Finance Assistant 'Accelerating the transformational change to a low carbon economy in the Republic of Mauritius' (Open to Mauritian Nationality Only)

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, the Finance  Assistant provides leadership in execution of financial services for the GCF project ensuring effective and transparent utilization of financial resources and integrity of financial services. The Finance  Assistant promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations as well as those of the GCF.

The Finance  Assistant works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and project teams and UNDP HQs staff to resolve complex financial management and operational-related issues and information delivery in accordance with GCF and UNDP requirements.

The project will be implemented following UNDP’s National Implementation Modality (NIM), according to the Standard Basic Assistance Agreement between UNDP and the Government of Mauritius signed in 1974 and the Country Programme Document (CPD). The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MOFED) being the National Designated Authority, will oversee the project execution and ensure that it is implemented in accordance with the applicable national policies.

The Implementing Partner in UNDP terminology – the Executing Entity in GCF terminology – is the entity responsible and accountable for managing the project, including the monitoring and evaluation of project interventions, achieving project outcomes, and for the effective use of UNDP/GCF resources. The incumbent will work closely with internal and external counterparts, including Government, national institutions, civil society, private sector etc, to successfully deliver the UNDP GCF project entitled “Accelerating the transformational change to a low carbon economy in the Republic of Mauritius”. This project is made of three components as described below

Component 1

The Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities (MEPU) is responsible for all policies relating to investment in the renewable energy sector. In the framework of the Long-Term Energy Strategy 2009-2025 and growing concerns at the projected increases in power that will be necessary in the near-future (implying considerably more fossil fuel imports), the Government has recently reaffirmed its intention to establish the Mauritius Renewable Energy Agency (MARENA). MARENA will initially perform a coordination and investment promotion function with regard to renewables and, in particular, renewable energy Independent Power Producers (IPPs). The MEPU has requested GCF support for the creation and operationalisation of MARENA.

The principal outcome of Component 1 will be the emergence of a strengthened institutional and regulatory system for renewable energy in Mauritius, which will directly facilitate the implementation of Component 2. By the end of Component 1 (2018), the Government will have the required legal texts, systems and institutional capability to effectively manage the evolution and growth of the renewable energy sector. The promotion of renewable energy technologies and a better understanding of the sector from an investor’s perspective are expected to result in reduced GHG emissions through the scale-up of renewable power generation, both centralised and decentralised, at a national scale.

Component 2

The Central Electricity Board (CEB) is a parastatal entity under the purview of MEPU. CEB is responsible for the generation (in collaboration with Independent Power Producers), transmission and distribution of electricity. The CEB has requested GCF support for the implementation of Component 2 of the proposed project. With the assistance of the GCF project, CEB will be enabled to acquire and install the equipment necessary to ensure 185 MW of intermittent renewable energy can be connected to the grid without jeopardising grid stability. In addition, GCF resources will be used to provide a grant to SSDG Phase 3 users to partially cover the upfront cost of investing in small- and medium-scale PV systems. Augmenting these PV installations, smart meters will be installed in SSDG Phase 3 premises so as to optimally manage the generation output of the rooftop solar PV installations and thereby lay the basis for a smart grid at national scale. The results of the implementation of the smart grid will then inform CEB on the requirements for national-scale smart grid deployment and the development of a strategy accordingly.

Component 3

The Ministry of Ocean Economy (MOE) is the parent Ministry for the Outer Islands Development Corporation. The OIDC is responsible for the management of the Outer Islands of Agalega. The Ministry of Ocean Economy has requested GCF support for the implementation of Component 3 of the proposed project. The principal goal of Component 3 will be to transform Agalega into the first low-emission inhabited island in the Republic of Mauritius. Approximately 300 inhabitants will benefit from this development, which will involve rehabilitation of the existing PV systems where feasible, and the installation of an additional 300 kW of PV panels and accompanying battery storage (diesel will only be required as back-up) on the existing mini-grid infrastructure. Training will be provided to 3 technical staff on the island and an additional 5 staff on the mainland to act as back-up and to provide logistical support in the event of new equipment being required.

Summary of Key Functions

• Administration and implementation of operational and financial management strategies;
• Administration of budgets and effective cost recovery;
• Accounting, finance and administrative support;
• CO cash management;
• Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

Ensures administration and implementation of operational strategies, adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results

•  Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, and policies of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and follow-up on audit recommendations; implementation of effective internal controls, proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system;
• Project Finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance in consultation with office management;
• Implementation of cost sharing and trust fund agreements, elaboration of conditions of contributions within the Project resource mobilization efforts;
• Elaboration of proposals and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies in consultations with office management.

Ensures administration of budgets and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results

• Preparation and modifications of budgets for project components, follow up with HQs on authorized spending limits (ASL);
• Implementation of the control mechanism for development projects through monitoring budgets preparation and modifications, budgetary status versus ASL, follow up with HQs on ASL for development projects, maintenance of the General Ledger;
• Sending project budget to KK if authorized by the Senior Management (can be done only on the basis of signed prodocs and project budgets);
• Presentation of thoroughly researched information for planning of financial resources of the Project, reports containing analysis of the financial situation;
• Timely preparation of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for the services provided by, elaboration and implementation of the income tracking system and follow up on cost recovery.

Provides accounting and administrative support to the Finance Unit focusing on achievement of the following results

• Proper control of the supporting documents for payments, review of financial reports for NEX projects;
• Approval of vendors in Atlas (as a  member of the Finance team) if authorised;
• Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas; payrolls are duly prepared; travel claims and other entitlements are duly processed;
• All payroll process and Contract Extension to be closely monitored and keep HR informed;
• Coordination and review of accounts closure;
• Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers. Timely response to GCF and UNDP HQ requests to resolve financial data issues;
• Maintenance of the Accounts Receivables for UNDP projects and follow up with partners on contributions;
• Timely VAT  exemption request toGovernment;
• Proper receipting of goods and services and establishment of accruals.

Ensures proper Project cash management functioning 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;
• Daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in Atlas to monitor imprest level; identification and recording of contributions;
• Timely and accurate preparation of bank reconciliations;
• Selecting bank transfers and  preparation of letters for payment;
• Preparation of roster for DSA payment for Workshops & Conferences;
• Timely preparation of monthly cashflow forecast for use by Project Coordinator. Liaison with UN Agencies to obtain estimate of their cash requirements;
• Custodian for cash disbursements made on site.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the Project Coordinator focusing on achievement of the following results

• Organization of training for the operations/programme/projects staff on financial management;
• Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in financial management;
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Impact of Results
The key results have an impact on the overall Project efficiency in financial resources management and success in implementation of operational strategies.  Accurate analysis and presentation of financial information enhances UNDP’s credibility in use of financial resources and proper financial process management. The information provided facilitates decision making of the management.

Duration of Assignment
Project implementation is for a period of 8 years starting as soon as possible. The FA should be available fulltime for effective implementation of project. The FA contract will be renewed on an annual basis subject to performance.

Functional Competencies    

Building Partnerships

Maintaining information and databases

• Analyzes general information and selects materials in support of partnership building initiatives;
• Tracks and reports on mobilized resources.

Promoting Organizational Learning And Knowledge Sharing

Basic research and analysis

• Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things;
• Identifies and communicates opportunities to promote learning and knowledge sharing.

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures

• Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position;
• Possesses knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks (broad range of specialized knowledge related to financial resources management, including formulating budgets, maintaining Accounts Receivables and Accounts Payables, reporting);
• Identifies new and better approaches to work processes and incorporates same in own work;
• Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning;
• Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments.

Promoting Organizational Change and Development

Presentation of information on best practices in organizational change

• Documents ‘best practices’ in organizational change and development within and outside the UN system;
• Demonstrates ability to identify problems and proposes solutions.

Design and Implementation of Management Systems

Data gathering and implementation of management systems

• Uses information/databases/other management systems;
• Makes recommendations related to work procedures and implementation of management systems.

Client Orientation

Maintains effective client relationships

• Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion;
• Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines;
• Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients;
• Responds to client needs promptly.

Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management

Gathering and disseminating information

• Gathers and disseminates information on best practice in accountability and results-based management systems;
• Maintains databases.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
• Self-development, initiative-taking;
• Acting as a team player and facilitating team work;
• Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively;
• Creating synergies through self-control;
• Managing conflict;
• Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others;
• Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member;
• Informed and transparent decision making.

Education    

• Secondary Education, with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance;
• University Degree in Finance, Business or Administration desirable, but it is not a requirement;
• Part-qualified accountants from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.

UNDP Accountancy & Finance Test required.

Experience

• 3 to 5 years of progressively responsible finance and accounting experience is required;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems and ERP financials, preferably PeopleSoft.

Knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS required.

Language Requirements

Fluency in the UN and national language of the duty station.
 

Important applicant information

All posts in the GS categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: 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.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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