Mission and objectives

UNDP is the United Nations largest agency with a mandate to eradicate poverty, through sustainable and inclusive human development. UNDP has been in Nigeria since the country became independent in 1960 providing capacity building and policy development support to the Federal Government of Nigeria in areas of Governance & Peace Building, Inclusive growth, and Sustainable Development. UNDP continues to support the government in the implementation of development interventions aimed at meeting medium to long term goals enshrined in National and Subnational development plans as well as the Sustainable Development Goals. The goal of UNDP is to improve the lives of the people of Nigeria, especially the poorest and most vulnerable, and to ensure a future that offers equality, dignity, and opportunity for all. UNDP works in partnership with the federal Government of Nigeria, development partners, UN agencies, civil society and local communities to help identify local solutions to meet global and national development challenges through a range of interventions that combine UNDP’s expertise and comparative advantage in the areas of Governance & Peace Building, Inclusive growth and Sustainable Development.

Context

Assignment context: The Programme Management Support Unit (PMSU) was established within the UNDP Nigeria Country Office (CO) to provide effective and efficient programme management advisory support services to senior management and to programme and operations Units. The PMSU acts as an oversight and quality assurance unit aiming to make the CO more accountable in terms of programme performance, management, monitoring and evaluation of results and programme financial resources. The Unit is responsible for developing and mainstreaming practical tools, frameworks, strategies, and approaches to promote effective and efficient programme/project planning, implementation, review, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. It monitors and analyses the programme financial resources for effective planning and utilisation according to the CO’s overall programme focus and priorities. It plays a key role in ensuring the compliance of the CO with corporate policies, rules and regulations and the alignment of the Country Programme to the UNDP Strategic Plan, United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and changes in policy introduced at the corporate level. These tasks will in turn, facilitate the office’s ability to respond to the quickly changing development needs and enhance donor/stakeholder engagement, while maintaining high standards of operation based on corporate policies and procedures in an accountable manner.

Task Description

Under the overall guidance of the Head of the Programme Management Support Unit and the direct supervision of the Programme Finance Analyst, the Programme Finance Associate provides financial management support to the PMSU. The Associate promotes a client-oriented approach in line with UNDP rules and regulations and works in close collaboration with operations and programme teams in the Country Office, as well as with UNDP Headquarters staff, to resolve programme-related issues and ensure timely information delivery. Supports sound planning and monitoring of financial resources for UNDP programmes • Contributes to the review of Funds Authorization and Certificate of Expenditures (FACE) forms for both cash requests and reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance prior to the disbursement or liquidation of funds by Implementing Partners. • Assists in preparing weekly Country Office programme delivery at Unit and Portfolio levels including utilisation of donor cost-sharing, core, and non-core resources. • Monitors project financial performance and reports any inconsistencies or discrepancies to the Programme Finance Analyst (PFA). • Supports the preparation and coordination of Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) assurance activities, including micro-assessments, spot checks, and audits, in collaboration with the PFA. • Supports the monitoring of revenue application in coordination with programme teams and ensures proper allocation of funds to relevant budgets. • Contributes to the timely review of donor financial reports in collaboration with project teams. • Supports programme teams to ensure the timely operational and financial closure of projects. Provides effective support to Results-Based Management (RBM) and quality assurance of programme implementation • Supports programme and project management to ensure appropriate application of implementation modalities. • Contributes to the preparation of the Country Office Annual Work Plan (AWP) and Integrated Work Plan (IWP) in line with RBM principles. Supports the establishment of strategic partnerships and timely reporting • Supports the review of Letters of Agreement (LoAs), Responsible Party Agreements (RPAs), and Low-Value Grants (LVGs) for engagements with implementing partners. • Assists the development of programme and project briefs, presentations, and donor engagement materials in collaboration with programme and communications teams to enhance visibility. Supports knowledge management and capacity development in Results-Based Management • Assists in organizing trainings for operations and project staff on programme finance and RBM-related processes. • Supports the preparation of training materials and presentations for various PMSU trainings. • Contributes to knowledge sharing, including participation in knowledge networks and communities of practice. Performs other duties as required • Carries out additional responsibilities as assigned by the Head of the Programme Management Support Unit (PMSU) and/or Management

Competencies and values

• Demonstrates integrity and fairness; displays cultural sensitivity; shows strong corporate commitment; honest and complies with UNDP rules, regulations and code of conduct. • Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills. Ability to present coherent and convincing positions both in writing and orally. • Demonstrates high tolerance for change, complexity and unpredictability. Ability to work under pressure. • Strong inter-personal skills: ability to motivate and interact with colleagues at all levels within the organization as well as with inter-agency partners and host-country national counterparts. • Results-oriented: uses initiative to deliver required outputs and planned results in accordance with time and budget targets. • Problem analysis and decision-making: analyses reports systematically and efficiently. Problem-solving skills. Focuses on critical details while managing a broad perspective. Draws accurate conclusions and prepares effective summaries. • Encourages the use of new technologies and strives for high standard of professional work. • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the Mission area and to transfer to other duty stations within the Mission area as necessary. • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance, and commitment towards UN Women’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values

Living conditions and remarks

The assignment will take place in the nation’s capital, Abuja (Hardship Classification C). Abuja is housed by many expatriate and diplomatic communities. Cost of living in Abuja varies but could be termed as high considering the class of people residing in the capital city. Terrorism is the main threat in the Abuja. General crime is also prevalent. UN staff members are advised to stay only in UNDSS assessed hotels and residential areas. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. Nigeria is a unique country, and Abuja is a unique humanitarian operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.