Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that operates in over 170 countries and territories. Established to support policy development, enhance leadership and partnership skills, build institutional capacity, and strengthen resilience, UNDP aims to promote sustainable development. In Colombia, UNDP is active across 32 departments and 360 municipalities, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD) for 2025-2027 focuses on supporting the Colombian government's transition towards peace and its status as an upper-middle-income country, emphasizing four key priorities: peacebuilding, social protection, environmental action, and enabling the 2030 Agenda. UNDP Colombia is organized into two clusters and five portfolios, with a finance team that enhances financial performance and ensures accountability through effective management and transparent reporting.

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate plays a crucial role in the Country Office (CO) by providing leadership in the execution of financial services. Under the guidance of the Finance Analyst and in collaboration with the Operations Analyst, the Finance Associate ensures the effective and transparent utilization of financial resources. This position promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. The Finance Associate supervises support staff in the Finance Unit and collaborates closely with Operations, Programme, and project teams within the CO, as well as with UNDP HQ and GSSC staff to deliver information and resolve complex financial management issues. The role requires adaptability to changing business needs and encourages cross-functional collaboration to achieve strategic goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the administration and implementation of operational strategies, ensuring compliance with UNDP policies and procedures. This includes facilitating internal controls, preparing financial reports, and monitoring financial activities.
• Manage budgets for CO management projects, ensuring optimal cost-recovery systems and timely preparation of budgetary documents.
• Provide accounting and administrative support to the Finance Unit, ensuring proper document management and internal control systems.
• Oversee cash and treasury management, maintaining liquidity levels and preparing bank reconciliations.
• Facilitate knowledge building and sharing within the CO by organizing training sessions and contributing to knowledge networks. The Finance Associate will also supervise support staff in the Finance Unit and perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be fully qualified accountants from an internationally accredited institute or have completed the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP). Those without professional qualifications but with relevant degrees must complete the FTCP if recruited. Experience in finance and accounting is essential, with a minimum of 7 years required for candidates with a high school diploma or 4 years for those with a bachelor's degree. Knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS is necessary, along with proficiency in office software and advanced spreadsheet skills. Experience in UNDP rules and policies is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
A fully qualified accountant from an internationally accredited institute or completion of the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP) is required. Candidates without professional qualifications must have degrees majoring in accountancy or finance and must complete the FTCP if recruited. Those with relevant experience must undertake the UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) before shortlisting and complete the FTCP if recruited.

Experience:
A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible finance and accounting experience at the national or international level is required for candidates with a high school diploma, or 4 years for those with a bachelor's degree. Experience in finance for programmes, projects, or operations is highly desirable, as is familiarity with UNDP rules and policies.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is required, while working knowledge of English is desirable.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, and UNDP values diversity and equal opportunity in its hiring practices. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination. New fixed-term appointments are contingent upon successful completion of a probationary period. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process.