UNDP Business Development Analyst Job Vacancy in New York, USA

United Nations Development Programme 304 East 45th Street New York Telephone: (212) 909-7940

Background

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Chief of Accounts in conjunction with the Finance Advisor, OFA Directorate, the Business Analyst is primarily responsible for researching, analysing and interpreting financial and other management information; preparing financial and other management reports; identifying and implementing opportunities for business improvement; and providing advisory services to OFA management and clients.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research, analyze, and interpret financial and other management information as requested by the Chief of Accounts. This includes:

• Provide specialized or general calculations and analysis in support of various accounting and reporting functions.
• Prepare specialized or highly complex reports, analyses and interpretations utilizing advanced knowledge and proficiency in accounting practices, principles and interrelationships for management and other stakeholders.
• Conduct quarterly financial monitoring activities and following up with relevant business process owners or other stakeholders to ensure that any financial management issues are addressed in a timely manner and in accordance with UNDP financial regulations and rules.
• Assist in monitoring the interfaces between ATLAS modules and sub-ledgers and the general ledger. This includes working closely with all OFA Units, OIST and OFA clients to ensure that regular reconciliations are done and issues are promptly followed-up.   
• Key Results Expected: Complete, accurate and timely financial information and analyses are available to UNDP management and staff to facilitate efficient and effective implementation of programmes and to support management decision-making.

Prepare financial and other management reports as requested by the Chief of Accounts. This includes participating in:

• The timely monthly and quarterly closures of the accounts, ensuring that adequate internal controls are in place to support the accurate recording of the financial transactions and all steps are completed on a timely basis, working closely with the RMTs, OIST, and the broader finance user community.
• The preparation of financial statements in accordance with UNDP financial regulations and rules and accounting policies, and responding to queries/requests from the Board of Audit on the financial statements.

Key Results Expected: Complete, accurate and timely financial reports are available for UNDP management, staff, donors and other stakeholders.

Identify and implement opportunities for business improvement. This includes:

• Providing solutions to problems presented and recommending changes to accounting systems, methods or procedures to management, utilizing knowledge of UNDP financial regulations and rules and/or generally accepted accounting principles and practices.
• Identifying and solving problems, and recommending changes in procedure that streamline processes, reduce costs and/or enhance the accuracy and quality of work
• Working closely with the RMTs, OIST, and the broader finance user community, designing, implementing and training users on new policies, processes and/or reports.

Key Results Expected: More effective identification and resolution of policy, procedure and system problems and challenges, resulting in more efficient and effective work streams and increases in staff capacities.

Provide advisory services to OFA management and clients. This includes advice on:

• Options available and decisions to be made regarding optimal utilization and management of financial resources.
• Interpretation and implementation of UNDP’s financial and resource management guidelines.
• Efficient and effective management of financial issues and suitable corrective actions.
• Supporting the financial analysis and management reporting work for UNDP’s Senior Management in cooperation with the OFA Directorate on issues relating to Trust Funds, Cost Sharing and other Non-core resources.
• Key Results Expected: Improved financial performance and/or optimal management of UNDP’s financial resources, while adhering to UNDP’s financial and resource management policies.

Perform other duties, as may be assigned by the Chief of Accounts.

• Key Results Expected: Improved financial management in OFA and/or UNDP business units.

Impact of Results:

The preparation of accurate, complete and timely financial analyses and reports is an extremely complex task that, if not done well, would have significant impact on UNDP’s reputation, especially within the donor community. Similarly, if the Atlas financial data is not complete or is lacking in integrity, then the UNDP finance community will be unable to rely on Atlas financial information and reports to donors will be impacted as well. Furthermore, donors expect UNDP to continuously enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. Identifying and securing business improvement opportunities and providing informed advice to OFA clients are both critical elements in meeting this expectation

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies:

Technical:

• Strong understanding of accounting, financial management, and process analysis and redesign.

Relationship Building:

• Developing and maintaining strong and productive business relationships with OFA management, staff and clients.

Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Shares knowledge and experience with OFA management, staff and clients.
• Builds capacity of OFA staff and clients with respect to efficient and effective financial management

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Ability to perform a broad range of specialized activities related to financial resources management
• Sound knowledge of UNDP Financial Rules and Regulations and UNDP Finance / Treasury policies and procedures.
• Ability to provide input to business processes for the ATLAS system
• Strong analytical skills and sound judgment as well as strong IT skills

Leadership and Self-Management:

• Focuses on results for the client and responds positively to feedback.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexity.
• Has ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize issues and handle potentially stressful situations.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Professional accounting qualification from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy.
• Advanced (Master’s) University Degree in Finance/Accounting, Business or Public Administration, or a related discipline.
• Long-listed candidates will be required to undergo the UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (UNDP AFT).

Experience:

• Minimum two years of progressively responsible finance/accounting experience at the national or international level.
• Experience with ERP financial systems (preferably PeopleSoft) is required.
• Experience of IPSAS and/or IFRS required.
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Office) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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Closing Date: Sunday, 15 January 2012