Financial and Administrative Assistant (NiNAS), SB3 - Local support at The United Nations Industrial Development Organization - UNIDO

Vacancy Announcement No: VA2017_ISA_EXT_000031
Location: Abuja
Type of Appointment: Individual Service Agreement
Employment Fraction: NonStaff-Regular
Approx. Duration: Till 31st December 2017

Project Context

• The National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) project, funded to the tune of EUR 12 million by the European Union (EU), aims to support the improvement and establishment of standards and quality control agencies in Nigeria. The project is part of a wider financing agreement signed between the European Union and Nigeria to stimulate the competiveness of the country, and is one of the EU’s many contributions to the people of Nigeria under the 10th European Development Fund.
• The specific objective of this project is to support the development of standards and quality control bodies to improve the quality of products and services sold in Nigerian and abroad. The project will achieve its objectives through the following (a) Promulgation of a National Quality Policy and ensuing legislation for the NQI; (b) Establishment of a National Accreditation Body; (c) Development of a National Metrology Institute; (d) Improvement of Organized Private Sector (OPS) patronage of the NQI and their capacities to create and support conformity assessment bodies (CAB) and (e) Enhancement of the consumer protection role on quality issues and increased capacity of consumer associations to enhance the quality offer/culture of Nigerian enterprises.
• Through this project, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) will be assisted in reviewing the legislative framework surrounding Metrology, Standards, Testing and Quality (MSTQ) with particular emphasis on promulgating and implementing a National Quality Policy. The project will help to upgrade the capacity of the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), the Weights and Measures Department, FMITI, National Agency for Food & Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC), Consumers Protection Council (CPC).
• With the support of the NQIP, the National Accreditation Body (NiNAS) has been established. NiNAS (Nigerian National Accreditation Service) is a body providing accreditation services to ISO/IEC standards in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region. Accreditation is the process of providing recognition to an organization for its competence in performing specific tasks. It involves the assessment of technical competence and management systems of organizations in providing conformity assessment services such as Testing and Calibration Laboratories, and Certification (management systems/ product/ personnel), Inspection and others.

Main Functions
Under the overall leadership of the UNIDO Project Manager and direct supervision of the NiNAS Chief Executive Officer, the Financial and Administrative Assistant will carry out the duties as specified below: 

• In cooperation with other staff of NiNAS, establish work plans, prepare monthly financial progress reports. 
• Establish and maintain the programme management platform for coordination of activities. 
• Maintain inventory of NiNAS assets, equipment and supplies. 
• Process customs clearance and tax exemptions of equipment purchased for NiNAS. 
• Establish substantive and financial forecast in line with work plans and schedules. 
• Provide support for local bidding, evaluation of offers and establishment of contracts (purchases, contracts, sub-contracts, etc.). 
• Provide advice on overall financial management of NiNAS. 
• Manage financial matters relating to local expenditures (requests for proforma, financial authorizations, financial reporting, claim settlements, etc.). 
• Perform other related duties and ad hoc assignments as required.

Core Competencies
Core Values: 

• Integrity: To work honestly, openly, impartially and in accordance with the values of the United Nations.
• Professionalism: To work in a competent, committed and calm manner.
• Respect for Diversity: To work effectively, respectfully and inclusively with people from different backgrounds and with different perspectives. 
• Results Orientation and Accountability: To be accountable and responsible for achieving results and meeting performance standards. 
• Planning and Organizing: To plan, organize and manage work effectively and efficiently. 
• Communication and Trust: To communicate effectively and build trust. TEAM ORIENTATION: To cooperate at various levels. 
• Client Orientation: To be responsive towards those to whom services are provided internally and externally. 
• Organizational Development and Innovation: To realize continuous improvement, support innovation, share knowledge and skills and learn from others.

Minimum Requirements
Education:

• Secondary education completed, with focus on finance and accounting a univeristy degree in Business & Administration, Accounting, Public Administration or Commerce is an advantage

UNIDO Languages:

• English (Fluent).

Computer skills:

• E-mail (Fully proficient), Internet (Fully proficient), Spreadsheets (Fully proficient), Word processing (Fully proficient).

Field of Expertise:

• Minimum 8 years administrative and financial experience, ideally with development projects; 
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft office package, Internet, email, databases); 
• Excellent writing and drafting skills; 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to work under pressure and independently and should possess the ability to interact constructively with both public and private sector.
• Team oriented work style;
• Proven knowledge of UN organization project/programme management processes and procedures is an additional asset; 
• Experience working with Government, donor and civil society, international organization would be a strong asset.
• Experience in working with SAP would be an asset.