Project Finance Assistant
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Marshall Islands supports sustainable development, climate resilience, and inclusive governance. It focuses on strengthening national capacities and assisting communities in addressing development challenges, particularly those related to climate change impacts. Through collaborative partnerships, UNDP promotes locally-led solutions for resilient and sustainable development across the nation.
Job Purpose
This role supports the Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA) project, which aims to enhance the resilience of water resources and supply systems against climate change impacts. The project, a collaboration between the Government of the Marshall Islands and UNDP, focuses on improving water security via better rainwater harvesting and storage, safeguarding groundwater from seawater contamination, and building institutional capacity for climate-resilient water management. The Project Finance Assistant will contribute to the project's objective of fostering sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient water management practices throughout the Marshall Islands.
Responsibilities
Under the Project Manager's supervision, the Project Finance Assistant will manage financial operations and administrative support for the ACWA project. Key duties include coordinating the closure and liquidation of travel claims according to UNDP procedures, acting as custodian for petty cash with strict accountability and compliance, and monitoring customer statements for timely reconciliations. The role involves requesting customer invoices, ensuring documentation completeness for financial processing, and managing daily operational support within the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Additionally, the assistant will liaise with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) on financial and operational matters, conduct quality assurance checks on scanned documents, prepare EPA General Ledger reports for financial reconciliations, and process monthly payment transactions in Quantum, ensuring accuracy and timely execution.
Work Experience
A minimum of three years of relevant experience is required, preferably in finance, accounting, administration, project support, or operations. Experience in financial administration, including payment processing, reconciliations, petty cash management, and travel claims, is essential. Experience maintaining financial records, checking documentation accuracy, and using financial systems and Microsoft Office (especially Excel) is also necessary. Experience with government institutions or international organizations is advantageous.
Skills
Key competencies include accountability, planning and organizing, teamwork, communication, results orientation, attention to detail, adaptability, and respect for diversity. Technical skills encompass administration, finance, and accounting. The role requires good organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks, follow up effectively, and meet deadlines. Strong integrity and commitment to financial procedures are also vital.