National Consultant, Finance and Administrative Associate at UNDP

Background

• This position is located at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Office in Nigeria (CONIG).
• The incumbent will be responsible for providing operational and administrative support to the projects: 'Support to the Fight against Trafficking in Persons (TIP) in Nigeria' NGAZ52 and 'Support and Capacity Building to NAPTIP on strengthening law enforcement response and victim support' (NGAZ54).
• S/he will be responsible for organizing travels, supporting organization of events, organizing workshops, preparing documents for dissemination, and providing secretarial support for the projects.
• S/he will also provide support in all financial aspects of the project, as shall be deemed expedient.
• The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Project Finance Officer, and under the overall guidance of UNODC CONIG Representative and under supervision and guidance of the International Project Coordinator TIP and SOM Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide financial management support to the projects, including assistance in the preparation of budgets and financial reports;
• Undertake finance business process mapping and ensure proper accounting for project expenditures. This will be in the UN system UMOJA (training will be provided);
• Adapt and implement processes and procedures to ensure full compliance with UN, UNODC rules, regulations, financial records, reports, audit requirements, and internal controls;
• Ensure effective and efficient administration of budgets and optimal functioning of the cost-recovery system;
• Ensure proper cash management, including assistance to the Finance Officer in managing and disbursing project-related cash;
• Process payment requests and documents in a timely manner;
• Assist in the preparation, monitoring, and management of technical contracts for the provision of goods and services;
• Initiate activities leading to procurement, maintenance, monitoring and disposal of items;
• Assist in ensuring that internal control systems are observed and all relevant records and files are maintained;
• Carry out various administrative tasks in support of the project, including managing correspondence, keeping appointments, arranging various meetings, ordering for supplies, and other related tasks;
• Assist in the implementation of project activities, such as workshops, meetings, press events, and training, including liaison with counterpart agencies, at appropriate levels, to ensure cooperation/coordination of project activities, and alert supervisors on problems and opportunities arising during project implementation;
• Assist in preparing Receipt and Inspection (R & I) reports for submission to relevant procurement units and auditing missions;
• Review, prepare, and defend requests to the committee on contracts (CC) as may be required;
• Undertake asset and inventory management;
• Assist with human resource management functions, including initiating engagement processes, such as monitoring, reviewing and following-up on actions related to the engagement of consultants, project personnel, facilitators, interns, volunteers and other key individuals; in this connection, provide assistance and guidance to project personnel with respect to administrative procedures, processes, and practices;
• Perform other related tasks, as required.

Competencies
Professionalism:

• Sound knowledge and understanding of concepts and approaches relevant to budgetary and financial management; demonstrable knowledge of database administration;
• Extensive knowledge of the financial rules and regulations of the United Nations as well as familiarity with UN policies and procedures as they relate to programme budgeting and financial administration; previous experience on UN IT-based financial management systems such as Atlas or similar enterprise resource planning systems is an advantage
• Demonstrable commitment to the values of the United Nations, particularly integrity in daily activities and behaviours;
• Demonstrated professional competence and mastery of administrative processes;
• Ability to perform a range of administrative functions, including event planning and organizing and human resources administration;
• Ability to map out potential risks and make contingencies, as required;
• Shows pride in work and achievements;
• Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
• Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges.

Accountability:

• Takes ownership of responsibilities and honours commitments;
• Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost, and quality standards;
• Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules;
• Takes responsibility for delegated assignments;
• Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Teamwork:

• Proven interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
• Works collaboratively with colleagues within and outside UNODC;
• Is willing to learn from others;
• Places team agenda before personal agenda; support and acts in accordance with final group decision , even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own positions;
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Client Orientation:

• Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from the clients’ point of view;
• Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect;
• Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions;
• Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems;
• Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects;
• Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Planning & Organizing:

• Able to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor work while prioritizing competing demands;
• Able to work on tight deadlines;
• Knowledge on how to develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
• Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning;
• Monitors and adjusts plans and projects as necessary;  uses time efficiently.

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

• Secondary Education, with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance. University Degree in Finance, Business or Public Administration desirable, but not required.

Experience:

• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in finance, administration, budget preparation, budget monitoring and analysis is required;
• Experience in UN financial procedures is an asset. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, MS Publisher, etc) is also required;
• Experience in ATLAS, FOML, UMOJA and ProFi systems will be considered a plus;
• Experience of IPSAS and/or IFRS an asset. Knowledge of European Union financial procedures an advantage;
• Up-to-date knowledge and practical experience of auditing approaches and practices, especially of public or international institutions is desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English, with excellent drafting skills, is essential. Knowledge of other main languages in Nigeria would be an advantage.