Duration: 4.5 months
Purpose of Consultancy:
UNFPA is looking for a consultant to fulfil the role of Finance Associate working in the Integrated SRHR Unit under the youth programme.
The purpose of this consultancy is to contribute to the implementation of the Safeguard Young People Programme - a youth programme implemented in eight countries in Southern Africa by providing administrative support to the youth team and the Integrated SRHR Unit at large. As appropriate and under the direction of the SYP Regional Coordinator the Admin/Finance Associate will also contribute to research, financial management, procurement and operational and procedural guidance.
Scope of Work:
The consultant is expected to:
1. Works closely with the Regional Programme Coordinator and Country Focal Points for the SDC funded SYP programme to assist the country specific projects in financial and administrative matters in line with the global document (the Proposal, results framework and proposed budget) and UNFPA policies and procedures;
2. Contributes to the monitoring of the financial execution of the projects in the 8 countries and at regional level. This includes reviewing and analyzing implementation level of country projects to determine status of project activities on a continuous basis;
3. Prepares financial reports on the programme to be submitted to the SYP regional programme coordinator and team for review on a regular basis as requested by the Coordinator and also liaise with UNFPA HQ and UNFPA COs if needed;
4. In consultation with Regional Coordinator and COs, reviews and harmonizes annual implementation plans and budgets;
5. Supports the preparation and consolidation of reports including annual reports (technical, substantive and financial) pertaining to the project;
6. Facilitates initiation of all procurement processes, including payments, working closely with the operations unit and the overall guidance of the international operations manager;
7. Provides timely support on all administrative matters concerning the project including travel plans, travel authorization, monitoring of travel budgets, contracting of consultants and liaise with appropriate units in UNFPA ESARO Office and HQ;
8. Provides support to administrative and logistical arrangements for all meeting, workshop and courses in connection with the project taking place in Johannesburg or in one of the project countries;
9. Assists the Regional Programme Coordinator in the design of project specific material pertaining to management and financial issues in support of project implementation;
10. Participates in the annual planning, reviews and final evaluation of the project in collaboration with the coordination team (Regional Programme Coordinator, M&E Specialist and CSE Specialist).
11. Trains the Programme IPs in UNFPA's financial policies and procedures and monitor application of procedures.
12. Carries out any other duties as may be required.
Duration and Working Schedule:
The consultancy is for a total of 4.5 months to be undertaken between the 20th of June 2020 and conclude on the 30th of October 2020.
Place where services are to be delivered:
The assignment will be delivered virtually in line with the COVID-19 preventive measure put in place by the government of South Africa. However, the selected candidate will have to join the team in the UNFPA ESARO office in Sunninghill when requested.
Delivery dates and how work will be delivered:
1. Monitoring of budgeting in the system to ensure alignment to the funds allocated (30th of every month);
2. Facilitation of procurement processes in collaboration with operations – e.g. Studies and publications (30th of every month);
3. Facilitation of payments of consultants and suppliers, when needed;
4 . Arrangements of country teleconferences to assess progress on implementation of the SYP programme (June/July 2020), taking of minutes and sharing of action pints with the relevant country offices;
5. Contribution to team’s, units and external meetings – including taking of minutes;
6. Preparation and consolidation of reports including annual reports (technical, substantive and financial) pertaining to the project (June/July 2020);
7. Keep filing of documents on iDocs up to date (30th of every month).
Monitoring and progress control:
The selected candidate will have to submit a monthly report highlighting the key tasks undertaken. The monthly report will be reviewed by the supervisor and submitted to the relevant colleagues. At the end of the assignment the selected candidate will have to submit a final report highlighting the key tasks undertaken during the overall assignment.
Supervisory Arrangements:
The selected candidate will work under the overall supervision of the Deputy Regional Director a.i. (ISRHR) with the direct supervision of the Youth team lead and SYP Regional Coordinator.
Expected Travel:
None
Qualifications and Experience:
The consultant is expected to have the following expertise, qualifications and competencies;
Education: Completion of secondary school
Undergraduate/first degree in public administration, finance, accounting or economics is desirable.
Knowledge and Experience:
- 6 years previous relevant experience;
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills;
- Computer literacy - Word, Excel, Power-point, etc.;
- Good knowledge of Atlas / Peoplesoft or other ERP system;
- Good writing and communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
Required Competencies:
i) Values:
Exemplifying integrity, Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, Embracing cultural diversity, Embracing change
ii) Core Competencies:
Achieving results, Being accountable, Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen, Thinking analytically and strategically, Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships, Communicating for impact
iii) Required Skillset:
- Logistical support
- Managing data
- Managing documents, correspondence and reports
- Managing information and workflow
- Planning, organizing and multi-tasking
- Managing financial and procurement processes
- Proficiency in current Microsoft Office software applications (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access); experience with working with an ERP system.
Languages: Fluency in English. Working knowledge of French and/or Portuguese, an asset.
How to Apply:
• The deadline for receipt of applications is 4 June 2020, 5pm Johannesburg Time.
• Submit your applications with a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) and motivational letter to jobs.esaro@unfpa.org. Please specify in the email subject ‘Consultant - Finance Associate GS6 Position’.
• UNFPA does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training) or other fee, or request information on applicants’ bank accounts.
• UNFPA will only respond to those applicants in whom the Regional Office has further interest. In the event that UNFPA does not contact you by 30 June 2020, please consider your application unsuccessful.
• UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.
• The consultancy is open to nationals of South Africa, permanent residence or holders of valid work permits.
