Finance Analyst

Background

Following the widespread devastations caused by Cyclones Idai and Kenneth, the Government and its international partners began the long and challenging emergency response and recovery efforts. The severity of the damage and loss, estimated at 3.2 billion, plus the underlying vulnerability and limited capacity in the affected areas have made the recovery effort much more difficult.  UNDP has been supporting the Government of Mozambique from the inception including providing policy and technical support for the International Pledging Conference that took place on 31st May and 1st June 2019 in the city of Beira. The International Pledging Conference yielded $1.3 billion in pledges from development partners. Both Government and development partners underscored the importance of building resilience and fast-tracking implementation. 

Drawing from the PDNA and the DRF, UNDP’s vision of the cyclone recovery programme in Mozambique arises from key considerations related to development, governance and resilience. To realize this vision, UNDP has established a Recovery Facility funded through a UNDP-led multi-donor Basket Fund as an agile tool to implement short-to-long term recovery activities that will contribute to addressing the root causes of vulnerability and build resilience to future disaster. It has three important pillars:

(1) Help the communities recover from the impact of cyclone and floods and rebuild their assets and livelihoods with a focus on women and persons with disabilities;

(2) Rebuilding public and community infrastructure to bounce back from the disaster; and

(3) Develop national capacities and systems to plan and implement the recovery and resilience programme.

The Recovery Facility is being funded with the support of resources from the European Union, Canada, Finland, Netherlands and Norway along with UNDP. The programme’s total budget is $72.2 million. Given the mandate of the programme, size of resources and the imperative of fast-tracking implementation, UNDP has decided to establish a dedicated Programme Management Unit based in Beira.

In order to fulfill this mandate, under the guidance and supervision of the Programme Manager of the Programme Management Unit, the Finance Analyst works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and project teams in the CO and Government officials to successfully deliver finance services including financial reporting with particular emphasis for the European Union consistent with their rules and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensures implementation of operational and financial management strategies, financial reporting and adapts processes and procedures, focusing on the 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 the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of the financial resources management system;
• Project Finance business processes mapping and elaboration/establishment of internal Standard Operating 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;

Project monitoring and reporting:

• Financial resources management through planning, guiding, controlling of the resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations;
• Support Programme Office in Maputo in budget planning and monitoring of ongoing activities against the project’s Results and Resources Framework;
• Monitor and analyse project delivery for corporate and donor reporting.

Ensures proper Project Financial Management focusing on achievement of the followin results:

• Ensure that the project complies with the policies of the United Nations, in terms of regulations, procedures, reporting requirements and ethical standards.
• Ensure the efficient and transparent management of physical and financial resources in accordance with UNDP requirements.
• Be responsible for managing the finances of the project following the regulations of UNDP and approve the administrative and financial reports, external communications and monitor the travel authorization procedures, staffing, equipment purchases, goods and services of all partners and members participating in the project.

Ensures proper Project implementation focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Support the Programme officer in Maputo to ensure timely preparation and endorsement of Annual Work Plans;
• Assist in the financial management tasks under the responsibility of the Project Coordinator, including preparation of timely requests for financial advances and direct payments, processing approved payments with all supporting documentation;
• Provide coordination support to consultations and capacity building activities in-country, including logistics and travel.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the Project and guidance to all stakeholders on financial matters focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Organization/conduct of training for the operations/programme/projects staff on financial management and RBM;
• Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in Finance with particular reference to reporting to development partners with particular emphasis on the European Union;
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies

Financial management:

• Knowledge of financial management concepts, frameworks, risk management, and principles and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations;
• Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise.

Monitoring and compliance:

• Knowledge of monitoring and results management concepts, accountability frameworks, risk management, and principles and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations;
• Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise.

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
• In-depth knowledge on development issues;
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Management and Leadership

• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced (Masters) University Degree in Finance/Accounting, Business, or Public Administration, or a professional accounting qualification from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy; 
• Professionally qualified accountants from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.

Experience:

• 2 years of relevant experience in providing financial management and accounting advisory services, managing staff and operational systems 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; 
• Experience in financial reporting for Donors including the European Union.
• Experience of IPSAS and/or IFRS is desired for external candidates.;Knowledge of the procedures, rules and reporting requirements of the European Union will be an asset.

Language:

• Fluency in the English and Portuguese.