and appropriately challenges non-finance colleagues for whom the service is being provided. Understands the operations, opportunities and challenges of the organization. Holds a commercial outlook, demonstrating accountability towards organizational goals.Business Direction & Strategy
Systems Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the systemPolicy and Programme
Effectiveness: Programming (PPM) policies and procedures; systems and tools for managing risk.Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Economics, Project Management, Public Administration, Finance and/or Accounting, or a related field is required. Or A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree Certification in programme/project management (e.g., PRINCE, MSP, PMP, etc.) and/or accounting/audit areas will be a distinct advantage.Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:
Minimum of 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in providing financial and/or management services, and/or managing staff and operational systems. Relevant experience at the national or international level in project management and oversight, business operations (such as Finance, HR, Procurement), etc. is desirable. Experience in budget planning and monitoring, as well as oversight of quality of implementation of development projects with UNDP or other UN or development agency is desirable. 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 is required. Experience and knowledge of ERP platforms (PeopleSoft, Oracle Cloud, etc.) is required. Experience of IPSAS and/or IFRS is required for external candidates. Experience and strong knowledge of UNDP Enterprise Risk Management policy, Accountability Framework, programme and project management policies and procedures is desired. Demonstrated strong communication/presentation skills and excellent writing skills are desired.Language Requirements:
Fluency in English and Thai languages required.Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Probation
For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
Right to select multiple candidates
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.
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