Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. UNDP has been working in Afghanistan for more than 50 years on climate change and resilience, gender, governance, health, livelihoods, and rule of law. Under the broader framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in close coordination with other UN agencies, UNDP is supporting Afghan people’s aspiration for peace, prosperity, and sustainability. UNDP is currently implementing its flagship crisis response programme, ABADEI (Area Based Approach to Development Emergency Initiatives), as part of the ongoing UN-led response to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and the breakdown of Afghanistan’s economy following the August 2021 shift in power

Position Purpose

Under the overall guidance and direction of the Programme Advisor and the direct supervision of the Programme Resource Management Specialist, the Budget Analyst is responsible for an effective and transparent planning and budgeting of financial resources and integrity of financial services.

The Budget Analyst works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations, and Project teams in the CO; and UNDP HQ staff ensuring successful CO performance in resource management. S/he will be responsible for maintaining a system of regular planning, performance monitoring and support to the CO for effective delivery of financial management services and transparent utilization of financial resources.

The Budget Analyst analyzes and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues. The Budget Analyst will support the project closure exercise for all CO development projects and contribute to maintaining a healthy financial dashboard.

The Budget Analyst is responsible for promoting a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. The Budget Analyst will also support the country office in specific Quantum trainings for new staff, either in projects or at program level.

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will be responsible for the following:

• Implementation of operational and financial management strategies and procedures.
• Effective and accurate financial resources management (including pipeline management, budget management and program delivery).
• Management of projects’ budgets and organization of an optimal cost-recovery system.
• Knowledge capacity building of project, program staff and counterparts.

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

• Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and procedures of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system; implementation of effective internal controls, proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system.
• CO programme finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance under the supervision of the Resources Management Specialist.
• Elaboration of proposals and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies in consultations with office management.
• Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of financial forecasts and situations for development projects, monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities and transactions.
• Analysis and elaboration of proposals on cost saving and reduction strategies.

Ensures effective and accurate financial resource management and oversight, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Elaboration of proposals for planning of financial resources, preparation of reports containing analysis of the financial situation.
• Monitor overall delivery and implementation status of projects through regular review of financial resources received, disbursed, and expected or already available.
• Prepare and review resources availability and budget management through timely budget revisions and proper planning of financial resources.
• Continuously analyze and monitor financial situation of the CO, present forecasts, and other analytical reports as required by the senior management.
• Implement the control mechanism for development projects through monitoring budgets preparation and modifications, budgetary status versus availability funds (ASL and/or cash); follow up with the respective programme team on the status of outstanding contributions,
• Preparation and modification of budget for UNDPs development projects, follow up with HQs on authorized spending limit (ASL) for development projects.

Ensures the management of projects budgets and organization and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Proper management and administration of the programme and projects budget through planning, guiding, controlling of the resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations.
• Ensure that no project proposal is finalized without direct project costs (DPC) budgeted for support services; guide and support the programme team in estimating the appropriate levels of DPC for development projects.
• Preparation and monitoring of project budgets; regular analysis and reporting on the budget approvals and the delivery situation.
• Validate that the project budgets contain correct F&A and DPC prior finalization in the Quantum; monitor timely collection and recording of the DPC (at least quarterly).
• Prepare budgetary analysis for management purposes and elaboration of proper mechanisms to eliminate deficiencies in budget management.
• Tracking of all sources of income and utilization of funds.
• Development of projects budgets planning/revision monitoring system, monitoring of budget delivery levels for Authorized Spending Limit (ASL) controlled funds between ASL allocation received versus ASL utilization (expenditures).
• Supports the pipeline project budget planning and quality assures the proposal and concept notes budget under design including DPCs for donor submissions and resource mobilization.

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

• Organizing training for the operations/programme/projects staff on Quantum and financial management.
• Advise project staff on program finance matters particularly on budgetary issues.
• Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in Programme Finance.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: None

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

People Management

• UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

• Business Direction & Strategy – Strategic Thinking
  • Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities, linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions
• Finance – Budget management
  • Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets
• Finance – Accounting (General)
  • Knowledge of accounting concepts, principles, frameworks, standards, regulations, policies and trends, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations
• Finance – 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
• Finance – Contributions management
  • Ability to receive, record, report and manage contributions received
• Finance – Financial reporting and analysis
  • Understands changes in regulatory, legal and ethical frameworks and standards for financial reporting in the public sector. Ability to extract, evaluate financial data, derive relevant findings, and present them in a meaningful and coherent manner to facilitate effective decision making and performance monitoring.
  • Understands the benefits of integrated reporting, including non-financial resources such as human, social and intellectual capital, and environmental and governance performance
• Finance – Management and cost accounting
  • Ability to produce periodic qualitative and quantitative performance reports to facilitate effective decision making and performance monitoring. Ability to use a range of costing techniques and analyze cost related data to provide quantitative information to the users of reports.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• A professional accounting qualification from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy, and/or Advanced (Masters) University Degree in Finance and/or Accounting 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:

• Minimum of two (2) years with Master’s degree or four (04) years with Bachelor’s degree of relevant experience in providing management advisory services and/or managing staff, operational systems and establishing interrelationships among international organizations.
• Professional accounting qualification from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.).
• Experience in handling web-based management systems and ERP financials, preferably PeopleSoft.
• Experience of accrual accounting, IPSAS or IFRS is highly desirable.
• Prior UNDP experience and familiarity with its policies and procedures, particular in the applicable job area, is an added advantage.

Language:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in the local languages Dari and /or Pashto is required.

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

“Please upload copies of your academic qualifications and 3 latest Performance Evaluations (if applicable)”

Disclaimer

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.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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