Background:
The Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net) is a capacity sharing “network of networks” initiative managed jointly by UNDP, UNEP-WCMC and UNESCO with the financial support of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection and SwedBio. It promotes dialogue between science, policy and practice sectors for more effective management of biodiversity and ecosystems, contributing to long-term human well-being and sustainable development. BES-Net complements and contributes to the capacity building work of IPBES by aligning its activities with the IPBES global assessment themes and applying the related IPBES guidance documents.
The BES-Net initiative is carried out through four inter-linked activities:
- Face-to-face capacity building support through Trialogues: Trialogues bring together BES-Net’s three target communities of science, policy and practice for face-to-face dialogues to foster mutual learning, intercultural understanding and inter-institutional coordination on specific policy-relevant questions at the national and regional levels.
- National ecosystem assessments: BES-Net supports the development of capacity in selected countries to conduct national assessments and develop a set of policy support tools for the application of the assessment findings, complementing the global assessments undertaken by IPBES. Leveraging the expertise of the Sub-Global Assessment Network (SGAN).
- Post-Trialogue/national assessment uptake support: BES-Net provides the target countries that have participated in the Regional Trialogue process and/ or completed national ecosystem assessments with catalytic seed funds in support of the uptake of the IPBES assessments, as agreed at the Regional. Trialogues, and/ or the national assessment recommendations in policy, science and practice fields.
- Online platforms for networking: The BES-Net web portal offers a comprehensive knowledge resource library on biodiversity and ecosystems services and a rich database of organizations and experts working on the IPBES thematic assessment areas. The latest news and updates from BES-Net and its network partners are circulated via social media channels and disseminated through monthly e-newsletters.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Associate will be responsible for providing efficient and effective project implementation support for BES-Net. More specifically, in full compliance with UNDP POPP, rules and regulations, the incumbent will be responsible for the following tasks:
Budget planning and financial management:
- Provide support in the development of multi-year and annual work plans (AWPs) and assist in the formulation of budgets;
- Prepare project delivery status reports and reconcile financial data at regular intervals and assist in the revision of AWPs;
- Review and verify financial transactions, activities and documentation, taking corrective actions as needed and reporting any unusual activities;
- Prepare and present periodic financial reports and analyses as per the donor requirements and for other internal/external purposes;
- Ensure that internal expenditures control systems are maintained;
- Oversee that petty cash is managed and cleared.
Project implementation and coordination:
- Support the smooth transition of the BES-Net operations from ATLAS to Quantum in line with corporate processes and timelines;
- Oversee all day-to-day accounts, budgetary and financial management of the project;
- Lead the coordination with the responsible parties through the timely review of quarterly financial reports, disbursement of the management of advances;
- Assist in the process of projects’ audit assurance activities, verifications and evaluations;
- Assist in performing timely project closures;
- Provide proposals and support the implementation of cost-saving, reduction and business improvement strategies for the project in consultation with the HQ/UNDP Kenya operations.
Project administration support:
- Support constant monitoring and analysis of the operating environment and adjustments in execution modalities, management arrangement and implementation capacities;
- Contribute to the formulation, periodic revisions and implementation of procurement/HR plans, ensuring that plans are updated in a timely manner in coordination with the relevant HQ and UNDP Kenya focal points;
- Support the organization and coordination of meetings/events and duty missions;
- Support the inventory and management of project assets, equipment, correspondence and files, including disposal, in coordination with the asset management focal points;
- Assist in addressing operational and protocol issues in close liaison with UNDP Kenya;
- Undertake other tasks as required by the Project Manager.
Institutional Arrangement:
The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Programme Specialist (BES-Net Project Manager), and in close coordination with the Administrative Associate. She/he is expected to communicate regularly with the relevant operations counterparts in UNDP Kenya and HQs, and support/offer guidance to the BES-Net team and their implementing partners on matters related to financial management, operations and Quantum to increase their effectiveness.
Competencies:
- Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details,
delivers quality work by deadline. - Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is a pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
- Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open-minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from
mistakes, asks for feedback. - Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
- Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
- Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others,
forms positive relationships. - Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Required skills and competencies:
- Demonstrated experience in project implementation support;
- Proven experience in project and financial monitoring;
- Experience in handling web-based management systems and ERP systems, preferably PeopleSoft/Quantum;
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages;
- Certification in Administration or finance training such as ACCA will be an added advantage;
- Experience in accrual accounting, IPSAS, or IFRS is highly desirable;
- Experience in working with UNDP;
- UNDP Certification in Project Management, Procurement, HR, Accounting and Finance is an asset.
Education:
- Completed secondary education; or
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, finance, economics degree or a related field.
Experience:
- Six (6) years of relevant experience (for those with secondary education) or three (3) years of relevant experience (with a bachelor’s degree), working in an operations function with specific experience in finance within the UN system.
Language:
- Fluency in English with excellent written and oral communication skills is required;
- Working knowledge of another UN language is an asset.
Disclaimer:
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: 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.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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