Individual Consultant_Admin-Finance Associate

Hiring Office:

Almaty office EECARO

Purpose of consultancy:

The individual consultant will be located in the UNFPA Almaty office of the Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECARO). The individual consultant will support implementation of a project titled “Strengthening population data collection, analysis and utilization for evidence-based policy making in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)” under the direct supervision of the UNFPA Project Manager and the overall direction of the Advisor, Population and Development, based in Istanbul office. The consultant will provide administrative and financial support to the Project and contribute to the overall Almaty office administrative/financial functioning.

Scope of work:

(Description of services, activities, or outputs)

The individual consultant will assist in planning, management and monitoring of the above-mentioned project finance performance, delivering quality financial and administrative services to internal and external clients mastering all relevant rules, guidelines, processes and procedures. S/he takes a client-oriented results-focused approach to interpreting the rules, procedures and guidelines, providing support and guidance to the Almaty office of EECARO and UNFPA-supported project “Strengthening population data collection, analysis and utilization for evidence-based policy making in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)”. The IC would be responsible for:

• Participating in the identification and formulation of project proposals by compiling and analyzing information in the subject areas of UNFPA assistance, compiling project documents and work plans and preparing tables and statistical data, supporting the implementation of project activities including Implementing Partners assistance.
• Maintaining and updating project files, including progress reports, work plans and budgets; and monitoring compliance with reporting requirements to the donor).
• Supports the monitoring of the project financial performance by providing necessary financial information and analysis, including implementation rate against indicators/results. Detects potential over/ under expenditure problems and proposes remedial action.
• Developing tools and mechanisms for effective and efficient monitoring of project and office budgets, coordinates compilation of financial data and provides accurate and up-dated financial information to the Project Manager on a continuous basis.
• Interpreting financial policies and procedures and providing guidance and training to the Project Manager and Implementing Partners. The IC will strive to identify ways in which programme financial needs can be met within existing policies.
• Assisting in the management of the Office budget by budget formulation, controlling allotments, monitoring expenditures, and preparing revisions of work plans according to the needs of the project and the office.
• Maintaining an effective financial recording and reporting system, internal control and audit follow-up, acts as petty cash custodian and processes financial transactions in an accurate and timely way.
• Reviewing and monitoring charges for common services and cost recovery taking into account maximum cost efficiency.
• Reporting project funds utilisation using different reporting modality as requested by the donor and UNFPA procedures, verifies financial information and monitors timely submission of donor reports, follows up with the donor and UNFPA HQ on receipt of all outstanding contributions.
• Contributing to the development of the office annual assurance plan, taking part in conducting spot checks of Implementing Partners jointly with project colleagues and participating in HACT-related meetings and discussions on a regular basis.
• Ensuring proper administration and utilisation of project resources in accordance with national implementation procedures.
• Processing travel claims and executing payments.
• Ensuring quality control of procurement process following UNFPA procurement rules and procedures.
• In case of absence of the CO Admin/Finance Associate based in Nur-Sultan, and in coordination with respective Supervisors, IC will act as back-up covering minimum required functions (and vice versa).
• Carrying out other duties as required by the Project Manager.

Duration and working schedule:

Duration of the contract:  till June 30, 2023 with possible extension

Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 18:00

Place where services are to be delivered:

Almaty office of EECARO

Delivery dates and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.):

The delivery dates for various assignments within above specific services will be established by UNFPA policies and Procedures and in discussion and agreement with Project Manager and Head of Almaty office/International Program Coordinator. The working languages are English and Russian.

Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:

Monitoring of completion of specific tasks, progress control, reporting requirements will be performed by Khuvaydo Shoinbekov, Project Manager. 

Supervisory arrangements:

The individual consultant will directly report to Khuvaydo Shooinbekov, Project Manager under overall supervision of Meder Omurzakov, Head of Almaty Office/International Program Coordinator, EECARO.

Expected travel:

Travels may be organised based on actual needs of the office.

Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:

Education: 

• Completed Secondary Level Education required. First level university degree in finance, economics, management or other related field desirable.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Six years of relevant experience in administration, finance or office management.
• Proficiency in current office software applications and corporate IT financial systems.
• Proficiency in use of spreadsheets, word processing and computerised accounting systems is an asset.
• Experience in projects funded by international donors is highly desirable.
• Good writing and communication skills.

Languages:

Fluency in English and Russian is required. Knowledge of Kazakh is desirable.

Inputs/services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner, if applicable:

UNFPA will provide office, computer, procedures, policies and other necessary materials.

Other relevant information or special conditions, if any:

How to apply: 

UNFPA will provide consultancy fees based on UNFPA’s fee scale for individual consultants.

In order to apply for Individual Consultancy send your CV to kunedilova@unfpa.org by COB 10th of January, 2023