Programme Support Officer with IFAD – UNDP – Sana'a, YEMEN

Location: Sana'a, YEMEN

Application Deadline: 04-Feb-13

Type of Contract: FTA Local

Post Level: NO-B

Languages Required: Arabic   English 

Duration of Initial Contract: One Year Renewable

Background

The Programme Support Officer will work under the overall direct supervision and guidance of the Country Programme Manager and will also liaise with the assigned Financial Management Officer in the Controller and Financial Services Division (CFS).  With respect to all financial management and disbursement matters, the incumbent will adhere to centrally issued CFS guidelines on Financial Management and seek guidance and consult with the assigned Finance Officer at CFS when required. The incumbent will ensure effective procurement management as well as execution of the programme  by ensuring implementation of planned programme activities and. The Programme Support Officer will promote a client-oriented approach consistent with IFAD rules and regulations,  with the following key functions: Provision of technical advice  and support to the effective execution of the IFAD programme, contributing to efficient  implementation, financial management, procurement and disbursement-related services; Provision of effective and efficient administrative support services in the ICO; Knowledge building and knowledge sharing on procurement, and under the guidance of CFS, on financial management matters.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the immediate supervisor, and in close consultation with the Country Programme Officer (CPO) and the assigned Financial Management Officer at CFS, the Programme Support Officer will provide financial management advice and support to IFAD-funded projects and programmes at the country office level  with a view to maximising their development effectiveness, impact and sustainability.  More specifically, the incumbent will assume the following responsibilities: Ensure administration and implementation of operational procedures and compliance, and effective procurement management, focusing on the following: Participate in project design, project supervision and implementation support missions. During design missions, work with CFS to carry out the financial management capacity assessment using corporate guidelines issued by CFS to determine whether the project implementing entities have acceptable financial management arrangements Undertake the initial review of Annual Work Plan and Budgets (AWPBs), preparation of procurement documentation/plan, implementation progress reports submitted by projects;  Contribute to efficient delivery of procurement and disbursement-related services Ensure effective and efficient provision of administrative support services, focusing on achievement of the following: Advice and support budget management of the Country Office and the decentralised IFAD ICO account in cooperation with the CPM;  Management of key project data on IFAD systems at ICO and at HQ; Monitoring of project cycle activities and deadlines.  Knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the ICO focusing on the following: Identify and analyse project training needs, and contribute to capacity building of project staff in procurement, program implementation and financial management. On financial management aspects, this will be done in consultation with CFS, and will include providing day-to-day guidance on financial management to the project financial management teams, and the financial staff of the service providers as required, to develop their technical capacity to plan the disbursement of project funds in accordance with desired results.  Provision of  guidance for project accountants in current IFAD financial management requirements.  Sharing knowledge between various programmes in the ICO, in the division and the rest of IFAD; Preparation of short analytical knowledge management papers on relevant themes to promote knowledge sharing among IFAD’s country programme management team.

Competencies

Technical/functional competencies: Analytical thinker: you have analytical ability and thorough understanding of socio-economic issues in agricultural and rural development; and capacity to lead specific analytical work. Team worker: you have the capability to foster and coordinate teamwork; and establish harmonious working relationships in a multicultural environment. Self-developer/Innovator: you are willing to learn, share and acquire new competencies and seek new challenges by exploring new approaches.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: A first level university degree in business administration, finance,  accounting, is required;  An advanced university degree will have a distinct advantage. Experience: At least three years of professional experience with international financial and rural development institutions and government services. Working experience in country programme design and loan/grant administration experience with International Financial Institutions/Development Cooperation Agencies would be an asset. Field experience in a developing country, plus competency in the use of IFAD standard software like Microsoft Office, PeopleSoft, and web based applications, and COSTAB will be a major asset. Ability to communicate policies and procedures effectively and accurately; Good knowledge of policy-oriented, programme-based pro-poor approaches, and loan and grant preparation Knowledge of rural project management and market development would be an asset Languages and other skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to set out a coherent argument in presentations and group interactions. Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft packages and electronic communication.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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