UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

JOB DESCRIPTION

I. Position Information
Job Title:
Position Level:
Programme Title:
Supervisor:
Duration of employment:
Payment Schedule:
Duty station:
Deadline for application:

Finance Associate
Service Contract, SB3/MID
UNDP Communities Programme
Programme Manager, Communities Programme
6 months (with possible extension)
Monthly
Dushanbe, Tajikistan
12 February 2015

II. Background
UNDPs Communities Programme (CP) is an integrated initiative that addresses issues affecting the lives of people on the
ground in a holistic and cross-disciplinary manner, aiming at the sustainable development of the most marginalized
communities throughout the country. CP is a multi-year initiative launched in 2003 and built on the previous achievements of
UNDP since 1996. UNDP CP supports localization and operationalization of the MDGs and the implementation of Tajikistans
National Development Strategy 2015 and Livelihood Improvement Strategy 2013-2015. The mission of UNDP CP is to support
poverty reduction efforts of the Government of Tajikistan through improving local governance and creating conditions for
sustainable local economic development. CPs operations on ground are implemented through five Area Offices (AO) located in
Sughd and Khatlon regions, as well as in the Rasht and Zerafshan valleys. To date, UNDP CPs operations have covered 2/3 of
the countrys territory and 40% of people living in the country.
CP applies programmatic approach and sharpens focus on sustainability. CP contributes to the following key pillars of UNDPs
Country Programme Document:

to build capacities of sub-national governments to plan, budget and monitor development on their territories in a
participatory and inclusive way and in line with PRS targets, as well to secure investments and provide public services
in such areas as rural economic development, natural resources management, health and disaster risk management,
and
enhance capacities of private sector and civil society to develop, participate in decision-making, exercise influence and
hold governments accountable.

During the current phase, the Programme intends to build stronger linkages by feeding policy level discussions with evidence
generates as result of the programmes work in the field.
This will be achieved through supporting national institutions in elaboration and setting key policies, reforms, framework
regulations and other strategic documents within the areas of UNDP CPs interventions.
Currently CP implements 8 projects under the CP framework, aimed to improve livelihoods in rural areas, trade development,
enhancing capacities of national and local level authorities in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of national
and local level priorities, support to private sector development, conflict prevention, disaster risk management at local level and
many others funded by the Governments of Finland, Japan, Russian Federation, SECO, UN Trust Fund for Human Security,
UK Department for International Development.
III. Organizational Context
The Finance Associate has the overall responsibility for implementation of activities related to financial part of Communities
Programme. Corporately, UNDP is making particular effort to organize transparent and efficient business processes which
support better implementation of its programme activities.
Given the high potential risks involved, the Finance Associate is required to be well informed of the organizational Financial
Rules and Regulations, and corporate practices.
IV. Functions / Key Results Expected

Under the overall supervision of the UNDP Programme Manager and the direct supervision of the Senior Admin/Finance
Associate, the Finance Associate will carry out the following duties and responsibilities:

Manage and maintain the Pre-payment Account in accordance with the established rules and regulations
and ensure timely closure of the Account;

Verify all payment requests and supporting financial documents, raise disbursement vouchers, prepayment vouchers, Purchase Orders, update vendor profiles;

Establish and maintain financial records in accordance with established UNDP financial rules and
regulations and ensure that a proper electronic and paper filing system is in place;

Establish and maintain up-to-date monitoring systems for Programme and project budgets, donor funding,
subcontracts, etc. and provide regular status reports to the management of the UNDP CP;

Ensure the timely preparation of financial reports to donors in accordance with the donor reporting
schedule and in the line with specific requirements of each donor;

Verify and reconcile financial reports retrieved from different Atlas modules;

Prepare expenditure and budget forecasts for each quarter and prepare draft budget revisions as required;

Ensure the timely payment of staff, subcontractors and service providers in accordance with payment
requests and established payment schedules and ensure that all supporting documentation is provided;

Ensure the proper closing of accounts at the end of each financial year and introduce corrective actions,
when required

Closely liaise with UNDP Tajikistan Financial Unit and UNDP CP Administrative and Programme Units,
UNDP CP Area Offices to ensure proper coordination of actions and activities related to finance;

Performs other duties that may be required by the UNDP CP Senior Management.

V. Competencies
Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UNDPs mission, vision and values.

Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures.
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Treats peers fairly by maintaining consistent values inspiring trust and confidence through personal credibility
Accepts responsibility and accountability for the quality of the outcome of his/her decisions
Technical/functional:

Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure;

Strong knowledge-sharing and people skills;
Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view;
Strong sense of corporate responsibility, results-orientation, and team spirit.

Behavioral:

Excellent interpersonal communication skills, initiative and dynamism, consistently approaches work with energy and a
positive, constructive attitude;
Ability to work in an international and inter-cultural environment;
Ability to work as a team member;
Demonstrates openness to change, flexibility, and ability to manage complexities;
Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view.

VI. Recruitment Qualifications

Education:

University degree in accounting, mathematics, computing or other related subjects

Experience:

Required Skills and Experience

At least five years of previous experience in working for international organizations in financial
management or related fields;
Accuracy with figures and documents, ability to be attentive to details and accurately make
mathematical calculations.
Outstanding computer skills, including the ability to apply existing and develop new financial
management systems
High sense of responsibility, willingness to take initiative, excellent communication skills and
team spirit are important assets.
Proficiency, knowledge and experience of payment processing in UNDP system are desirable;
Affinity with the mandate and role of the United Nations

Language Requirements:

Proficiency in English and Russian, Tajik is an asset

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from
minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications
will be treated with strict confidentiality.