Opportunities For Youth

Deadline: 6 August 2010
Level: G5
Position Number: 00034304
Fixed Term Appointment (1 year renewable)

Under the guidance and supervision of the Operations Manager and direct supervisor, the Finance Assistant provides financial services ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work. 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 CO and with UNDP HQs staff to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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 Operation 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 projects; preparation of all types of vouchers for projects and on-behalf of UNOPS and non-Atlas Agencies; PO vouchers; Pay Cycle and payment execution. Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas; travel claims, MPOs and other entitlements are duly processed. Timely corrective actions on un-posted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers. 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. Management of cash receipts and petty cash. Maintenance of the proper filing system for finance records and documents.
• Ensures proper CO cash management system functioning focusing on achievement of the following results: Alternate to Finance Associate (ICS-6) for timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements. Timely identification and recording of receipts for income application. Alternate to Finance Associate (ICS-6) for daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in Atlas to monitor interest level: identification and recording of contributions. Stop payment initiation on internet banking systems. Preparation of monthly UN exchange rate report to Treasury. Timely and accurate preparation of bank reconciliations. Initiation of bank transfers and deals in Atlas.
• Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results: Participation in the trainings for the operations/projects staff on Finance. Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Required Competencies:

The incumbent must demonstrate commitment to UN mission, vision and values and be a competent, creative and innovative strategic thinker and coordinator. S/he must be focused, effective, emotionally mature, open-minded and culturally sensitive. S/he must inspire confidence, loyalty, and command loyalty and respect among peers and in the community. S/he must respond positively to critical feedback and differing point of view and have the ability to solicit feedback from staff about the impact of his/her own behavior. S/he must have strong IT skills and should be familiar with working with web based management systems. Must actively work towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills. Must be able to perform a variety of standard tasks related to financial resources management, including screening and collecting documentation, financial data processing, filing, provision of information. S/he must have good knowledge of financial.

Qualifications and Experience:

Secondary education with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance. University Degree in Business or Public Administration desirable, but it is not a requirement. 3 to 5 years of relevant finance experience at the national or international level is required. UN experience and knowledge of Atlas will be an added advantage. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems. Fluency in English, Shona and/or Ndebele.

CVs and applications letters, clearly marked ‘Finance Assistant’ stating the position number should be submitted to the Office of the Resident Representative; UNDP, Block 10 Arundel Office Park, Norfolk Road, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe. Please note only short listed candidates will be contacted.

NB: UNDP Zimbabwe reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider applicants applying for this post for other similar positions within UNDP Zimbabwe at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and education requirements.

Qualified and experienced female candidates are encouraged to apply.