Job description

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.

Office/Unit/Project Description   

UNDP’s country programme in Morocco (2023-2027) is fully aligned with the New Development Model, the Government Programme, the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, the UNDP strategic plan 2022- 2025, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and emphasizes a human-rights-based approach, gender equity and the principle of leaving no one behind. It builds on previous development results and utilizes UNDP country, regional and global institutional capacities, including South-South and triangular cooperation. UNDP in Morocco works in close partnership with the Government and the international community to facilitate the New Development Model’s objectives of structural transformation to a more inclusive, empowered, sustainable and resilient economy and society contributing to broader African prosperity.  

The Finance Unit in the Operations Team supports the Country Office (CO) in Morocco in the promotion of its sustainable development agenda by continuously enhancing CO financial performance, delivering sound management of financial resources, and ensuring strong accountability through informed decision making, effective financial management processes, and transparent financial reporting that complies with international standards and regulatory guidelines. It supports both UNDP and other UN agencies to whom UNDP provides services. 

 Scope of Work 

Under the overall guidance of the Operations Coordinator and the direct supervision of the Finance Analyst, , the Finance Associate will be responsible for the following functions: 

1. Full-Cycle Accounting and Financial Control 

• Processes full-cycle Accounts Payable (AP): Reviews, verifies, and inputs various payment requests into the ERP system (Quantum) including vendor invoices (PO and non-PO) and Implementing Partner requests (FACE forms). Ensures strict adherence to the Internal Control Framework (ICF) and completeness of supporting documentation prior to final approval. 

• Acts as Travel Processor: Reviews and processes Travel Requests (TR) and Travel Claims (TC), ensuring strict verification of travel entitlements and compliance with UNDP rules. 

• Manages UN Agency transactions: Processes payments on behalf of UN Agencies based on approved payment authorizations. Performs cost-recovery activities through the Agency Services Portal (ASP), and actively monitors and reconciles Service Clearing Account (SCA) reports and Agency Unliquidated Obligations (ULOs). 

• Resolves System Exceptions: Takes timely corrective actions on unposted invoices, including invoices with budget check errors, match exceptions, and unapproved invoices. 

• Manages VAT processing and reimbursement: Ensures timely processing, recording, reconciliation, and submission of VAT claims with the relevant tax authorities,  and follows up on VAT reimbursements. 

• Assists in financial closure: Prepares reconciliations of General Ledger accounts and assists as an operational focal point for period-end closures, ensuring all prerequisites are gathered. 

2. Budget Administration and Cost-Recovery 

• Administers budget execution: Assists in the preparation and modification of various operational budgets (institutional, UNDSS, common services) and development project budgets, ensuring entries in Quantum are accurate and compliant with approved Authorized Spending Limits (ASL). 

• Processes the full cost-recovery cycle: Handles billing for services provided to UN agencies ensuring accurate data and timely follow-up on revenue collection. 

3. Treasury, Cash Management, and Cashier Functions 

• Acts as Cashier (as assigned): Manages Petty Cash funds, ensures proper safekeeping of cash/cheques and prepares regular replenishment requests and reconciliations. 

• Ensures timely recording of receipts for income application: Identifies incoming funds (contributions, transfers), creates deposits, and ensures the timely and accurate application of all revenue. 

• Supports Treasury operations: Prepares draft monthly cash flow forecasts, assists in the management of funding "Deals", and supports the bank-to-book (B2B) reconciliation process by analyzing and helping clear outstanding items. 

4. Monitoring, Reporting, and Knowledge Sharing 

• Capacity Building: Assists in organizing training for the operations/projects staff on finance, and implementation of Internal Control Framework (ICF). 

• Contributes to continuous improvement: Assists in mapping finance business processes, drafts internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and synthesizes lessons learned within the finance unit. 

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

5. Institutional Arrangement 

Working under the guidance and supervision of the Finance Analyst , the Finance Associate promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach across grant sub-recipients and stakeholders. He/She provides hands-on technical support to preparation of accelerations plan and capacity transfer in actual implementation of SR work plans, and budgets to ensure proper accountability for results, timely reporting and efficient use of the Global Fund resources.  

In delivering these important functions,  the Finance Associate works in close collaboration with the Operations, Programme, and projects’ staff in the CO and with UNDP HQ and GSSC staff to exchange information and resolve finance-related issues. 

Competencies 

Core 

Achieve Results: 

​​LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by 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 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously​ 

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  

Thematic Area 

Name 

Definition 

Business management 

Results-based management 

Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results 

Risk Management 

Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks 

Monitoring 

Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and financial performance and results 

Resource Managemet 

Ability to allocate and use resources in a strategic or tactical way in line with principles of accountability and integrity 

Operations Management 

Ability to effectively plan, organize, and oversee the Organization’s·business processes in order to convert its assets into the best results in the most efficient  

manner. Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms 

Communication 

Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels 

External relations & advocacy 

Agilemethodologies and practices  

Ability to manage projects and processes through continuous iteration, learning and improvement.  

Ability to manage a self-organising cross-functional teams, foster a team culture of curiosity and learning. Being nimble and being able to improvise and quickly adjust to unforeseen events or changes in conditions or context.  

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA 

Min. Education requirements 

• Secondary education is required.   OR 

• A university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in Finance, Accounting will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.  

• Fully Qualified Accountant, from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy or Full Completion of the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP). No UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) is required.   

• Candidates with no professional accountancy qualifications, but with degrees that major in accountancy and/or finance must complete UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (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 Programme (FTCP), if recruited.  

Min. years of relevant work experience  

• Minimum 7 years (with high school diploma) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible finance and accounting experience at the national or international level is required. 

• Knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS is required. 

Required  skills  

• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheets and web-based management systems such as ERP financials and database packages. 

• Solid experience in the use of ERP system and advanced skills in excel spreadsheet 

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section 

• Demonstrated experience in providing risk mitigation, compliance and financial management advisory services 

• Strong analytical and writing skills and a track record of producing high-quality finance reports and other materials 

• Experience with administration of budgets and/or cost-recovery systems is desired.  

• Experience with cash and treasury management is desirable. 

• Experience with IPSAS and/or IFRS 

• Experience in Finance with UNDP and/or UN agencies, international organizations, such as NGOs, bilateral cooperation, etc. is desirable;