Background

Under its new Country Programme (2023-2027), UNDP’s work in Nepal focuses on developing the capacity of government agencies (federal, provincial, and municipal level), civil society and community groups to jointly pursue development activities to foster sustainable and inclusive economic transformation, enhance people’s participation and inclusion in governance in the context of federalism, and protect and promote biodiversity with nature based solutions, energy transitions,  environmental sustainability and resilience to climate change and natural hazards. During the past programme cycle, Nepal has undergone profound changes on account not only of the transition from a unitary to federal system but also of the Covid Pandemic, which has impacted lives, livelihoods, health systems, and has at times slowed down or reversed hard gained development progress. At the same time, the overall trend of Nepal’s GNI has been one of growth, with graduation from LDC status planned for 2026.  

Against this backdrop, the new Country Programme 2023-2027 is a strategic opportunity for UNDP Nepal to strategically reposition its contributions in support of the Sustainable Development Goals – with a focus on integrated solutions- and expand its collaboration with national and international development partners including the UN system. Delivering UNDP’s country programme, in line with the signature solutions and enablers identified in UNDP’s global Strategic Plan 2022-2025, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and the Agenda 2030 will require the development of new partnerships.

UNDP is striving to ensure its Operations function and practices are an integral part of UNDP’s competitive advantage as a development partner of choice. This requires placing more attention on strategically integrating operational functions at the project design stage, stimulating innovation in various aspects of the operations including technologies, and adopting more sustainable practices that align with UNDPs sustainable development goals.  In implementing UNDP strategic priorities, Country offices will strive to use flexible methods for high-value/low-risk and timely delivery that meet the needs of its clients and key stakeholders.  

The Finance team supports the Country Office (CO) in the promotion of its sustainable development agenda by continuously enhancing CO financial performance, delivering sound management of financial resources, and ensuring strong accountability through informed decision making, effective financial management processes, and transparent financial reporting that complies with international standards and regulatory guidelines.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of Deputy Resident Representative and direct supervision Operations Manager, the Finance Analyst is responsible for effective delivery of financial services, transparent utilization of financial resources, and management of the Country Office (CO) Finance Unit. The Financial Analyst analyzes and interprets financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues. The Finance Analyst promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Finance Analyst manages the CO Finance Unit and supervises and leads the unit’s staff. The Finance Analyst works in close collaboration with the Operations, Programme and Project teams in the CO, UNDP HQs and GSSC staff, and Government officials to ensure successful CO financial performance.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.
 

Ensures Planning and Managing of Programme Resource Framework focusing on achievement of the following results

• Coordinates and advises the Operations Manager, Senior Management and programme team for complete, accurate and timely allocation of available resources in order to optimize resource allocation in a result based environment; 
• Ensures that systematic and efficient mechanism is in place for preparing project budgets and their modifications; monitoring of programme delivery within the authorized spending limits (ASL) and Country Office delivery target; 
• Continuous analysis and monitoring of the programme resource situation based on pipeline build ups and programme expenditures through various tools and systems and timely and periodic reporting to senior management on resource situation; 
• Assesses on an ongoing basis the availability of resources for redeployment (reallocation) due to emerging opportunities and/or unforeseen needs; 
• Efficient and effective resource management (both core and non-core) through strategic planning, guiding, and managing the resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations; 
• Oversee the utilization of all management and development resources (regular/other) against approved work plans/initiatives to confirm alignment with organizational priorities and results; 
• Assist Operations Manager and Senior management in finalizing cost sharing agreements with donors to ensure consistency with corporate resource management policies in line with IPSAS; 
• Provides regular oversight in managing receivables from donors as per the cost sharing agreements and supports donor relations; 
• Monitors and initiate remedial actions to ensure targets are met on programme related indicators on respective dashboards with particular attention to cost sharing deficits and NIM advances. 
• Ensure that all financial plans, annual work plans, and budgets incorporate gender-responsive and socially inclusive allocations in line with UNDP’s Gender Equality Strategy and national GESI frameworks.
• Apply GRB tools and methodologies to track and analyze expenditures that contribute to gender equality and inclusion outcomes, ensuring financial resources benefit diverse groups equitably.
• Provide advice and direction on strategic and policy issues to strengthen gender & social inclusion initiatives in the work plan and implementation strategy;

Ensure implementation of operational and financial management strategies and adapts processes and procedures, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and audit follow up with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies; 
• Implementation of effective internal control, proper design and functioning of the financial resources management system; 
• CO Finance business processes mapping and elaboration/establishment of internal Standard Operations Procedures in Finance, control of the workflows in the Finance Unit; 
• Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of forecasts for development and management projects; 
• Elaboration of the framework and conditions of contributions within the CO resources mobilization efforts; 
• Elaboration and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies; 
• Routinely monitors financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions, and investigates anomalies or unusual transactions. Inform supervisor and other UNDP staff at Headquarters of the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained. 

Manages project budgets and organizes an optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Financial resources management through planning, guiding, controlling of the resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations; 
• Preparation and monitoring of budgets for management projects; 
• Establishment of the development projects' budgets preparation/modification monitoring system, control of budgetary status versus authorized spending limits (ASL) and budgets delivery levels; 
• Sending project budget to KK if authorized by the Senior Management (can be done only on the basis of signed prodocs and project budgets); 
• Elaboration of proper mechanisms to eliminate deficiencies in resource and budget management; 
• Management of Direct Project Costing and other cost recovery processes in the office; 
• Preparation of cost-recovery bills in Quantum for the services provided by UNDP to other agencies. 

Ensure proper control of CO accounts, effective oversight of assurance and audit of development projects focusing achievement of the following results:

• Elaboration of the internal expenditures' control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Quantum; payrolls are duly processed; MPOs, travel claims and other entitlements are duly processed, receipting of goods and services and establishmen t of accruals are properly done in compliance with IPSAS and UNDP policies and procedures;
• Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers. Timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues;
• Control of the Accounts Receivables for UNDP projects and maintenance of the General Ledger;
• Audit exercise is timely undertaken for development projects in accordance with UNDP requirements;
• Audit concerns are timely addressed and UNDP senior management is updated of implementation status of audit action plan;
• Updates and informs UNDP management of any significant occurrence in the course of programme Implementation on management by exception basis;
• Ensures preparation and review of assurance plan in view of risk level associated with Implementation Partners (IPs) and assurance activities are coordinated with Ex-Com UN Agencies;
• Organization of training for the operations/ projects staff on programme issues including implementation guidelines.

Ensures proper CO cash management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements. Timely identification and recording of receipts for income application;
• Monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions and investigation of anomalies or unusual transactions. Provision of information to supervisors and other UNDP staff at HQ on the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained;
• Daily review of zero-balance account statements in Quantum to monitor imprest level; identification and record of contributions;
• Primary contact with local bank management on routine operational matters including negotiation of exchange rate on replenishments;
• Approval and submission of monthly UN exchange rate reports to Treasury;
• Timely and accurate approval of bank reconciliation, including documented review of exceptions;
• Initiation of bank transfers and deals, selecting bank transfers and deals for approval and settlement;
• Performing Pay cycle manager role in Quantum;
• Timely preparation of monthly cashflow forecast for use by Operations Manager; 
• Liaison with UN Agencies to obtain estimate of their cash requirements;
• Role as cashier for cash disbursements made on site.

Ensures capacity development of programme/ project staff in the areas of project programme financial management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Provides training on HACT methodology in-house and Ex-com implementing partners;
• Acts as focal person for IPSAS in programme section;
• Ensures that programme and project personnel have required skills in Quantum operation including external excess;
• Updates CO staff on significant changes in the POPP, relevant to programme and project management and resources management;
• Enhances the skills of programme staff on project management supported by Quantum.
• Collect and report disaggregated financial data (by gender and other inclusion variables where relevant) to demonstrate resource allocation and expenditure trends that support GESI outcomes.
• Build capacity of programme and finance staff on gender-responsive budgeting, inclusive financial management, and accountability for equitable resource use.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Supervise staff in the Finance unit.
 

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning
• Adapt with Agility:  LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction & Strategy

• System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

2030 Agenda: Peace 

• Governance: Inclusion and Participation 

2030 Agenda: People

• Gender: Gender Mainstreaming

Business Management

• Customer Satisfaction/Client Management: Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns

Finance

• Accounting (General): Knowledge of accounting concepts, principles, regulations, policies and ability to apply this 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, including through planning, budgeting, forecasting, analyzing and reporting
• Audit Risk Management: Ability to address audit issues raised in the course of an audit and propose solutions in order to ensure a true and fair audit opinion is achieved.
• Financial Risk Management: Ensures financial resilience through proactive assessment of risk, implementation of controls and taking mitigating action. Understands risk and reward in relation to collaborative and commercial projects. Ensures a culture of positive risk management
   

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• A professional accounting qualification from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy, and/or Advanced (Master’s) University Degree in Finance and/or Accounting or a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be in lieu of the advanced university degree, is required. 
• Candidates with professional accounting qualifications from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.
• Candidates with no professional accountancy qualifications, but with degrees that major in accountancy and/or finance must complete the Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), if recruited.
• Candidates satisfying the two above criteria are exempted from undertaking the UNDP Advanced Accountancy and Finance Test (AAFT). 
• Candidates with MBA or master's in finance with no accountancy qualification but with relevant experience must successfully undertake the UNDP Advanced Accountancy and Finance Test (AAFT) to be eligible for shortlisting. 

Experience:

• 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in providing financial management services, and/or managing staff and operational systems. 
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheets and web-based management systems such as ERP financials and database packages.
• Experience of IPSAS and/or IFRS is required for external candidates. 
• Proven experience in managing financial operations in international organizations, development agencies, or large public sector entities is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in budget formulation, financial planning, monitoring, and reporting in line with IPSAS/UN financial rules and regulations is highly desirable.
• Experience in managing and supervising finance teams and ensuring compliance with internal controls and audit requirements is highly desirable.
• Experience in using ERP systems (e.g., Quantum/Oracle, SAP) and financial dashboards (e.g., Power BI) for analysis and reporting is highly desirable.
• Prior experience in UNDP or other UN agencies is an asset.
• Strong knowledge of international financial policies, internal control framework, and audit compliance requirements is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and accountability in financial management and reporting.
• Proven skills in financial risk management and development of mitigation measures is highly desirable.
• Experience in implementing or advising on gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) and inclusive financial management is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to interpret complex financial data for management decision-making.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial modelling tools is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a diverse team towards results.
• Strong coordination and communication skills across programmes, operations, and senior management.
• Commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability in financial stewardship.
• Ability to promote a collaborative, inclusive, and gender-sensitive work environment.
• proven understanding of gender equality and inclusion principles and their application in financial management.
• Experience in applying gender-responsive budgeting or tracking expenditures for gender and social inclusion outcomes is highly desirable.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the team and in engagement with partners and vendors.

Required Languages:

• Fluency in oral and written English and Nepali language is required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

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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