The Sudan Country Programme (2013-2016) combines emergency preparedness, humanitarian response, conflict recovery, resilience and development support in an extremely complex political, logistical and security-compromised environment. The CP is designed around six integrated and inter-related outputs with an overall goal of improving maternal health in Sudan. Attention to population dynamics and gender are supportive strategies and the programme targets the most underserved populations, especially women and youth/adolescents. In the Sudan context, this means special attention to the displaced, conflict and environmentally affected communities, nomadic groups, refugees and urban migrants. It is operationalized through one head office in Khartoum, three sub-offices in Darfur and staff presence in other states.   

Under the guidance and supervision of the Head of the Finance Section, the Finance Associate delivers quality financial services to internal and external clients mastering all relevant rules, guidelines, processes and procedures. S/he takes a client-oriented results-focused approach to interpreting the rules, procedures and guidelines, providing support and guidance to the CO and UNFPA-supported projects. 

Job Purpose:

The Finance Associate is located in UNFPA Country Office at Khartoum and works in close collaboration with the Operations, Programme and projects’ staff in the Country Office (CO) and with UNFPA HQs staff to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.

The Finance associate is responsible for providing effective and efficient financial services to internal and external clients in accordance with Financial rules and regulations. S/he educates and advises colleagues on proper financial procedures. She supports the office programme management and delivery through provision of financial   information.

Work Relations:

The finance associate interacts regularly with UNDP Finance unit to facilitate processing on UNFPA transactions   and ensure proper recording. S/he develops a strong working relationship with UNDP and represents UNFPA when required on issues relating to Finance.

S/he supervises and clears  the work of Finance assistants

S/he interacts with programme colleagues and other   operations colleagues to ensure efficient processing of financial transactions from different units.

S/he works closely with Implementing partners to ensure proper management of NEX and monitoring of NEX audit actions plans.

1. Supports Country Office Management of Financial resources:

• Supports the  management of the Country Office budget by budget formulation, controlling allotments, monitoring expenditures, and preparing revisions according to the needs of the Country Office
• Prepares and monitors the administrative budget and ensures financial transactions are in accordance with UNFPA financial rules and procedures. Proposes procedures to improve internal controls and efficiency and respond to audit issues.
• Monitors the implementation of the institutional budget to ensure  that expenditure is  done as per the approved allotments, advises management of the need for  reallocation between budget lines  and secures required approvals from BSB
• Maintains an effective financial recording and reporting system, internal control and audit follow-up, and processes financial transactions in an accurate and timely way;
• Oversees processing of  payments in ATLAS after verification of supporting documents, correct usage of chart of accounts and budget availability
• Participates in year-end closure activities and preparation of financial statements which requires regular liaison with HQ and prompt response to queries raised.
• Manages and reconciles  CO Balance sheet accounts  including Staff receivables VAT and petty cash ensuring  regular reconciliation and clearance of errors
• Works closely with UNDP CO to ensure  efficient processing of UNFPA financial Transactions
• Review all financial /transactions entered in atlas to ensure proper use of chart of accounts
• Monitors corporate dashboards and processes monthly and quarterly financial accountability checklists, taking needed actions to correct errors
• Selects and enters financial data from a variety of documents, verifying accuracy by checking sources, making necessary calculations and assuring inclusion of all relevant data, and ensuring that expenditures are in accordance with UNFPA Rules and procedures and are in line with project document;
• Initiates correspondence to verify data, answers queries and obtains additional information on financial transaction, as required

2. Supports Country Office management of Programme Delivery:

• Supports the monitoring of programme financial performance for all core and non-core resources by providing necessary financial information and analysis, including implementation rate against indicators/results, and detects potential over-under expenditure problems and suggests remedial action;
• Develops tools and mechanisms for effective and efficient monitoring of  programme and project budgets, coordinates compilation of financial data and provides accurate and up-dated financial information to HQ on a continuous basis;
• Implements corporate systems and applications in support of finance and human resource management and country office operations, creates systems and mechanisms for effective management of UNFPA resources, and advises and trains project staff

3. Supports management of National Execution programme

• Interprets financial policies and procedures particularly relating to NEX and provides guidance and training to staff and project managers. Strives to identify ways in which programme financial needs can be met within existing policies;
• Monitors status of the Operating Fund Accounts and proposes action for the timely clearance of expenditures,
• Participates is HACT assurance activities, and leads  spot checks for IPs and supports  Micro assessment
• Prepares quarterly OFA/FACE reconciliations for all IPs,  provides support in preparation of HACT audit  documents and follows up on  audits action plans
• Adapts processes and procedures, anticipates and manages operational requirements of programme/ project inputs under national execution in terms of personnel, sub-contracts, equipment, fellowships, study tours, and other programme and project-related events to facilitate programme/ project delivery.

4. Supports financial Management of Common services activities

• Reviews and monitors charges for common services and cost recovery taking into account maximum cost efficiency and represents UNFPA’s interests in related negotiations and agreements;
• Reviews and prepares material for common system activities relating to common services and premises, cost recovery, privileges and immunities, entitlement and salary surveys, security etc.

5. Others duties

• Oversees the maintenance of Finance unit filing system and other financial records and documents of the Finance Section;
• Carries out any other duties as may be required by the Head of the Finance Section or the Operations Manager.

Required Competencies:

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
• Embracing Cultural diversity
• Embracing change)

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

Functional competencies:

• Operational Excellence
• Strong leadership and self-management

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, respect for diversity, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life.  We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply. Notice: There is no application, processing or other fee at any stage of the application process.  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