Finance Assistant Job In Zambia: UNDP


Title: Finance Assistant

Job ID: 8823
Vacancy End Date: (Midnight New York, USA) 26/03/2017
Duty Station: Lusaka, Zambia
Education & Work Experience: C-HS Graduate or Equivalent – 6 year(s) experience
Vacancy Type: National Regular UN Volunteer
Posting Type: External
Bureau: United Nations Volunteers
Contract Duration: 1 year with possibility for extension

Background

The United Nations Population Fund in Zambia is currently implementing the Eighth Country Programme guided by analytical studies and assessments, and benefited from multisectoral consultations with the Government, civil society organizations, academia, the private sector, young people and United Nations organizations. It is aligned with the revised sixth national development plan, Vision 2030, the United Nations Sustainable Development Partnership Framework, 2016–2021, and the UNFPA Strategic Plan, 2014–2017. The programme is results-focused and builds on the experiences of a targeted geographic focus. It supports national-level policies, programme design and nationwide interventions, while providing targeted support to marginalized population groups, and underserved districts in six provinces to ensure continuity and significant programme coverage. The programme’s priority areas are maternal health, family planning, HIV Prevention, Adolescent and youth development, data for development and population dynamics. The programme strategies include capacity development, knowledge management, policy dialogue and advocacy, and service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

The UNV Finance Assistant is located in the Country Office (CO) and reports to the Operations Manager/Operations Specialist. The UNV Finance Assistant delivers quality financial services to internal and external clients mastering all relevant rules, guidelines, processes and procedures. S/he takes a client-oriented results-focused approach to interpreting the rules, procedures and guidelines, providing support and guidance to the CO and UNFPA-supported projects. The UNV Finance Assistant may supervise administrative and clerical staff at the CO. Internal contacts include the Operations Manager/Operations Specialist, the CO’s administrative management team, and the CO’s programme/technical team. The UNV Finance Assistant will undertake the following tasks:
Assist in monitoring of programme financial performance for all core and non-core resources by providing necessary financial information and analysis, including implementation rate against indicators/results. Detect potential over/ under expenditure problems and propose remedial action.
Assist to develop tools and mechanisms for effective and efficient monitoring of programme and project budgets, coordinate compilation of financial data and provide accurate and updated financial information to Head Quarters (HQ)/Regional Office (RO)/Sub-Regional Office (SRO) on a continuous basis.
Assist interpret financial policies and procedures and provide guidance and training to staff and project managers.
Assist in the management of the Country Office budget by budget formulation, controlling allotments, monitoring expenditures, and preparing revisions according to the needs of the Country Office.
Assist in maintaining an effective financial recording and reporting system, in internal control and audit follow-up, and in processing financial transactions in an accurate and timely way.
Tracks business and travel advances
Assist to review and monitor charges for common services and cost recovery taking into account maximum cost efficiency and represents UNFPA’s interests in related negotiations and agreements.
Any other duties.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

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 IVD).
Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.
Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities.
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.

Results/Expected Output:

Reconciled balance sheet accounts on a regular basis.
Management of relationships with internal and external clients.
Maintained up to date files for all finance documents.
A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities partic-ipated in and capacities developed.

Competencies

Business acumen

Independently gathers, analyses, and interprets data and information from a wide range of sources using appropriate analytical tools and professional standards. Identifies warning signs based on financial analysis, probes for clarification or points of concern and presents findings.

Implementing management systems

Maintains information/databases on system design features and develops system components. Makes recommendations relative to work-processing approaches and procedures which would lead to more efficient systems de-sign.

Client orientation

Establishes effective relationships with internal and external clients, actively supports the interests of the client and researches potential solutions to client needs. Organizes and prioritizes work schedule and addresses client needs and deadlines promptly and appropriately.

Required Skills and Experience

Completed Secondary Level Education required. First level university degree desirable.
Six years of relevant experience in administration, finance or office management.
Proficiency in current office software applications and corporate IT financial systems.

Disclaimer

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.

United Nations Volunteers reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this opening for other openings with United Nations Volunteers with similar assignment description, experience and educational requirements.

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