Administrative & Finance Associate-NAP READINESS [Open to Tier 1 & 2 applicants]

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

- Tier 0 : UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.

- Tier 1 : Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments

- Tier 2 : UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers

- Tier 3 or no tier indicated : All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) works in 170 countries and territories, supporting national efforts to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, strengthen resilience, and accelerate sustainable development. As the development arm of the United Nations, UNDP collaborates with governments, civil society, the private sector, and communities to build inclusive and resilient pathways for human development.

In Mozambique, UNDP has been a trusted partner since 1976, working with national and local authorities, UN entities, civil society, and communities to promote inclusive growth, resilience, and sustainable development. Guided by the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, UNDP develops targeted and innovative solutions to address the country’s evolving development challenges.

Our Country Program Document is structured around four interconnected pillars: i) human development, multidimensional poverty, gender equality and public health management; ii) inclusive economic recovery, diversification and sustainable livelihoods; iii) climate resilience and natural resource management; and, iv) inclusive and decentralized governance, justice, peace and social cohesion.

These focus areas reflect UNDP’s comparative advantage in Mozambique and align with national development priorities and the UNSDCF. The Country Office works both upstream and downstream to build resilience and expand opportunities, particularly for women and youth. This includes strengthening community resilience to disasters and conflict, scaling area‑based models for integrated recovery and service delivery and leveraging stabilization efforts in Cabo Delgado to support post‑conflict recovery, institutional strengthening, and locally led economic revitalization.

The CO has also been carrying out a review of its structure and organogram to achieve an optimal and sustainable configuration that aligns staffing to respond to new challenges and the expected growth of the CO to enable UNDP effectively support Mozambique’s current and emerging development priorities.

UNDP upholds the highest standards of integrity and accountability. We maintain a zero‑tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment (including sexual harassment), and discrimination. All selected candidates undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls are foundational to UNDP’s mandate and integral to everything we do. Across all programs and operations, UNDP promotes equal opportunities, inclusive participation, and the advancement of women and marginalized groups so that development gains are equitable and sustainable.

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels offers a spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in its Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in UNDP’s Strategic Plan.

UNDP's 2026-2029 Strategic Plan highlights our continued commitment to eradicating poverty, accompanying countries in their pathways towards the SDGs and working towards the Paris Agreement. As part of the Global Policy Network in the Bureau for Policy and Program Support, UNDP's Nature, Climate Change, Energy, and Waste (NCE&W) Hubs promote and scale up integrated whole-of-governance approaches and nature-based solutions that reduce poverty and inequalities, strengthen livelihoods and inclusive growth, mitigate conflict, forced migration and displacement, and promote more resilient governance systems that advance linked peace and security agendas.

Mozambique is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including cyclones, floods and droughts. To address these pressing climate challenges, Mozambique has formulated a series of strategic policies that prioritize resilience and adaptation across vulnerable sectors. Together, these policies establish a comprehensive approach to enhance Mozambique’s adaptive capacity and align with international climate commitments. But there have been barriers in implementing this policies, such as: (1) Limited governance and institutional coordination, (2) Limited governance and institutional coordination, (3) Inadequate financial resources and budgeting for adaptation.

To address these systemic barriers on climate change, UNDP, in close collaboration with the National Designated Authority (NDA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP), has developed the present NAP Readiness project. The project aims to strengthen a coherent national adaptation ecosystem, enhance multi-level governance, and develop a robust pipeline of climate adaptation investments aligned with national priorities and international climate finance mechanisms. It will support the systematic integration of climate adaptation into national, sectoral, and sub-national development planning processes, strengthen institutional capacities, and mobilize sustainable and diversified financing for priority adaptation investments.

The project builds on UNDP’s long-standing engagement in Mozambique in the areas of sustainable natural resource management and climate change adaptation. In this context, UNDP has supported the Government in the development of key strategic instruments, including over 25 Local Adaptation Plans (LAPs), the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 2.0), as well as other national policies and frameworks. The current intervention represents a strategic continuation and scaling-up of these efforts, with a stronger focus on implementation, coherence, and investment readiness.

Based on the above, UNDP Mozambique is seeking for an Administrative and Finance Associate for the NAP Readiness Project. The Administrative and Finance Associate will be responsible for providing back-office/administrative support to the Project Team Leader including: (I) facilitating procurement; (II) financial and administrative tracking of activities and expenses; (III) support with communication, facilitation and organization of outreach activities, press releases, project/UNDP/government briefing notes, translations, etc.; (IV) liaising with UNDP country office and global BIOFIN administrative team to facilitate financial reporting and compliance, and UNDP procurement compliance.

Scope of Work

1. Provide effective support for appropriate project financial management, focusing on:

- Ensure that all project transactions are carried out in accordance with the UNDP POPP requirements, which requires familiarity with the national financial management procedures;

- Ensure that all project-related expenses are carried out in a timely and efficient manner;

- Ensure the smooth flow of funds to enable the timely implementation of project activities, including the timely interaction with the Unit Program associate (PA) and CO Finance Unit;

- Support to the PM to compile M&E reports on delivery and resource allocation;

- Facilitate auditing and financial controls with respect to the Project;

- Provide the necessary assistance and documentation for the statutory audit of annual financial statements;

- Compilation of quarterly, semestral and annual financial reports in a timely manner, with a focus on the financial delivery of the project;

- Prepare and update the inventory of assets acquired with projects funds including goods in use outside the project premises. Ensure that the inventory is consistent with the related financial documents and POPP guidelines;

- Ensure proper coordination of duties with the Unit PA.

2. Provide accounting and administrative support to the project:

- Maintain a logical and comprehensive record of financial transactions, with supporting documentation, for reference and audit purposes;

- Prepare process for requisitions, POs and vouchers related to projects;

- Perform all other duties as requested by the PM and relevant to the assignment;

- Elaboration and implementation of cost saving and cost reduction strategies;

- Implementation and guidance to, contracts management and administration strategy within the project, constantly guided by UNDP legal framework and assessing/minimizing all forms of risks in procurement;

- Assist in smooth implementation of projects activities, through proactive preparation of materials and documents needed;

- Participates in projects steering committees and board meetings as well as in all other meetings related to the projects for matters of incumbent competence; prepares respective minutes and reports as required;

- Assists and liaise actions/activities among projects, Government and other partners as required for the effective and smooth projects implementation and achievement of established outcomes;

- Support the preparation of travel, recruitment processes, payment and reporting from consultants working under the projects, keep all records and reports;

- Spearhead the logistic organization of workshops, trainings, seminars etc. and assist in the production of project outreach material;

- Provide assistance to the IP, guidance and training required to effective implementation and observation of rules and regulations, ensuring transparency;

- Ensure that all project administrative issues are well aligned with ECR Unit, working in close collaboration with the Unit PA and Government.

3. Provide procurement support to the project:

- Contribute to the formulation and oversight of procurement plans for the Disaster Resilience and Social Cohesion project, and extend support to other projects within the ECR Unit;

- Engage in project assessments, design processes, tender management, and contract administration;

- Validate alignment of BOQs and Technical specifications with UNDP procurement principles;

- Conduct initial assessments of bids/quotations/proposals, particularly for rehabilitation projects;

- Ensure timely submission of all requisite documents prior to initiating procurement procedures;

- Provide specialized guidance to enhance synergy between UNDP's initiatives and governing rules and policies;

- Review and refine RFQs, ITBs, or RFPs, and oversee the receipt of quotations, bids, or proposals;

- Submit project procurement cases using UNall to enable creation of Purchase orders and contracts;

- Enforce an internal control framework to facilitate accurate and prompt processing of Purchase orders, addressing budget check discrepancies and related issues;

- Implementation of a well-functioning strategic procurement processes, from sourcing strategy, tendering, supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, customer relationship management, to performance measurement;

- Support the evaluation of offers and make recommendations for the finalization of purchases and the award of contracts; analyses and evaluation of commodity tender results.

4. Support knowledge building, knowledge sharing and capacity building relevant to the assigned project.

- Participate in training and organize briefings on internal procedures for the project staff;

- Provide support to other capacity building activities, including to the design and delivery of tools, materials for workshops, or platforms that tap into the collective intelligence of communities and mobilize action;

- Provide support in the dissemination and sharing of relevant data and lessons learned within the CO and regionally. Keep pulse on emerging best practices nationally, regionally, and internationally that relate to the work of the assigned project;

- Make sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice. Support compiling and systematizing project knowledge, products and tools as well as their wide distribution to partners.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Impact of results

The key results have a direct impact on the PMU and overall on the efficiency of the ECR Unit. Accurate analysis and presentation of information, thoroughly researched and fully documented work strengthens the capacity of the PMU and facilitates subsequent action by the supervisor. Incumbent’s own initiative is decisive in results of work and timely finalization.

Institutional Arrangement

Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Unit (HoU) ECR, direct supervision of the Project Manager (PM) and secondary (technical) supervision of the Head of Finance Unit, the Administrative & Finance Associate will assist the overall management of administrative services, execution of all processes and transactions ensuring high quality and accuracy of work in accordance with UNDP policies and procedures. A close collaboration with is also expected with MAAP/ National Directorate for Environment and Climate Change (DINAMC) as well as MAAP Division of Administration and Finance to ensure proper operational alignment. The Administrative Associate promotes a client, quality and results-oriented approach.

Competencies

Core Competencies

- Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pay attention to details, deliver quality work by the deadline;

- Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is 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

Administration and Operations

- Documents and records management

Overall document (hard or electronic) management; registry and retention policy including storing and archiving.

- Events management (including retreats, trainings and meetings)

Ability to manage events, including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc.

- Inventory management

Each office to ensure sufficient inventory items are available for use as well as reporting for items which are beyond the corporate threshold of $5K and above.

Finance

- Accounting (General)

Knowledge of accounting concepts, principles, frameworks, standards, regulations, policies and trends, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations

Business Management

- Customer Satisfaction/Client Management

Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs;

- Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy;

- Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests;

- Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.

Business Development

- Knowledge Generation

Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches;

- Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.

2030 Agenda: People

- Gender

Gender-responsive Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

- Secondary Education with specialized certification in accounting and/or Finance;

- University degree in Finance or Accounting is desirable;

- Part-qualified accountants from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage;

- Fully Qualified Accountant, from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy or Full Completion of the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Program (FTCP);

- Candidates with no professional accountancy qualifications, but with degrees that major in accountancy and/or finance must complete UNDP Finance Training and Certification Program (FTCP), if recruited. However, no UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) is required;

- Candidate with no professional accountancy qualifications but with relevant experience must successfully undertake UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) before shortlisting and must complete the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Program (FTCP), if recruited.

Experience

- Minimum of 7 years (with secondary education) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional work experience in administration / accountant area, related to support of project / program activities is required.

Required Skills

- Good computer skills and proficiency in standard computer applications (MS Word, MS Excel, etc.);

Desired Skills

- Experience in Financial and budgeting

- Experience in managing complex data, monitor and analyze budgets;

- Experience in performing a variety of repetitive and routine tasks and duties related to finance;

- Experience in preparing financial reports;

- Experience in applying accounting policies and principles;

- Experience in applying public sector procurement procedures;

- Prior experience and knowledge of UNDP rules and regulations will be an asset;

- Prior experience and knowledge of HACT procedures is an advantage;

- Experience in knowledge management within national institutions environment through sharing of information and personal example is an asset;

- Experience in handling a large volume of work possibly under time constraints is an advantage.

Languages

- Fluency in English and Portuguese is required

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

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