Finance Assistant [Open to internal and external applicants] Full Time

Tiered Approach

In Line With The Commitment To Safeguard Capacity And Support Personnel Already In The Organization, a Majority Of UNDP UNCDF/UNV Vacancies Are Advertised Using a Tiered Application Process Whereby

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Job Purpose And Organizational Context

The primary role of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is to support country-led efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The work of UNDP in 170 countries around the world is anchored in diverse and effective partnerships, which are vital to our two critical roles at country level: (a) as an integrator across policy, programmatic and organizational silos; and (b) as an operational backbone for the United Nations and other partners.

Saudi Arabia is witnessing economic prosperity and progress in all domains of socio-economic development which produced tangible improvement in all human development indicators such as standard of living, health and education services, environmental conditions as well as potentials of comprehensive development. In April 2016, the Government of Saudi Arabia announced its Saudi Vision 2030 – an ambitious long-term development programme.

Saudi Vision 2030 represents an ambitious blueprint with long-term goals and expectations. It is expressed in three themes of a vibrant society; a thriving economy and an ambitious nation. A review of the three themes and their underlying issues of national concern reveal a holistic approach to development that encompasses the three dimensions of sustainable development: the social, the economic and the environment.

The partnership between UNDP and Saudi Arabia is covering vital sectors and areas which contributes to address the needs of Saudi society, including enhancement of the local capacity of different government institutions and support to policy making and reporting. A wide set of under the scope of technical assistance is provided in order to assist the KSA departments in their reform processes.

Duties And Responsibilities

In this section list the primary responsibilities of the position (Typically five). As needed add additional context below the responsibilities. Tip: Focus on what the job entails not how to do the job.

Summary Of Key Functions

Implementation of operational and financial management strategies

• Functioning of cost-recovery system
• Accounting and administrative support
• CO cash management
• Knowledge building and knowledge sharing
• Ensures implementation of operational strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Full compliance of financial processes and financial records with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies.
• Input to the CO business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance in consultation with the direct supervisor and office management.
• Preparation of cost sharing, and trust fund agreements, follow up on contributions within the CO resource mobilization efforts.
• Functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Provision of inputs for preparation of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for the services provided by UNDP, follow up on cost recovery.
• Provides accounting and administrative support to the Finance Unit focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports for NIM projects; preparation of all types of vouchers for projects and on-behalf of UNOPS and non-Atlas Agencies; PO vouchers; Pay Cycle and payment execution.
• Proper receipting of goods and services and establishment of accruals.
• Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas; travel claims, MPOs and other entitlements are duly processed.
• Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers.
• Presentation of information on the status of financial resources as required.
• Maintenance of the Accounts Receivables for UNDP projects and recording of deposits in Atlas.
• Management of cash receipts and petty cash.
• Maintenance of the proper filing system for finance records and documents.
• Ensures proper CO cash management system functioningfocusing on achievement of the following results:
• Alternate to Finance Associate (ICS-6) for timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements. Timely identification and recording of receipts for income application.
• Alternate to Finance Associate (ICS-6) for daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in Atlas to monitor imprest level; identification and recording of contributions.
• Preparation of monthly UN exchange rate report to Treasury.
• Timely and accurate preparation of bank reconciliations.
• Initiation of bank transfers and deals in Atlas.
• Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Participation in the trainings for the operations/ projects staff on Finance.
• Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the overall CO efficiency in programme financial resources management and success in implementation of programme/operations strategies. Accurate analysis and presentation of financial information enhances UNDP position as a strong development partner. The information provided facilitates decision making of the management.

Competencies and Selection Criteria

Description Of Competency At Level Required

(For more comprehensive descriptions please see the competency inventory)

In this section list all core competencies as well as the most relevant technical/functional competencies the role will require along with the appropriate level. A Detailed list of competencies can be accessed through the following link: https://intranet.undp.org/unit/ohr/competency-framework/SitePages/Home.aspx

Core

Innovation

Ability to make new and useful ideas work

Level 2: Analyzes complex technical materials (including data) and makes concise, relevant recommendations

Leadership

Ability to persuade others to follow

Level 2: Proactively identifies new opportunities and challenges

People Management

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction

Level 2: Takes ownership of responsibilities

Communication

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

Level 2: Understands, explains and shares information on assigned tasks with accuracy and clarity

Delivery

Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

Level 2: Meets goals and timelines for delivery of products or services;

Technical/Functional

Building Partnerships Tracks and reports on mobilized resources

Level 2: Execute & Learn: Execute & Learn: Perform defined tasks

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing

Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things

Identifies and communicates opportunities to promote learning and knowledge sharing

Level 2: Execute & Learn: Execute & Learn: Perform defined tasks

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position

Possesses knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks (specialized knowledge related to financial resources management, including formulating budgets, maintaining Accounts Receivables and Accounts Payables, reporting).

Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning

Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments

Level 2: Execute & Learn: Execute & Learn: Perform defined tasks

Promoting Organizational Change and Development

Documents ‘best practices’ in organizational change and development within and outside the UN system

Demonstrates ability to identify problems and proposes solutions

Level 2: Execute & Learn: Execute & Learn: Perform defined tasks

Design and Implementation of Management Systems

Uses information/databases/other management systems

Makes recommendations related to work procedures and implementation of management systems

Level 2: Execute & Learn: Execute & Learn: Perform defined tasks

Client Orientation

Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion

Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines

Responds to client needs promptly

Level 2: Execute & Learn: Execute & Learn: Perform defined tasks

Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management

Maintains databases

Level 2: Execute & Learn: Execute & Learn: Perform defined tasks

Education

Recruitment Qualifications

Secondary Education, with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance. University Degree in Finance, Business or Public Administration desirable, but it is not a requirement. Part-qualified accountants from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.

Experience

5 years of relevant finance experience at the national or international level is required in combination of a Secondary Education with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance or 2 years of relevant finance experience at the national or international level is required in combination of a Bachelor. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems. Experience with ERP financials, preferably PeopleSoft, desirable. Knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS desirable

Language Requirements

Proficiency in English & Arabic

Other

• “UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT), Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP) required (part-qualified accountants from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy may be exempted”
• Non-Smoking environment

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.