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Project Finance Associate

  • Contract
  • Manila
  • Posted 5 months ago

UNDP - United Nations Development Programme

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 has been working with national and international partners in the Philippines on the issue of the green and circular economy. UNDP is working with the European Union in implementing the EU Philippines Green Economy Programme (The Programme). The Programme aims to support the Philippines’ transition towards a green economy, including circular economy, reducing waste and plastic, as well as increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy deployment to support climate change mitigation. The Programme acknowledges that the transition to circular economy will have other added benefits such as reduction of the use of energy and greenhouse gas emissions, improve biodiversity and natural capital, decreased pollution levels, and climate change adaptation. 

The Programme addresses three main levels:   

  • Establishing a Policy Dialogue Platform at the central government level to mobilize EU expertise to facilitate policy formulation, improve city-to-city collaboration through supporting the development of a National Circular Economy Strategy and Roadmap, extend the dialogue to promote renewable energy/energy efficiency, and to apply the dialogue’s outcomes;
  • Working with local government units (LGUs) where EU expertise will support to define and implement circular economy, climate change, and energy policies with a human rights and gender-responsive perspective, outreach and support of local business and civil society, and support less advanced LGUs;
  • Enhancing engagement of the private and financial sectors into the circular waste economy creating better conditions for private sector investment by supporting business-driven waste reduction strategies and circular solutions in the production process.   

  The Programme has 4 specific objectives:   

  • SO1: Improved circular economy and climate change policies and reduced GHG emissions
  • SO2: Enhanced practices of the circular economy by the LGUs in collaboration with the private sector and civil society sector, with a focus on youth and gender equality
  • SO3: Enhanced engagement of the private and financial sectors in circular, waste-reduction economy
  • SO4: Increased energy efficiency and renewable energy deployment   

 UNDP is responsible for the implementation and execution of SO2 “Enhanced practices of the circular economy by the LGUs in collaboration with the private sector” with about EUR 23 million funding. 

 The project will be implemented in at least 20 local government units across the country that will receive the core project interventions. 

 UNDP Philippines has expertise and experience working with LGUs, and cities to support project development, programme formulation, and policy actions. There are currently ongoing related programmes  in the sphere of circular economy which are being implemented and executed by UNDP Philippines. 

 A key element of the work of UNDP in the field of circular economy is the development of a portfolio of projects, identifying the sources of financing, potential sources of investments – (grants, loans, blended finance, etc.), developing partnerships and designing investment vehicles to match appropriate partners and project proponents in the circular economy sphere in the Philippines. 

UNDP Philippines takes overall responsibility and accountability for the delivery of the project outputs.  It will be accountable for managing the project, including the monitoring and evaluation of project interventions, achieving project results, and for the effective use of resources, in compliance with UNDP rules and regulations, policies and procedures. These include relevant requirements on fiduciary, procurement, environmental and social safeguards, and other performance standards.  

The day-to-day implementation of the project will be led by a Project Manager within a Project Management Unit (PMU) responsible for ensuring that the project achieves the expected targets to the required quality standards and within the specified time and budget allocations. The Project Manager will be supported by a national Deputy Project Manager, project support team, technical staff and a pool of contractors to carry out the deliverables of the project. Technical and programmatic backstopping will also be provided by UNDP Country Office teams and in the Bangkok Regional Hub. 

The Project Finance Associate will be working under the overall guidance of the Project Manager and under direct line management of Project Finance Analyst.

 
Duties and Responsibilities:

Ensure administration and implementation of project financial management strategies; and adapt processes and procedures. 

  • Ensure full compliance with UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP) of financial activities and financial recording/reporting system.
  • Support the Project Finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal standard operating procedures in programme finance in consultation with office management.
  • Provide researched information for the audit of the project. Implement and follow-up on audit recommendations.
  • Implement financing and trust fund agreements.

Provide support to the project and ensure optimal cost recovery. 

  • Assist the Project Manager and PMU in day-to-day management of project activities.
  • Develop and follow up on project portfolio in ERP. Enter data of new grants into ERP in the form of Annual Work Plans (AWPs) and monitor AWPs status.
  • Oversee ERP matching, implement effective internal controls, and ensure proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resource management system. Implement control mechanisms for the project by monitoring budget preparation and modifications and budgetary status versus ASL. 
  • Verify accuracy of Combined Delivery Reports and follow-up on their signing by National Counterparts. Regularly monitor the project delivery.
  • Provide information and reports on the situation of the project, identify financial problems, and propose solutions.
  • Assist in the preparation of progress reports, quarterly financial reports, and provide advice to project staff on UNDP administrative and programme reporting, particularly on budgetary issues. Verify and reconcile various expenditures reports from the CO, HQ and Executing Agencies. Periodically monitor dashboards and exceptions; and identify remedial actions in coordination with the supervisor.
  • Ensure all project documents are properly filed and accessible, in collaboration with the Project Administrative Associate, when required by the Project Manager, UNDP, consultants, and other PMU staff.
  • Prepare timely cost-recovery bills in ERP for the services provided, implement the revenue tracking system, and follow up on cost recovery. 

Provide support to implementation of the resource mobilization strategy. 

  • Support elaboration of conditions of contributions within the project resource mobilization efforts.
  • Monitor financing contributions, prepare AR pending items, and maintain contributions/receivables documentation.
  • Provide support and advice to Project Staff on different donor reporting requirements; prepare donor reports and monitor financial reports to be submitted to donors.
  • Review financing agreements and obtain clearances from HQ if necessary.
  • Support Responsible Parties in the review of financial document and ensure compliance with UNDP POPP and HACT guidelines, as necessary.
  • Track and report on mobilized resources by performing the following tasks: 
  • Enter agreement information into Contracts Module and attach copy of the signed agreement in ERP.
  • Submit information based on financing agreements to GSSU including amendments. 

Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing and provide guidance to stakeholders on financial matters.

  • Provide guidance to the executing agencies on routine implementation of the project and tracking use of financial resources.
  • Organize and conduct training for the operations and projects staff on financial management.

Assist in providing regular training and technical guidance and/or advice on audit and compliance matters, including implementation of Internal Control Framework (ICF). 

Synthesize lessons learned and best practices in programme and project finance.

Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice. 

 

Competencies:

Core competencies:

  • Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
  • Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements. 
  • Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
  • Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
  • Act with Determination:  LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
  • Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion:   LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination. 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Administration & Operations 

  • Events management (including retreats, trainings and meetings): Ability to manage events, including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc. 

Administration & Operations 

  • Documents and records management: Overall document (hard or electronic) management; registry and retention policy including storing and archiving 

Finance            

  • Financial planning and budgeting: Ability to create and manage processes to achieve UNDP’s long and short-term financial goals, including through planning, budgeting, forecasting, analyzing and reporting 

Procurement     

  • Contract management: Knowledge of contract management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations 

Business Management  

  • Monitoring: Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results
  • Monitoring: Ability to effectively plan, organize, and oversee the organization’s business processes in order to convert its assets into the best results in the most efficient manner; Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms

Business Direction & Strategy    

  • Communication: Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience; Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.

Required Skills and Experience:

Education:
  • Secondary Education. University degree in Finance or Accounting desirable. Part-qualified accountants from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.
  • Candidate with no professional accountancy qualifications but with relevant experience must successfully undertake UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) before shortlisting and must complete the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), if recruited.
  • Candidates with no professional accountancy qualifications, but with degrees that major in accountancy and/or finance must complete UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), if recruited. However, no UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) is required.
  • For fully qualified accountants from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy or for those that have full completion of the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), no UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) is required.
Experience:
  • Minimum 7 years with secondary education or 4 years with a Bachelor’s degree of progressive relevant experience in finance and administration preferably in a project management setting involving a multi-lateral/international funding agency. 
  • Proven experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.); 
  • Experience in handling of web-based management systems and ERP financials, preferably Quantum 
  • Candidates enrolled in a Finance Certification Programme will have a distinct advantage. 
  • Highly motivated, pleasant character with good teamwork spirit.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Available for long working hours during times of peak work.
  • Systematic, organized, proactive, motivated, and meticulous with an ability to be flexible and adaptive.
  • Ability to perform a variety of standard tasks related to screening and collecting of project documentation, projects data entering preparation of revisions, filing, provision of information, and reporting.
  • Work experience with an international organization is an asset. 
  • At least two years of previous experience in the financial management of development or social projects is an asset.
  • Strong knowledge of UN or UNDP financial rules, policies and procedures.
  • Experience in coordinating events and planning meetings.
  • Experience in working with a team.

Required Languages:

  •  English and Filipino
Disclaimer
 
 
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 
 
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
 
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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