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.
Job Purpose and Organizational Context
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’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional Hubs and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan.
Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDP’s Strategic Plan. BPPS’s staff provides technical advice to Country Offices, advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represents UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora including public-private dialogues, government and civil society dialogues, and engages in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas. BPPS works closely with UNDP’s Crisis Bureau (CB) to support emergency and crisis response. BPPS ensures that issues of risk are fully integrated into UNDP’s development programmes. BPPS assists UNDP and partners to achieve higher quality development results through an integrated approach that links results-based management and performance monitoring with more effective and new ways of working. BPPS supports UNDP and partners to be more innovative, knowledge and data driven including in its programme support efforts.
The 2030 Agenda for SDGs and the pledge to leave no one behind reflect the interconnectedness of health and sustainable development, including widening economic and social inequalities, the climate crisis, rapid urbanization, the continuing burden of HIV and other infectious diseases (e.g., malaria, tuberculosis), the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and the emergence of health threats. The scope and scale of delivering health and well-being for all demands innovative partnerships and financing. As affirmed in the Political Declaration of the 2019 High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) and others are critical partners for delivering on the health-related goals of the 2030 Agenda. Stronger Collaboration, Better Health: Global Action Plan for Healthy Lives and Well-being for All outlines how a dozen multilateral health, development and humanitarian agencies, including UNDP, the Global Fund, Gavi and others will collaborate to be more efficient and effective in supporting countries to deliver UHC and achieve the health-related SDG targets.
UNDP’s partnership with the Global Fund, in line with UNDP’s HIV, Health and Development Strategy 2016-2021: Connecting the Dots, makes a vital contribution to UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2018-2021, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the SDGs and the pledge to leave no one behind.
As a long-standing partner of the Global Fund, UNDP’s value proposition lies in providing an integrated package of development solutions to strengthen institutions to deliver health services. Through its contributions as interim Principal Recipient (PR) and provider of technical assistance to Global Fund grants in 53 countries since 2003, UNDP’s provision of integrated policy, implementation and capacity development support to countries has yielded significant health and development results in challenging operating environments. Proactive risk management and investing in sustainability are the cornerstones of UNDP’s portfolio management approach in supporting to countries with significant national capacity constraints to manage large-scale health programmes. UNDP has established a comprehensive risk management framework (RMF) to mitigate and manage risks, through specific implementation modalities and other targeted measures to support effective risk management. Integral components of the RMF are Sub-recipient (SR) management to allow for prevention and detection of weaknesses and support to safeguarding, maintaining, accounting and reporting on GF financial resources and assets. By providing technical assistance to national counterparts during all phases of implementation, strengthening legislation, policies and regulatory frameworks, and building capacities across key functional areas, including financial management, health information systems, procurement and supply chain management, SR management and asset management UNDP is able to deliver results whilst sustainably transitioning to national entities. UNDP’s track record as PR over the last 17 years and capacity to deliver in challenging operating environments has been critical for strengthening its positioning as a health implementation support partner.
Based on demand from Country Offices, and building on the relationships, expertise, systems, partnerships, including across the UN family, and comparative advantage established through the Global Fund partnership, the GPN/BPPS/Global Fund Partnership/Health Implementation Support Team (GF/HIST, Global Fund Partnership Team) is providing support to Country Offices through three overarching modalities: 1) the Global Fund portfolio, 2) health procurement and supply chain management support, and 3) other health implementation support beyond the Global Fund, including Gavi-funded activities and Solar for Health. The GF/HIST provides its support through a country team approach to strengthen and integrate the different functional capacities (e.g., programmatic, procurement/SCM strengthening, finance, capacity development, SR management and asset management), leveraging technical assistance and policy support from the HHD Group and other GPN teams and advisory services from the Office of Audit and Investigations.
Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Manager, the Finance Advisor is responsible for ensuring the highest efficiency in financial resource management and the provision of accurate, thoroughly researched and documented financial information, effective delivery of financial services, transparent utilization of financial resources and support to the Manager in management of Global Fund Partnership Team’s budget. S/he analyzes and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of financial issues. S/he leads on the management, oversight and monitoring of the targeted measures in the RMF to support effective risk management, in the areas of finance management, SR management and asset management. The Finance Specialist promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations, contributing to the country team approach and support to the integration of capacity building activities for Country Offices and Sub-recipients. S/he will supervise and lead professional and support staff and works in close collaboration with the regional and central units and Global Fund Partnership staff to ensure successful performance in the areas of financial management, SR management and asset management.
Duties and Responsibilities
1) Ensures effective and accurate financial resources management, risk management and oversight with the following key responsibilities:
Lead on the development of the GF/HIST team budget, and supports the Manager in financial analysis and oversight for all resources managed by Global Fund Partnership Team and provision of high-quality strategic financial management advice in terms of cost savings and effective use of resources;
Lead on proper planning, expenditure tracking and financial resources, including extra-budgetary income in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations;
Serve as the focal point for monitoring financial exception reports and supports Country Offices to take appropriate corrective action;
Support Country Offices throughout the audit process ensuring effective planning, including timely follow up on audit recommendations and findings from the Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI), the Global Fund’s Office of Inspector General, and Sub-recipient audit reports including, financial management, Sub-recipient management and asset management;
Serve as the focal point for the development, revision and contract management of Long-Term Agreements for Sub-recipient audits for the global portfolio;
Serve as the focal point with the OAI for the Control Self-Assessment process;
Lead on the analysis of audit and investigation recommendations and findings (OAI, Sub-recipient audits) with the development of action plans to address recurring issues, including through innovative approaches, developing policies, procedures, guidance materials, and trainings;
Supports on recovery actions in coordination with Country Offices, OAI, Regional and Central Bureaus, Global Fund;
Develop and maintain an organizational structure to ensure the GF/HIST finance unit is resourced to deliver its commitments, lead on the recruitment of finance staff, contractors, service providers, fostering diversity, equity and inclusion and builds the technical, management and leadership capacity of staff for promotion of organizational excellence and ensure proper workflows;
Maintain appropriate internal disbursement framework;
Act as a Level 2 approver for transactions; and
Lead on the process for year-end accounts closures and closure of the GF grants at the end of the allocation period.
2) Advisory and support services to Country Offices on financial resource management and oversight with the following key responsibilities:
As the team leader for the GF/HIST finance unit of the Country Team, advises Country Offices staff dedicated to financial management, SR management and asset management on procedures and guidelines to facilitate implementation of Global Fund grants and other heath projects, including but not limited to the establishment of workplans, budgets, Sub-recipient contracts, asset registers and grant agreements annexes;
In consultation with Office of Finance and Resource Management (OFRM) collaborate with Office of Information System Technology (OIST) to develop project management templates, financial reports (including Sub-recipient reports) in response to donor financial reporting requirements;
Evaluate each Global Fund and other health projects in Atlas to ensure budget set ups are regularly updated and in conformity with the Atlas guidelines;
Lead on the timely processing of Annual Funding Decisions and cash transfers by the Global Fund and the prompt and accurate application of Global Fund disbursements;
Oversee the transparency of the financial processes at the Country Office and Sub-recipient level to ensure compliance with Global Fund and UNDP financial guidelines;
Analyze and maintain financial oversight for Global Fund resources managed by the Country Offices and at the Sub-recipient level;
Provide value-added professional advice to the Country Office management through desk support and missions, as needed in coordination with GF/HIST Country Team;
Generate and analyze, with Atlas queries, quarterly and bi-annual reports at the Country Office and corporate levels to track delivery of all Global Fund projects and other health projects; and
Determine gaps in delivery of Global Fund resources and reports on the areas of risk to the Global Fund Partnership Team and Country Offices and to the Organizational Performance Group (OPG).
3) Ensures development and implementation of operational and financial management strategies and procedures with the following key responsibilities:
Full compliance of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and audit follow up with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implementation of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of the financial resources management system;
Oversee the integrity and consistency of the Global Fund project information in Atlas;
Lead on the management, oversight and monitoring of the targeted measures in the UNDP’s GF Risk Management Framework to support effective risk management, in the areas of financial management, Sub-recipient management and asset management;
Serve as the focal point for the development, management and monitoring of Long-Term Agreements for Sub-recipient audits and leads on the development of tools and guidance materials for Sub-recipient capacity assessments in line with UNDP’s rule, policies and procedures;
Present forecasts, evaluate and report on the areas of risk on financial management, Sub-recipient and asset management to Global Fund Partnership Team, COs, Regional Bureaus and OPG;
Advise Country Office staff on procedures for reporting to the Global Fund, including but not limited to quarterly reports and disbursement requests, annual reports, grant renewal applications, concept notes, Sub-recipient financial management and asset management report; and
Lead on establishing and ensuring the implementation of operating procedures to ensure effective internal control for the Global Fund Partnership Team.
4) Oversees management of the Global Fund Partnership Team budgets and donor reporting with the following key responsibilities:
Lead on the strategic development of the Atlas and Hyperion Planning and budgeting systems for the financial management of the GF partnership;
Lead on the preparation and monitoring of projects budgets in Atlas and Hyperion Planning and budgeting System;
Analyze and report on the budget approvals and the delivery situation of the management support budget;
Elaborate proper mechanisms to eliminate deficiencies in budget management;
Serve as the focal point for cost-recovery mechanisms for services provided by UNDP to ensure the proper recording of GMS and direct costs and the distribution of extra-budgetary income;
Ensure prompt recording and reporting of interest income and submission of donor report on a timely basis (e.g. Certified Financial Reports and Enhanced Financial Report); and
Act as the focal point for UNDP Regional Bureaus that have Financing Agreements with the Global Fund Partnership Team and effectively monitor the budgets.
5) Promotes capacity and knowledge building and sharing, partnership and resource mobilization efforts with the following key responsibilities:
Timely development and updating of finance, Sub-recipient management and asset management related tools, guidance and manuals used by Country Offices (COs) and Sub-recipients;
Enhancing the capacity of COs and Sub-recipients to effectively report in line with the terms of their Grant Agreements;
Ensure systematic knowledge sharing on financial management, Sub-recipient management and asset management with Country Offices, including through webinars, trainings, support missions, TEAMS and other knowledge platforms;
Act as key facilitator/presenter in Atlas/Finance workshops and leads on the development of knowledge tools in response to OAI audit recommendations for enhancing the capacity of COs and Sub-recipients, national partners including, financial management, Sub-recipient management and asset management;
Act as the financial management and asset management focal point for Global Fund, and other partners, including (e.g., PAHO, UNFPA, UNICEF, WFP, WHO);
Support the Manager in the development of a resource mobilization strategy and resource mobilization initiatives;
Manage the Global Fund finance, Sub-recipient management and asset management sub-networks with COs and partners; and
Actively participate in UNDP and other relevant external networks to promote best practices in financial management, Sub-recipient management and asset management.
6) Any other activity assigned by the Manager, GF/HIST.
Competencies
Core
Innovation
Ability to make new and useful ideas work.
Leadership
Ability to persuade others to follow.
People Management
Ability to improve performance and satisfaction.
Communication
Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform.
Delivery
Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement.
Technical/Functional
Primary
UN System
Knowledge of the UN System and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations.
Financial Planning and Budgeting
Ability to create and manage processes to achieve UNDP’s long and short-term financial goals.
Financial Reporting and Analysis
Ability to evaluate financial data, derive relevant findings and present them in a meaningful manner.
Financial Management
Ability to create a process to achieve financial goals.
Accounting (General)
Knowledge of accounting concepts, principles, regulations, and policies and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations
Risk Management
Ability to identify and prioritize risks, and organize action around mitigating them.
Partnerships
Ability to engage with other agencies, donors and other development stakeholders and forge productive working relationships.
Capacity Development
Ability to strengthen and maintain the capabilities of individuals, societies, organizations and governments to set and achieve development objectives over time.
Secondary
Knowledge Management
Ability to efficiently handle and share information and knowledge.
Coordination
Ability to manage complex relationships through pathways of knowledge exchange, capacity development, funding relationships and strategic engagement.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced (Masters) University Degree in Finance/Accounting, Business, Public Administration, Economics or related field or a professional accounting qualification from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy.
Professional accounting qualification from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy will have a distinctive advantage.
Long-listed candidates may be required to undergo the UNDP Advanced Accountancy & Finance Test (UNDP/AAFT).
Experience:
At least 10 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in providing financial management advisory services and/or managing operational systems.
Knowledge of the UNDP Atlas system and full understanding of budgeting procedures, financial management systems of UNDP.
Knowledge and experience of Hyperion budgeting system an advantage.
Understanding of Global Fund related financial and reporting requirements an advantage.
Experience in financial management of implementing partners and responsible parties, including Global Fund Sub-recipients is an advantage.
Experience in asset management with UN or UNDP is an advantage.
Experience of working with UNDP Country Office is an advantage.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.
Language Requirements:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required.
Working knowledge of other UN official language is an asset.
Other:
Willingness to travel to UNDP Country Offices.
Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: 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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