Finance/Admin Assistant

Project Description:

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established as an international financial institution in 1977. Working with poor rural people, governments, donors, non-governmental organizations and many other partners, IFAD focuses on country-specific solutions, which can involve increasing poor rural people's access to financial services, markets, technology, land and other natural resources.

Since 1980, IFAD has financed and administered 14 rural development programmes and projects in Burundi for a total amount of USD 554.2 million, including IFAD's USD 281.3. Seven of these projects are already closed. The financing provided by IFAD consists of full grant funding based on the Debt Sustainability Framework. IFAD's interventions are geared towards rural areas with a high incidence of poverty by targeting the most vulnerable households.

IFAD's strategy in Burundi, as documented in its Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) for 2016-2021, is aligned with the government's National agriculture investments programme (PNIA) as well as the National Development programme (2018-2027). The COSOP's strategic objectives are to:

1. Continue to expand and maintain investments in production by adopting a rational ecosystem management to build climate change resilience and ensure the sustainability of results and impact.
2. Develop value chains by structuring producer organizations to promote economic growth while building climate change resilience.
3. Strengthen the involvement of vulnerable groups in economic dynamics in general, and those promoted within the value chains supported in particular.

Project Description:

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established as an international financial institution in 1977. Working with poor rural people, governments, donors, non-governmental organizations and many other partners, IFAD focuses on country-specific solutions, which can involve increasing poor rural people's access to financial services, markets, technology, land and other natural resources.

Since 1980, IFAD has financed and administered 14 rural development programmes and projects in Burundi for a total amount of USD 554.2 million, including IFAD's USD 281.3. Seven of these projects are already closed. The financing provided by IFAD consists of full grant funding based on the Debt Sustainability Framework. IFAD's interventions are geared towards rural areas with a high incidence of poverty by targeting the most vulnerable households.

IFAD's strategy in Burundi, as documented in its Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) for 2016-2021, is aligned with the government's National agriculture investments programme (PNIA) as well as the National Development programme (2018-2027). The COSOP's strategic objectives are to:

1. Continue to expand and maintain investments in production by adopting a rational ecosystem management to build climate change resilience and ensure the sustainability of results and impact.
2. Develop value chains by structuring producer organizations to promote economic growth while building climate change resilience.
3. Strengthen the involvement of vulnerable groups in economic dynamics in general, and those promoted within the value chains supported in particular.

Within the terms of the organization’s delegated authority, and under the direct supervision of IFAD Country Programme Manager, the UN Volunteer will provide basic technical, financial and administrative support and undertake the following tasks:

·         Ensure the administrative and financial management of the ICO (budgeting, purchase orders preparation, budget monitoring etc.);

·         Supporting the administration, execution and monitoring of allocated budgets and perform the first level review of administrative expenditures, as required;

·         Assist the ICO in the proper management of Service Level Agreement and Host Country Agreement at Country Office level;

·         Support office asset administration (including maintenance of IFAD office furnishings and equipment, inventory control and vehicle/fleet management, if any);

·         Provide administrative, financial and logistical management of seminars, workshops and meetings;

·         Provide office assistance, including calendar management, and dealing with routine document administration (including managing incoming and outgoing communications and maintaining office (records and filing systems) as required);

·         Perform other administrative activities relating to the running of the office, as required and assigned by the head of the Country Director;

·         Prepare travel arrangements, including handling of visas and logistical arrangements, and supporting staff in being compliant with UNDSS recommendations on travel;

·         Provide background/supporting documentation upon request, formatting/drafting standard components of documents ensuring timely submission of appropriate documentation into IFAD’s records management system;

• Support the ICO in maintaining regular interactions and information exchange with stakeholders especially Rome based agencies, the UN, the government..
• Liaise with the internal audit team on projects' follow-up actions (reporting, feedback etc.);
• Organise and attend monthly IFAD/Projects meetings and monitor the implementation od agreed actions;
• Liaise with UNCT secretariat to maximize participation to key meetings.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/Expected Outputs:

The key results have an impact on the overall performance of the country office and success in the implementation of project/programme activities. Accurate data entry and presentation of information ensure proper programme decision-making. In the absence of a national Programme Specialist, the Country Programme Assistant is the institutional memory of and the continuity for the country programme. S/He is accountable for the full spectrum of administrative and standard project/programme support activities.

Qualifications, skills, experience: 

Degree level:    Bachelor's degree

Type of Degree: At least three years  (3) years of progressively responsible administrative and/orprogramme experience of which at least one year of direct experience with UN and/or other international organizations' administrative rules and

regulations procedures and guidelines is required.

• Past work experience with the UN system will be an asset
• Ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision
• Knowledge and experience of working with local partner agencies with a capacity to provide formal and informal training
• Proven ability to deal with multiple tasks in a courteous and service-oriented manner in a demanding working condition
• Ability towards analytical and creative thinking for rapid solutions
• Excellent oral and writing skills, good analytical skills, good organizational skills
• Flexible and adaptable.

Language (s): Fluency in French is required. Knowledge of English is desirable. Driving license required:  No

Computer skills: 

* Knowledge of Microsoft applications word, Publishers, PPT, excel and PowerPoint.   

* Ability to use internet.

Competencies and values:

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.
• Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working

relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;

• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

• Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary;
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Living Conditions:

With an area of 27,834 km², an estimated population of 11.2 million and GDP per capita of US$320[1] in current dollars in 2017, Burundi is one of the world’s poorest countries. Demographic growth runs at 3.21 per cent. Population density was on the order of 415 inhabitants/km² in 2018. The country is ranked 185 out of 189 countries and territories (2018).

The socio-political context is still fragile. Since independence, Burundi has experienced great political instability with many crises (1972, 1988, 1993), which have had negative impacts leading to increased poverty and extreme poverty.  After the peace agreement signed in 2000 in Arusha, the country experienced a relative lull which favoured a slight economic recovery. However, the 2015 presidential elections triggered again a political crisis that has resulted in several deaths and nearly 275,000 refugees and displaced people. Since the end of 2016, the security situation has improved significantly and the displacement on the ground are done without difficulty. In 2018, there is a return of refugees and a new round of negotiations is planned again in Arusha between the GoB and the opposition parties under the inter-Burundian dialogue. However, The domestic landscape will remain highly volatile ahead of the 2020 presidential election.

A valid passport with visa is mandatory. https://www.visa-en-ligne.com/pays/Burundi.php

A certificate of yellow-fever vaccination is required. Hepatitis A and malaria prevention are recommended. It is advisable not to drink tap water. Bottled mineral water can be bought in all towns. Hospitals are located in all major towns. There is also the UN Dispensary that can provide 1st aid assistance and guidance.

In Burundi, the climate is mild or warm, and varies according to altitude, while there is little seasonal variation in temperature. Much of the country is occupied by a plateau, at an altitude of around 1,500/1,800 meters (5,000/6,000 feet), but in the west there is also a lower region, around 800 meters (2,600 feet), as well as a mountainous belt. 

The unit of currency is the Burundi franc (BIF). There is on ongoing  shortage of foreign-exchange reserves which may force the authorities to make gradual corrective devaluations. US dollar is the hard currency of preference. It may be impossible to exchange travellers’ cheques away from the capital. Credit cards are usually only accepted at the major hotels in Bujumbura

In addition to Kirundi  , French is the major spoken language.

Conditions of Service for international UN Volunteers:

The duration of your assignment is 12 months to start immediately.

A volunteer receives a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) which is composed of the Monthly Living Allowance (MLA) and a Family Allowance (FA) for those with dependents (maximum three).

Contract is renewable depending on mandate, availability of funding, operational necessity and/or satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectancy of renewal of the assignment (nor of conversion into any other type of appointment), in accordance with art. 5.4 UNV COS.

Travel to duty station (if applicable) and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided in the event duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of BIF 1,005,010.92 BIF is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

UNV will provide, together with the offer of assignment, a copy of the Conditions of Service, including Code of conduct, to the successful candidate.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are provided a settling-in-grant (SIG) at the start of the assignment (if the volunteer did not reside in the duty station for at least 6 months prior to taking up the assignment) and also in the event of a permanent reassignment to another duty station.

UNV provides life, health, permanent disability insurances as well as assignment travel, annual leave, full integration in the UN security framework (including residential security reimbursements).

UN Volunteers are paid Daily Subsistence Allowance at the UN rate for official travels, flight tickets for the final repatriation travel (if applicable). A resettlement allowance is paid for satisfactory service at the end of the assignment.

UNV provides life, health, permanent disability insurances as well as assignment travel, annual leave, full integration in the UN security framework (including residential security reimbursements). 

UN Volunteers are paid Daily Subsistence Allowance at the UN rate for official travels, flight tickets for periodic home visit and for the final repatriation travel (if applicable). Resettlement allowance is paid for satisfactory service at the end of the assignment.

UNV will provide, together with the offer of assignment, a copy of the Conditions of Service, including Code of conduct, to the successful candidate.