Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network established in 1965, with a mission to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. UNDP operates in over 170 countries, providing expert advice, training, and support to developing countries. The organization is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women, particularly in regions facing significant socio-economic challenges. UNDP's work is characterized by its impartiality, transparency, and a long-standing commitment to the most vulnerable populations. In Afghanistan, UNDP is actively involved in addressing the pressing humanitarian challenges and supporting the population in building resilience against economic and natural disasters.

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate position at UNDP Afghanistan is crucial for ensuring effective financial management and operational strategies within the organization. The role involves providing financial services that promote transparency and integrity in the utilization of financial resources. The Finance Associate will work closely with various teams, including Programme and Operations Teams, to ensure consistent service delivery and adherence to UNDP's financial regulations. The position requires a proactive approach to financial management, including the implementation of internal controls, compliance with financial policies, and the facilitation of knowledge sharing within the organization. The Finance Associate will also support the Head of Finance in analyzing financial data and ensuring timely responses to financial queries from headquarters.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Associate will be responsible for the administration and implementation of operational strategies, ensuring full compliance with UN/UNDP rules and regulations. Key duties include verifying supporting documents for payments, maintaining internal expenditure control systems, supporting year-end closure activities, and ensuring timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers. The Associate will also liaise with the Global Shared Services Unit (GSSU) for voucher creation and payment requests, ensuring that all transactions are accurately recorded in the financial management system. Additionally, the role involves organizing training for staff on financial management, synthesizing lessons learned, and contributing to knowledge networks. The Finance Associate may also perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of the office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary education as a minimum requirement, with a university degree in Finance, Accountancy, or Business Studies being advantageous. A fully qualified accountant from an internationally accredited institute or completion of the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP) is preferred. Candidates without professional accountancy qualifications but with relevant degrees must complete the FTCP if recruited. Experience in finance and accounting is essential, with a minimum of 6 years required for those with a high school diploma or 3 years for those with a bachelor's degree. Proven experience in financial management of public entities and knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Finance Associate position includes at least a secondary education, with a preference for candidates holding a bachelor's degree in Finance, Accountancy, or Business Studies. Professional qualifications from recognized accounting institutes are highly regarded. Candidates must also be willing to complete the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme if they do not possess the necessary professional qualifications.

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. For those with a bachelor's degree, a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience is required. Experience in managing budgeting processes, financial reporting, and working with international donor-funded projects is essential. Familiarity with ERP financial systems, particularly PeopleSoft, is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, fluency in Dari and/or Pashtu is required, as these languages are essential for effective communication within the local context and with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The Finance Associate position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, and is expected to adhere to UNDP's commitment to diversity and inclusion. The organization values equal opportunity and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. UNDP does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and conducts relevant checks on selected candidates. The organization reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions at the same grade level. It is important to note that UNDP does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.