Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organization dedicated to eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, and addressing climate change. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries, working closely with governments, civil society, and various partners to develop integrated solutions that promote sustainable development. In Pakistan, UNDP collaborates with the government and local partners to tackle persistent development challenges, focusing on governance, economic transformation, climate resilience, and gender equality. The organization aims to ensure that all Pakistani citizens have access to education, health, and economic opportunities, while fostering a climate-resilient future and promoting women's rights and empowerment. More information can be found at undp.org or by following @UNDP.

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective execution of financial services and processes within the UNDP Country Office. This position is pivotal in promoting a collaborative and client-oriented approach that aligns with UNDP's rules and regulations. The Finance Associate will work under the guidance of the head of the Financial Resources Management Unit, ensuring transparent utilization of financial resources. The role involves oversight of financial transactions, supporting cost recovery measures, and facilitating financial closure processes. The Finance Associate is also responsible for knowledge sharing and building within the financial management domain, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the office's financial operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Associate's duties and responsibilities include:

• Performing oversight functions on transactions under the Financial Resources Management Unit's portfolio, ensuring compliance with UNDP's policies and procedures. This includes reviewing financial transactions, verifying supporting documents, and coordinating with projects to resolve accounting issues.
• Supporting the team in implementing effective cost recovery measures by coordinating with the Operations team for data collection, generating timely bills, and following up on settlements.
• Assisting in financial closure processes by ensuring that all key milestones are achieved, addressing issues from the Integrated Finance Dashboard, and coordinating with project finance personnel for timely resolutions.
• Facilitating knowledge building and sharing by synthesizing lessons learned and best practices in financial management, contributing to knowledge networks, and performing other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess secondary education (high school) with specialized certification in accounting and/or finance. A university degree in finance or accounting is preferred but not mandatory. Part-qualified accountants from internationally accredited institutes will have an advantage. Fully qualified accountants or those who have completed the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP) are also encouraged to apply. Candidates without professional accountancy qualifications but with relevant degrees must complete the FTCP if recruited.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a secondary education with specialized certification in accounting and/or finance. While a university degree in finance or accounting is advantageous, it is not a strict requirement. Degrees must specifically indicate a major in accounting or finance, as degrees in business administration or public administration are not considered equivalent. Candidates who are part-qualified accountants from recognized institutes will have a distinct advantage in the selection process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible finance and accounting experience at the national or international level for candidates with a high school diploma, or 3 years for those with a bachelor's degree. Experience in using computers and office software, particularly advanced knowledge of spreadsheets and web-based management systems like ERP financials, is essential. Candidates should also have experience in quality financial reviews, knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS, and familiarity with Oracle Cloud ERP. Experience in preparing financial reports and conducting financial forecasting is desired, along with experience in financial closure processes.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Urdu is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English and Urdu are mandatory for effective communication within the organization and with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to Tier 3 applicants, which includes all other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and external candidates. UNDP is committed to equal opportunity employment and values diversity, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and ensures that all selected candidates undergo relevant checks. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to be cautious of scams.