Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, providing expert advice, training, and grants to develop local capacity. The organization focuses on several key areas, including democratic governance, poverty reduction, crisis prevention and recovery, environment and energy, and sustainable development. UNDP is recognized as the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development within the UN Development System, facilitating collective action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Brazil, the UNDP Country Office collaborates with the government and various stakeholders to promote sustainable and inclusive development, strengthen democratic institutions, and address pressing issues such as climate change and biodiversity.

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate position at UNDP is crucial for ensuring the effective execution of financial services within the Country Office (CO). This role involves promoting the transparent utilization of financial resources and maintaining the integrity of financial processes. The Finance Associate will work closely with various teams, including Operations, Programme, and project teams, to provide analytical support and quality assurance within the Finance Unit. The position requires a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. The Finance Associate will be responsible for supporting the administration and implementation of operational strategies, ensuring compliance with financial policies, and facilitating knowledge sharing within the CO. This role is integral to enhancing the efficacy of UN operational services and supporting the sustainable development agenda of UNDP Brazil.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Associate will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the administration and implementation of operational strategies by ensuring compliance with UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP), facilitating internal controls, and preparing financial reports.
• Administering budgets for CO management projects, analyzing financial data, preparing analytical reports, and monitoring expenditures to ensure alignment with approved budgets.
• Providing accounting and administrative support by processing financial transactions, maintaining accurate accounting records, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
• Ensuring compliance, risk management, and quality assurance by monitoring financial processes, supporting audits, and reviewing financial data entries.
• Facilitating knowledge building and sharing by organizing training for staff on financial management and synthesizing lessons learned in financial practices. The Finance Associate will also perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of secondary education, with a university degree in Finance or Accounting being desirable. Part-qualified accountants from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage. Fully qualified accountants or those who have completed the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP) are preferred. Candidates without professional accountancy qualifications but with relevant degrees must complete the FTCP if recruited. Additionally, candidates with relevant experience must undertake the UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) before shortlisting and complete the FTCP if recruited.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes secondary education as a minimum. A university degree in Finance or Accounting is highly desirable, and candidates who are part-qualified accountants from an internationally accredited institute will have an advantage. The degree must specifically state that the major is in accounting or finance, as degrees in Business Administration or Public Administration are not considered equivalent. Fully qualified accountants or those who have completed the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP) are preferred, and candidates without professional qualifications must complete the FTCP if recruited.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in finance and accounting at the national or international level for candidates with secondary education. For those with a bachelor's degree, a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience is required. Candidates should have experience in providing financial and budget support to programs and projects, as well as experience with ERP systems and advanced financial tools. Relevant experience in preparing financial reports and forecasts for decision-making, quality assurance, compliance, and risk management is also essential. Experience in delivering training to project teams is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is required for this position, along with a working knowledge of English. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is strong communication skills in Portuguese and the ability to engage with English-speaking stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under Tier 1, which includes UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent and fixed-term appointments. The role is full-time and based in Brasilia, Brazil. UNDP is committed to equal opportunity and encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. The organization does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and is dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions. Additionally, UNDP does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.