Background

UNDP Iraq has recently created a new Country Programme Document (CPD) (2025 – 2029) that will serve to strengthen UNDP´s role as a learning organization ‘fit-for-purpose’ to deliver on Agenda 2030. The CPD is well-aligned with  the government of Iraq’s (GOI’s) National Development Plan and other GOI strategies and action plans, as well as the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025 – 2029.  

In approaching the new CPD 2025 – 2029, UNDP Iraq is systematically changing how its institutional and programmatic activities are portrayed and financed. Placing emphasis on programme alignment, coordination, and creation of synergies, the CPD is designed to provide the foundation for the whole public policy life cycle that is expected to allow for engagement in new areas of joint work and resource mobilization. 

This new approach requires a new structure that will position UNDP in the new country context, as well as engaging skills that will allow for substantive value added through (a) providing thought leadership and innovation, (b) mobilizing strategic resources, (c) ensuring projects are implemented in a smooth, efficient and transparent manner, and (d) engaging on the most pressing and transformational development challenges in Iraq.  

The UNDP Iraq CO envisions a new programme office structure adapted to current and future needs of the country, underpinning its advisory and programmatic offer while at the same time delivering solid implementation support. It also promotes a more collaborative approach to working across the office and with external partners. 

To achieve this, the UNDP Iraq Country Office must focus on aligning projects, programmes and policy workstreams to UNDP corporate strategy, national priorities, and related frameworks. As such, the Country Office is adopting a new business model in Iraq around a wholistic approach to development portfolio programming. This approach requires excellent programme management and an organizational structure that reinforces the entire programming life cycle including planning, implementation, oversight, monitoring and evaluation, communications, and efficient operations. 

In this context, 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 guidance and supervision of the Finance Analyst the Finance Associate ensures effective execution of financial services and processes in the Country Office and transparent utilization of financial resources. The Finance Associate promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Finance Associate works in close collaboration with the Operations, Programme, and projects’ staff in the CO and with UNDP HQ and GSSC staff to exchange information and resolve finance-related issues.

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.

Incumbent is expected to display managerial innovation, initiative, and a strong client orientation that encourages and rewards the timely delivery of financial services for all clients and partners. S/he might be required to undertake emerging tasks and additional duties as requested by direct supervisor or senior management.

1.)   Support administration and implementation of operational strategies and adapt processes and procedures:
•    Ensure CO financial processes, financial records and reports, and audit follow-up comply with UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP). Implement effective internal control framework.
•    Support office management in preparing and reviewing CO finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal standard operating procedures in finance in consultation with the direct supervisor and office management.
•    Provide input for implementation of cost-saving and reduction strategies in consultation with the office management.
•    Routinely monitor financial exception reports for unusual activities and/or transactions; and investigate anomalies or unusual transactions. Inform senior CO management and other UNDP staff at Headquarters of the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained.
 

2.)  Support administration of budgets of CO management projects, clearance of budgets for development projects, and functioning of an optimal cost-recovery system:
•    Provide research information for planning and status of financial resources of the CO.
•    Prepare and modify budgets for UNDP management projects, follow-up with HQ on authorized spending limits (ASL) for management projects.
•    Assist in the preparation of required budget revisions (ensuring multiyear budget revision) within the unit at required period and timely securing of ASLs; and ensure detailed record keeping of funds released for projects as well as monthly ASL reporting for non-core/ GEF projects. 
•    Prepare timely cost-recovery/DPC bills in ERP for the services provided by UNDP, implement the revenue tracking system, and follow up on cost recovery.
 

3.)  Provide accounting and administrative support to the Finance unit:
•    Support proper control of the supporting documents for payments invoices and proper document management including systematic archiving. 
•    Prepare financial reports for projects and management funds/budget balance; and prepare all types of invoices.
•    Maintain the internal expenditures control system which ensures that invoices processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in ERP, and travel claims and other entitlements are duly processed.
•    Coordinate and review allocated General Ledger and sub-ledger accounts and support timely project closure.
•    Take timely corrective actions on erroneous data in ERP and on unposted invoices, including the invoices with validation errors, match exceptions, and/or unapproved invoices.  Prepare financial reports as required. Provide timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues. 
•    Maintain the Accounts Receivables for UNDP projects and follow-up with partners on contributions. 
 

4.)   Ensure proper CO cash and Treasury management functioning:
•    Timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds for disbursements and maintain liquidity level approved by Treasury. Identify and record receipts and create deposits for revenue application on a timely basis. 
•    Identify and record contributions.
•    Prepare timely and accurate bank reconciliations and provide documentation to GSSC according to service level agreement. Initiate bank transfers and deals in ERP. 
•    Timely preparation of monthly cashflow forecast to ensure sufficient cash balance in local bank account. Liaise with participating UN Agencies to obtain disbursement estimate of their cash requirement.
 

5.)   Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO:
•    Assist in organizing training for the operations/ projects staff on finance, audit and compliance matters, and implementation of Internal Control Framework (ICF).
•    Synthesize lessons learned and best practices in financial management.
•    Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
 

Competencies

Core:

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies :

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary Education is required with specialized certification in accounting and/or Finance. Or
• University degree in Finance or Accounting is desirable. 
• Part-qualified accountants from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.
• Fully Qualified Accountant, from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy or Full Completion of the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP). No UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) required. 
• Candidates with no professional accountancy qualifications, but with degrees that major in accountancy and/or finance must complete UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), if recruited. However, no UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) is required.
• Candidates with no professional accountancy qualifications but with relevant experience must successfully undertake UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) before shortlisting and must complete the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), if recruited.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:

• Minimum of 6 years (with secondary education) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible finance and accounting experience at the national or international level is required.
• 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 is required. 
• Knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS is required. 
• Advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages is desired.
• Working Experience with UN/UNDP is an advantage.
• Knowledge of Quantum is an advantage.
• Experience in supporting Audit is desired. 

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in Arabic or Kurdish 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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