Tiered Approach
In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:
Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.
Background
General Assembly Resolution 2186 (XXI) decided to “bring into operations the United Nations Capital Development Fund as an organ of the General Assembly which shall function as an autonomous organization of the United Nations. The UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) assists developing countries, especially least developing countries, in the development of their economies by supplementing existing sources of capital assistance by means of grants, loans, and guarantees. UNCDFs vision is to help mobilize and catalyze an increase of capital flows for SDG impactful investments to Member States to address the most pressing development challenges facing vulnerable communities in these countries and thereby contribute to sustainable economic growth and equitable prosperity.
As a Flagship Catalytic Blended Financing platform of the UN, UNCDF utilizes its unique capability in the UN system to deploy grants, loans and guarantees to crowd-in finance for the scaling of development impact. UNCDF focuses on where the needs are greatest, a deliberate focus and capability rooted in UNCDF’s unique investment mandate to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the realization of the Doha Programme of Action for the least developed countries, 2022–2031.
As per its Strategic Framework, UNCDF works to deploy its functions as a hybrid development organization and development finance institution. UNCDF responds to Member States requests for assistance by providing targeted technical and financial advisory services on investments for development outcomes, designing bespoke financial structuring solutions, undertaking financial derisking of investments, and enhancing investment readiness of SDG aligned projects in partnership with private sector, United Nations Organizations, International and Local Finance Institutions, Development Finance Institutions as well as Foundations and Philanthropy, among others. UNCDF works to develop local financial systems, new markets and mobilize and crowd in capital from public and private sources. UNCDF is driven by a partnership mindset which enables it to deploy its different capital capabilities in highly tailored and responsive ways in order to mobilize investments flows from other sources, in particular from the private sector. By structuring transactions which are highly impactful, but also recognize the need for multiplying the impact of its own capital, UNCDF seeks to position itself as a preferred partner for different stakeholders. UNCDF’s work is focused on three priority areas, including:
SME Finance
- Sub-National Finance
- Digital Finance
UNCDF’s organizational set up includes an Investment and Implementation Division (IID), Investment and Finance Oversight Division (IFOD), Operations and Oversight Division (OOD) and a Directorate of the Executive Office. UNCDF staff and personnel are located in regional hubs based in Dakar (Senegal), Nairobi (Kenya) and Bangkok (Thailand) with sub-regional presence in a number of locations in the Caribbean and Pacific Regions. UNCDF is led by an Executive Secretary based out of New York, USA. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 2321(XXII, para 1.a), the Administrator of the UNDP performs the function of the Managing Director of UNCDF. UNCDF is overseen by an Executive Board comprised of UN Member States.
Position Purpose
Under the overall guidance of the Corporate Finance Services Advisor, the Finance Specialist is responsible for ensuring the highest efficiency in financial resources management and the provision of accurate, thoroughly researched and documented financial information, effective delivery of financial services, and transparent utilization of financial resources. The Finance Specialist analyzes and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues. The Finance Specialist promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP/UNCDF rules and regulations.
The Finance Specialist will work in close collaboration with the programme, operations, and project teams in the CO, UNCDF HQ and GSSC staff, and ensure successful
financial performance.
The position will be based in Bangkok, Thailand and may require some travel. UNCDF staff may be periodically redeployed to different regional hubs or headquarters as needed, subject to capability, consent, and due process.
UNCDF adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNCDF personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration
- Ensure financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and audit follow up are in full compliance with UNDP/UNCDF Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP) and strategies. Provide support in closure of audit gaps, implement effective internal controls, and ensure proper design and functioning of the financial resources management system with attention to risk management.
- Support UNCDF divisions in preparing and reviewing finance business processes mapping; elaborate/establish internal standard operating procedures in the Finance Unit, and control Finance Unit workflows.
- Under the supervision of Corporate Finance Services Advisor, support the financial closures processes, including preparation of financial statements and accompanying notes.
- Routinely monitor financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions, and investigate anomalies or unusual transactions. Inform Senior Management of the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained.
- Perform data analysis and presentation of information/reports using corporate dashboard, Executive snapshots and other tools and resources.
- Serve as focal point for corporate level reports to the Executive Board, specific donors and other governing bodies.
- Support UNCDF Management to articulate the framework and conditions of contributions within UNCDF’s resource mobilization efforts.
- Contract setup, validation and revenue management of core and non-core resources of UNCDF in Quantum, in close coordination with UNDP’s Global Shared Services Centre.
- Perform focal point functions in UNCDF for project award and contribution related aspects in UNCDF as well as support UNBOA audit processes.
- Supervise the monthly, quarterly and yearly revenue recognition process, following IPSAS and UNCDF’s business model
- Continuously analyze and monitor the financial situation and potential risks, and provide forecasts for allocated development and management projects, transactions, and activities.
- Ensure cost-sharing financing contributions are applied to UNCDF development projects on a timely basis.
- Coordinate preparation of projects financial reports for management and for donors reporting on a timely and quality basis.
3.) Coordinate transaction oversight and reporting systems
- Provide guidance to regional management and oversight teams to ensure all financial transactions are identified, recorded, and verified in compliance with IPSAS as outlined in the corporate policies and procedures.
- Ensure timely corrective actions on unposted invoices and GL transactions, including invoices with validation errors, match exceptions, and/or unapproved invoices.
- Guide project teams on outstanding advances and receivables for development projects and accounts closure.
- Support the Corporate Finance Services Advisor in maintaining the integrity of the General Ledger.
- Monitor dashboards and exceptions, and follow-up with regional management and oversight teams to ensure remedial actions are promptly taken.
- Provide guidance on fixed assets and inventory verification and certification for all UNCDF offices and divisions.
- Support the Corporate Finance Services Advisor in the implementation of new IPSAS accounting standards and rollout of new accounting procedures.
- Provide support in Identifying training needs of UNCDF staff for the purpose of capacity development and ensuring compliance with financial policies and procedures.
- Lead training sessions with new staff/programme colleagues on Quantum functionalities and UNCDF project implementation including SOPs for program and finance related matters.
- Synthesize lessons learned and best practices in Finance.
- Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Core Competencies
- Achieve Results - LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
- Think Innovatively - LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
- Learn Continuously - LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility - LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination - LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
- Engage and Partner - LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion - LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns
Education
- A professional accounting qualification from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy, and/or Advanced (Masters) University Degree in Finance and/ or Accounting is required.
- 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.
- Candidates with professional accounting qualifications from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.
- Candidates with no professional accountancy qualifications, but with degrees that major in accounting and/or finance must complete the Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), if recruited.
- Candidates satisfying the two above criteria are exempted from undertaking the UNDP Advanced Accountancy and Finance Test (AAFT).
- Candidates with MBA or master's in finance with no accountancy qualification but with relevant experience must successfully undertake the UNDP Advanced Accountancy and Finance Test (AAFT) to be eligible for shortlisting.
Experience
- Minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in providing corporate financial management advisory services to project and programme teams in multilateral organizations is required.
- Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as Oracle Cloud is required.
- Excellent knowledge of multilateral organizations’ financial resource management policies and practices is required.
- Experience with IPSAS and/or IFRS standards is required.
- Solid experience in providing corporate financial management advisory services and financial resources management in UN/UNDP/UNCDF at HQ level is desired.
- Experience with preparation of statutory financial statements with a UN organization is desired.
- Experience with revenue management in a UN organization is desired.
- Experience with the implementation of new IPSAS standards with a UN organization is desired.
- Experience with corporate year-end closure process and audit coordination with a UN organization is desired.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in English is required.
- Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.
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.
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.
Use of AI by candidates
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
#LI-DNI