The Position:

The Programme Finance Associate is responsible for the programmatic and financial aspects of the  European Union (EU)-funded project titled “Support to Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Health and Nutrition and Psychosocial Support Services in Afghanistan”. The project focuses on the areas of reproductive and maternal health, covering eight selected districts in Afghanistan for the period of October 2024-September 2027.  The Programme Finance Associate will report directly to the Project Coordinator.

The Programme Finance Associate supports the design, planning and management of EUD supported project by managing data inputs, providing logistical support, monitoring project implementation and following up on recommendations. He/ She will be responsible to deliver quality financial services mastering all relevant rules, processes and procedures, providing finance related guidance to the EUD  supported project. S/he takes a client-oriented-results-focused approach to interpreting the rules, procedures and guidelines, providing support and guidance to Gender program.

How the Programme Finance Associate can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s new strategic plan (2018-2021), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. 

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

The Programme Finance Associate will play an instrumental role in facilitating The EUD’s project implementation, supporting design, planning and effective management, in the areas of gender. 

The Programme Finance Associate will apply established systems and procedures and assist in the creation of knowledge by compiling, synthesizing and analyzing relevant information, developing appropriate mechanisms and systems and ensuring compliance with procedures. Possessing a depth of knowledge of UNFPA financial rules, guidelines, and processes, the Programme Finance Associate will demonstrate a client-oriented, results-focused approach to interpreting rules, procedures and guidelines. He/ She will act in an advisory manner to programme / project staff to maximize the impact of financial resources in delivering programmes / projects 

You would be responsible for: 

• Supporting the monitoring of financial performance for core and non-core resources by timely providing necessary financial information and analysis, including implementation rate against indicators/ results. Detecting potential over/ under expenditure problems and proposes remedial action for the projects.
• Supporting the evaluation of the EUD’s project activities, establishing ways to assess achievement and recommending corrective action as required; conducting field visits; participating in review meetings and evaluation missions and preparing regular inputs to status and progress reports.
• Act as the direct technical interlocutor with the ROEU finance specialist for guidance of EU financial policy adherence in relation to mandatory clearance from the ROEU of proposals, reports and other financial communication as needed. 
• Take proactive steps to self educate on the latest EU standards of DG-INTPA budget requirements, rules and procedures as per our FAFA agreements and other standards regulating the EU - UNFPA engagement 
• Verifying the requests for advance of funds from the Implementing Partners for their compliance with the approved Annual Work Plans (AWPs) and budgets.

• Verifying itemized cost estimates of the Implementing Partners and their eligibility as per approved AWPs and budgets,
• Verifying financial reports (FACE) submitted by the Implementing Partners for their accuracy and compliance with the approved AWPs and budgets; negotiate all necessary corrective steps with the IPs.
• Preparing quarter and annual FACE reconciliation reports ensuring the correctness of data.
• Working closely with UNFPA finance unit to conduct quarterly spot check for the IPs, generate reports and conduct proper follow-ups to make sure all observations are properly addressed by the IPs.
• Ensures financial reconciliation in close collaboration with UNFPA Operations and participate in related meetings.
• Maintains an effective financial recording and reporting system, internal control and audit follow-up, conduct Spot Check of IPs
• Supporting implementation of HACT assurance activities related the EUD supported project i) Supporting IPs to develop Post Micro assessment and Audit follow-up action plan; ii) Support IPs in implementation and follow-up of Post Micro assessment and Audit follow-up action plan.
• Update IPSA for HACT assurance activities of IPs
• Guiding routine implementation of the EUD supported project, in coordination with national counterparts and project personnel, coordinating delivery of project inputs; and ensuring participation of national counterparts in training activities.
• Supporting advocacy and resource mobilization efforts. Assisting with organizing and conducting donor meetings and public information events, including preparing relevant background material for these events.
• Assisting in implementing knowledge management strategies to capture lessons learned and best practices, sharing these with management for future planning.
• Executes other tasks as assigned by the supervisors or the Representative

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

University Degree in Development, Business Administration, finance, economics and/ or management. Advance university degree desirable.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Seven years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in current office software applications and corporate IT systems (most preferably in ATLAS system).
• Experience with UN agencies or bi lateral or multilateral partners will be an asset.

Languages: 

Fluency in English with excellent writing, analysis and communication skills; knowledge of Dari and Pashto.

Required Competencies:

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity, 
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, 
• Embracing cultural diversity, 
• Embracing change

Functional Competencies:

• Advocacy/ Advancing a policy-oriented agenda
• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/ building strategic alliances and partnerships
• Delivering results-based programmes
• Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilisation

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 

UNFPA will only accept properly completed job application forms in Quantum before the closing date & will not consider late submissions after the closing date. Any information provided on the Quantum job application form will be considered binding.