Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below:
- Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates)
- Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts
- Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates
Background
The Office of Financial Resource Management (OFRM), Bureau for Management Services, supports the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the promotion of its sustainable human development agenda. It achieves this by developing and making fully operational a dynamic and harmonized integrated resource management framework based on comprehensive analysis that enhances UNDP’s financial and administrative performance, as well as facilitates UN reform and coherence. To these ends, the framework addresses strategically critical financial resource planning and management issues, including results based budgeting; the integration of the Programming Arrangements and the Institutional Budget within the context of the integrated; enhanced cost classification and cost recovery; capital budgeting; adherence to International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS); foreign exchange and investment activities; corporate reporting of organizational assets; performance management tools and initiatives; and support to UN harmonization.
Effective and efficient integrated resources management is enabled through a continuous and robust process comprising of:
- Formulation and implementation of corporate financial and administrative strategies, policies and procedures.
The Financial Performance Management and Reporting (FPMR) Division, part of the Office of Financial Management (OFRM), is responsible for establishing key aspects of the financial framework, policies, and procedures, and guidance in alignment with UNDP’s organizational goals and Strategic Plan.
Within FPMR, there are three units:
Corporate Financial Reporting and Agency Services (CFRA): Responsible for promoting clear accountability for financial transactions and for producing UNDP’s corporate financial statements. Financial Performance Management (FPM): Responsible for managing aspects of financial performance, including the administration of the Annual Representation process and oversight of financial risks related to implementing partners, including the agency-wide Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) framework. Payroll Finance Oversight (PFO): Responsible for the financial oversight of payroll accounting functions, as well as the reporting of employee benefits and liabilities for all UNDP personnel.This Terms of Reference is specifically tailored for the FPM team with a focus on the responsibilities stated above.
Duties and Responsibilities
1) Oversee HACT Framework implementation and compliance, including:
Act as HACT focal point and provide technical interpretation of the HACT POPP, maintain updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and lead in resolution of inconsistencies identified by offices ensuring the POPP remains updated. Support UNDP offices in the effective implementation and compliance with the HACT Policy and Procedures (POPP). Conduct review and analysis of data and outputs related to HACT planning, implementation, and reporting, ensuring actions are properly documented. Prepare timely quarterly HACT snapshot reports with clear guidance to Central and Regional Bureaux on required actions. Coordinate and deliver HACT refresher training to offices. Support offices in addressing HACT-related audit queries raised by both external (UNBOA) and internal auditors. Provide guidance to offices on engagement of HACT third-party service providers and any queries arising from such engagements e.g. interpretation of the TORs. Facilitate inter-agency collaboration on HACT-related initiatives, including contribution to review of the HACT Framework and participation in the IP Risk Management Group.2) Lead Quantum ERP and Quantum+ (HACT Platform Q+) enhancements related to HACT, including:
Strengthen understanding and oversight of Responsible Party (RP) configuration in Quantum, with emphasis on its implications on HACT data integrity. Oversee the RP creation process and collaborate with ITM to explore and implement process improvements. Act as owner of the HACT tools, HACT Platform in Q+ and HACT Dashboard (PowerBi), ensuring efficiency and effectiveness. Establish data integrity assurance procedures to ensure the HACT Dashboard provides reliable and actionable information to users. Lead and support finalization of ongoing and new developments in HACT Platform for efficiency and to improve user experience.3) Manage and coordinate the Annual Representation exercise, including:
Coordinate timely update of the Annual Representation checklist and tools in collaboration with BPOs, incorporating lessons learned, feedback from regional focal points and changes related to corporate financial reporting. Manage the formal launch of the exercise, including issuance of communication from the Executive Office, briefing webinars and updates to supporting materials (e.g. FAQs). Monitor and avail timely status updates on submissions, provide technical and operational support to offices, and ensure compliance with set timelines. Review and verify the submissions for impact on the financial statements and compliance with UNDP POPPs and financial closure instructions. Delivery verification results with necessary recommendations to offices well-ahead of the next Annual Representation exercise.4) Assist in the Responsible Party (RP) data integrity exercise, including:
Provide technical guidance, process analysis, and data validation support for the Responsible Party (RP) data integrity review exercise. Review and provide input on draft guidance notes and proposed recommendations to enhance RP-related data structure and governance.5) Support various aspects of internal and external audits, including the annual financial audit of the UNDP financial statements conducted by the UN Board of Auditors (UNBOA) and other internal audits and performance audits conducted during the year.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the FPMR team and the organization.
The incumbent has no supervisory responsibilities.
Competencies
Core Competencies:
Achieve Results:
LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadlineThink Innovatively:
LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvementsLearn Continuously:
LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedbackAdapt with Agility:
LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexibleAct with Determination:
LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confidentEngage and Partner:
LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationshipsEnable Diversity and Inclusion:
LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discriminationCross-Functional & Technical competencies:
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 / Financial risk management:
Ensures financial resilience through proactive assessment of risk, implementation of controls and taking mitigating action. Understands risk and reward in relation to collaborative and commercial projects. Ensures a culture of positive risk management.Finance / Financial and process innovation:
Financial and business process engineering expertise required to innovate, design, change and implement new financial business models, financial instruments, financing opportunities, business processes, policies and procedures, and technological solutions.Business Management / Portfolio Management:
Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management.Business Direction & Strategy / System Thinking:
Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.Business Management / Risk Management:
Identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks.Required Skills and Experience
Education:
A professional accounting qualification from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience or an Advanced (Masters) University Degree in Finance and/or Accounting is required.Experience:
Minimum 2 years (with master´s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor´s degree) of experience with ERP financials is required (preferably Oracle). Experience in integrated resource management with proven expertise in the utilization of related software applications and programmes. Experience of conforming to IPSAS/IFRS and full accruals accounting conventions. Strong analytical and report-writing skills with a proven track record is desired. Audit experience (internal and external) is desired. Experience with ERP financials, preferably Oracle is desired. Experience of conforming to IPSAS/IFRS and full accruals accounting conventions is desired.Language Requirements:
Fluency in English and Bahasa Malaysia is required. Working knowledge of another UN language is an advantage, particularly Spanish or French.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.
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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