Mission and objectives

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System. It serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a continuous spectrum of in-depth local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan. The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UN Guiding Principles) is widely recognized as the most authoritative, normative framework guiding efforts to reduce or eliminate the adverse impact of business operations on human rights. Experts have described it as the single most important innovation in promoting sustainable business practices in the last 25 years – a role that is reinforced by its inclusion as one of the Means of Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda).

Context

The UNDP Strengthening Ethiopia Elections for Sustainable Democracy (SEEDS2) project supports the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) as mandated by Proclamation No. 1133/2011. NEBE is responsible for conducting elections, organizing referendums, and regulating political parties in Ethiopia. NEBE aims to strengthen its institutional capacity, particularly focusing on human resource development, and strengthen the integrity of electoral processes. The United Nations has been a consistent supporter of Ethiopia's electoral processes since the country transitioned to a multi-party system in 1993. UN support, in collaboration with national and international partners, has been instrumental in enhancing the transparency and inclusiveness of the electoral processes. This project aligns with NEBE's objectives to improve institutional and operational capacity, engage civil society organizations, facilitate electoral reform initiatives, enhance women's participation, and address election-related violence. Following the successful completion of Ethiopia's 6th General Elections, and in response to the Ethiopian Government's request for continued support, the Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) has recommended ongoing assistance to NEBE in organizing elections and referendums leading up to the next General Elections. In line with the NAM recommendation, UNDP has initiated the development of a new electoral support project, SEEDS-II, which aims to strengthen NEBE's capacity over the next four years. The project commenced on July 1, 2023, and is set to conclude on August 1, 2027. To ensure its success, a qualified Senior Finance Expert will be required to provide their financial expertise for a one-year term. UNDP therefore seeks a National UN Volunteer Senior Finance Expert to support NEBE in strengthening its financial systems and processes. This support will directly strengthen NEBE’s ability to manage financial resources efficiently in preparation for the 2026 General Elections and advance the overall objectives of the SEEDS2 project.

Task Description

The UNV will support NEBE in strengthening its financial management systems to ensure effective planning, budgeting, expenditure control, financial reporting, compliance, and risk management. The role involves providing strategic financial analysis, ensuring adherence to national financial regulations, strengthening internal controls, and supporting cross-departmental financial coordination. The UNV will contribute to enhancing the financial integrity, transparency, and efficiency of NEBE’s operations, particularly in preparation for the upcoming elections. Overall, the UNV will support NEBE with the following tasks: Financial Planning and Budgeting • Develop and oversee the preparation of annual and multi-year budgets for the finance department. • Monitor budget implementation and provide variance analysis with recommendations. Financial Analysis • Conduct in-depth financial analysis, including variance analysis. • Provide actionable insights based on financial analysis to support strategic decision-making processes. Financial Reporting • Reconcile ledger with bank statements. • Prepare detailed and insightful financial reports, including financial statements and financial performance reports. • Assist in presenting financial reports and analysis to senior management and stakeholders, explaining complex financial data clearly. Strategic Financial Planning • Assist in the development and implementation of financial strategies aligned with organizational goals. • Provide strategic financial advice, recommendations, and scenario analysis to optimize financial performance. Expenditure Management • Analyse expenses across various programmes and projects, identifying inefficient budget utilization. • Follow up on the implementation of effective budget utilization to optimize expenses while maintaining operational effectiveness. Financial Risk Management • Identify financial risks and vulnerabilities, assessing potential impacts on the organization. • Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to safeguard NEBE’s financial interests. Financial Compliance • Ensure compliance with financial regulations, accounting standards, and tax laws. • Coordinate with internal and external auditors, providing required documentation and support during audits. Cross-functional Collaboration • Collaborate with other departments to understand financial needs and provide necessary financial support and analysis. • Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to facilitate effective communication and collaboration. Expected Outputs and Deliverables • Annual and multi-year budgets for NEBE operations and electoral activities are developed, reviewed, and finalized. • Budget implementation is monitored, and regular variance analysis reports with recommendations are submitted. • Comprehensive financial analysis reports, including expenditure reviews, are completed and provided to management. • Financial statements, performance reports, and all required financial documentation are prepared and submitted on time. • Ledger and bank reconciliations are completed, verified, and documented each reporting period. • Financial data for all programmes and projects are consolidated and ready for management decision-making. • Expenditure tracking across programmes and election-related activities is strengthened, with inefficient utilization identified and corrected. • Financial strategies and planning documents aligned with NEBE’s strategic goals are developed and updated. • Financial risk assessment and mitigation plans are completed and submitted. • Compliance with financial regulations, accounting standards, and audit requirements is ensured and documented. • Internal and external audit preparation packages are completed and submitted; audit recommendations are tracked and addressed. • Training materials on financial procedures are developed; finance staff and programme staff receive training. • Cross-departmental financial coordination mechanisms are strengthened and operational. • Lessons learnt and recommendations on financial management practices, including sustainability and improvement plans, are consolidated and submitted. • UNV will submit regular weekly and monthly reports for the attention of the NEBE Chairperson and the CTA. He/she will be required to report on any financial issues.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management • Ability to work under intensive work pressure

Living conditions and remarks

Addis Ababa is the capital of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The population is estimated at 4 million or so. Addis Ababa is located in the Ethiopian highlands at an altitude of 2,500-2,700 meters. The climate is sunny and temperate, but it can be very cold at night, with freezing temperatures at times. It is therefore advisable to bring warm clothing and foresee using heaters and/or log fires when necessary. Addis Ababa is the headquarters for the UN Economic Commission for Africa as well as the African Union (ex-OAU). Thus, there is a very large community of expatriates from all over the world. There are some 80 embassies/diplomatic missions. Housing is most of the time readily available, and the rents are, on average, reasonable. Most foodstuffs, beverages, household goods, furniture, and clothing, mostly imported from the Middle/Far East, South Africa, and Europe, or local brands, can be found, although they can be expensive. Meat, fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables are cheap and abundantly available. The basic infrastructures - roads, utilities, and telecommunications - are below standard, as are medical facilities, which are still largely inadequate, although a few private clinics and hospitals provide reasonably good routine care. There are lots of tourist attractions to visit around the country, although the amenities are often poor to average. Several restaurants around the city serve local or international cuisine, and there are numerous social and cultural events throughout the year, organized by the international and local communities. Sports facilities (fitness, tennis, swimming, riding, golf, etc.) exist in the major hotels or in different establishments around the city. There are no major or special security concerns within Addis Ababa city limits. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.”