Finance Analyst (Open to Tier 1 & 2 applicants)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges to help empower lives and build resilient nations.  

Within UNDP, the Office of General Operations (OGO) provides the essential operational services that enable UNDP to function effectively across all locations. Its core responsibilities include the global management of UNDP premises and assets, travel and fleet services, insurance coverage, corporate cards, and a broad range of transactional business services at Headquarters in New York. 

The office monitors global asset data to ensure accurate financial reporting and oversees the issuance of corporate purchasing cards for colleagues worldwide. Within OGO, the Business Solutions Team provides transactional support across project management, micro-purchasing, logistics, finance, contract and asset management, insurance, premises oversight, human resources, and resource planning. 

Being a part of the Business Solutions Team, the Finance Analyst will support OGO daily operational activities, through the following scope of work: 

1. Interfacing with Resource Management focal points in each Unit, performs the following Budget/financial management support functions:                   

• Assists in budget preparations 
• Monitors and reports on budget resources, transactions and expenditures 
• Maintains the internal expenditure control system, advising clients on compliance with timeframes and approved levels 
• First level approval of procurement, contract management, and financial transactions in Quantum, reviewing them for accuracy of computation and completeness of supporting documentation and compliance with financial rules and regulations for certification/ approval 
• Reviews documentation for processing of payments, ensuring correctness and completeness of requirements for input to the system including propriety of charge codes, validity of contracts, leases or agreements, etc. 
• Reconciles and posts payments for credit card accounts. 
• Maintains detailed records throughout the year regarding expenditures, cost re-adjustments, and utilization of resources  
• Recommends any required corrective action monthly based on budget variance analysis reports. 

• Analyzes and compares cost recovery figures with the aim of recommending savings and higher cost recovery, e.g., through billing of services 
• Follows up on service provision by BMS Units  
• Processes BMS Units billings and listings – recovery and follow up. 
• Reviews accounts to ensure that entitlements are recovered and recorded. 
• Reconciles accounts, analyzes causes of discrepancy and prepares adjusting entries for approval by the supervisor. 
• Provides vendor payment details on a regular basis for purposes of vendor payment reconciliations  

• Supports business units in preparation of periodic operations audits; consolidates inputs from business units, follows up on recommendations, ensures completion, clears submissions for Operations Analyst 

• Utilizes knowledge of policies and procedures to control resources, procedures and protocols 
• Presentation of thoroughly researched information for preparation of documents’ drafts, work plans, budgets, proposals on implementation arrangements.  
• Initiation of a project, entering project into Quantum, preparation of required budget revisions. 
• Provision of guidance to the responsible parties on routine implementation of projects, tracking use of financial resources. 
• Follow up on performance indicators/success criteria, targets and milestones, preparation of reports. 

• Proposes improvements in procedures, approaches and guidelines based on lessons learned and client feedback  
• Identifies bottlenecks in implementation in the areas of focus and recommend solutions for improvement of service.   
• Collaborates and shares information with all staff within the team and with the logistics support 
• Collaborates and shares information with all staff within the team, clients, and with the logistics support  
• Disseminates lessons learned and best practices in respective areas 
• Provides technical support and delivers content in training of BMS staff in respective technical areas 
• Contributes to knowledge networks and communities of practice  

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.

Under the general guidance and supervision of the Business Solutions Analyst (NOB), and with the substantive guidance of the respective functional Units, the Finance Analyst will interact closely with units in the collaborative and client-oriented delivery of budget, cost recovery and project/portfolio management-support and transactional services to clients.   

A professional accounting qualification from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy, and/or Advanced (Master´s) University Degree in Finance and/or Accounting is required.  

Or a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

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.

Applicants with Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. 

Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level in any of the areas: financial resources management, accounting, audit.   

• Experience using MS Office Suite, in particular Excel, applications
• Experience with accounts reconciliation procedures
• Experience in providing finance analysis to clients
• Experience of Oracle based financial systems

• Fluency in English is required. 
• Working knowledge of French or Spanish or German is desired.   

• 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.

• 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. 

• 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.

• 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.

• 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. 

• 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.

• UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.