Project Associate (finance-Reporting & Field Monitoring) - Short Term (NPSA-7)

Organizational Context

UNDP Bangladesh has been a partner to the government since 1972, focusing on democratic governance, climate adaptation, environmental protection, and inclusive growth. The organization provides policy advice, implementation support, development financing, and knowledge sharing. The Democratic Governance programme aims to foster an inclusive, accountable, and transparent country, supporting justice, participatory governance, and the empowerment of women and youth. This role supports the Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh (AVCB) project, which aims to increase access to justice and social harmony in rural areas.

Job Purpose

The Project Associate (Finance-Reporting & Field Monitoring) will support the AVCBIII project by ensuring efficient and proper financial monitoring of program activities, sub-recipients, and field-level operations. This includes oversight of budget adherence, internal controls, value for money, accounting, financial reporting, and auditing. The role is crucial for ensuring the effective execution of financial procedures and the transparent utilization of project resources in compliance with government and UNDP policies. The position contributes to the project's overall objective of increasing access to justice and social harmony for rural populations in Bangladesh, particularly women and disadvantaged groups, by ensuring sound financial management and reporting.

Responsibilities

The Project Associate will oversee project finance at the field level, developing strategies for compliance with UNDP and GoB financial rules and policies, and implementing corporate financial strategies. This includes monitoring cash management, reconciling transactions, and managing cash resources. The role involves providing guidance and capacity building to partners and sub-recipients on financial matters, from contracting and banking to budgeting, accounting, and reporting. Key duties include ensuring budgetary control, maintaining standard accounting procedures, and coordinating financial management, monitoring, and audits. The associate will collaborate with the M&E team to verify expenditures against progress, conduct field visits to report on financial issues, and monitor quarterly expenditures. They will also assist in budget revisions, AWP preparation, uploading budgets into ERP, and preparing progress reports. Furthermore, the role involves financial analysis and oversight of all project resources, ensuring proper planning and expenditure tracking in compliance with UNDP policies and donor regulations. The associate will monitor fund disbursements, provide technical assistance for maintaining financial documents, review financial reports and fund requests, reconcile reports, and ensure compliance with tax and VAT rules. They will also facilitate audits and conduct reviews of sub-recipients' financial records and capacity assessments.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in finance and accounting is required with a Secondary Education, or 4 years with a bachelor's degree. At least 2 years of professional experience in financial operations, budgetary control, financial monitoring, and reporting for implementing partners (NGO/CSO, GoB institutions) is essential. Experience in an international organization or large-scale donor-funded projects is desirable.

Skills

Proficiency in financial operations, budgetary control, financial monitoring, and reporting. Experience with accounting principles, financial management systems, and compliance with financial regulations. Ability to conduct financial analysis, manage cash resources, and provide financial guidance. Familiarity with UNDP and Government of Bangladesh financial policies and procedures. Experience in capacity building for partners and sub-recipients. Strong understanding of audit processes and requirements. Proficiency in computer skills, including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel), and experience with web-based management systems. Fluency in English and Bangla is required.

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