Finance Consultant to support UNDP and NEBE

Background

Organizational Context

Ethiopia’s Sixth General Elections took place in 2021. Polling in most of the country went forward in June 2021, following voter registration between March and May 2021. The second round of polling and a referendum on regional autonomy for five southern zones and one special woreda is expected to take place in September 2021 in areas where security or logistical considerations precluded participation in the earlier process. These processes were hailed as a positive step in Ethiopia’s democratic progression, particularly in light of the ongoing pandemic and heightened tensions and violence in some areas of the country. Despite these challenges, reported turnout was significant, and the processes unfolded in a largely peaceful manner. The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) of Ethiopia was established in 2019 following the appointment of its Chair the previous year.

The organization engaged in a period of institutional reform and growth that took place concurrently with the electoral events described above. UNDP Ethiopia’s “Supporting Elections for Ethiopia’s Democracy Strengthening (SEEDS)” Project was established in 2019 to provide technical and operational assistance to NEBE. The objective of UNDP SEEDS is two-fold: a) assist NEBE to become a more capable, transparent, and ultimately trusted institution; and b) provide the required assistance necessary for undertaking inclusive, transparent, and credible elections.

UNDP SEEDS’ strategic approach also aims at supporting the inclusive participation of all groups, including women, youth, and ethnic groups from all regions in the elections. UNDP Ethiopia is looking for a Finance Consultant to provide technical advice on financial matters of the Project in relation to post-election related activities, including the development of quarterly and annual plans, budget plans and analysis and projections.

Ethiopia’s Sixth General Elections took place in 2021. Polling in most of the country went forward in June 2021, following voter registration between March and May 2021. The second round of polling and a referendum on regional autonomy for five southern zones and one special woreda is expected to take place in September 2021 in areas where security or logistical considerations precluded participation in the earlier process. These processes were hailed as a positive step in Ethiopia’s democratic progression, particularly in light of the ongoing pandemic and heightened tensions and violence in some areas of the country. Despite these challenges, reported turnout was significant, and the processes unfolded in a largely peaceful manner. The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) of Ethiopia was established in 2019 following the appointment of its Chair the previous year.

The organization engaged in a period of institutional reform and growth that took place concurrently with the electoral events described above. UNDP Ethiopia’s “Supporting Elections for Ethiopia’s Democracy Strengthening (SEEDS)” Project was established in 2019 to provide technical and operational assistance to NEBE. The objective of UNDP SEEDS is two-fold: a) assist NEBE to become a more capable, transparent, and ultimately trusted institution; and b) provide the required assistance necessary for undertaking inclusive, transparent, and credible elections.

UNDP SEEDS’ strategic approach also aims at supporting the inclusive participation of all groups, including women, youth, and ethnic groups from all regions, in the elections. UNDP Ethiopia is looking for a Finance Consultant to provide technical advice on financial matters of the Project in relation to post-election related activities, including the development of quarterly and annual plans, budget plans and analysis and projections.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities:

Provides technical advice on the financial operation of the Project’s activities
Provide technical support and input to prepare annual and quarterly work plans and budgets, and special reports as required for financial planning in consultation with the Project Manager.
Developing draft budgets for the Project based on the requirements of NEBE and UNDP.
Undertake monitoring the utilization of the budget and include reports on budget utilization.
Provides inputs to the budget based on research for cost estimates on market prices.
Complete the checklist for project operational and financial closure.
Review the invoices submitted by different contractors to check for completeness of documents.
Monitor the expenditures against contracts and purchase orders under the Project.

Institutional arrangements:

The consultant will work full time, based in Addis Ababa. The consultant will report to the Project Manager. UNDP SEEDS Project shall provide the office space and necessary equipment for the Consultant, which shall be returned to UNDP after completing the assignment.

Competencies

The Consultant should possess the following competencies:

Corporate Competencies
Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN's values and ethical standards; Sensitivity to cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age differences. Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment; ability to exercise sound political judgment;

Functional Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by Modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the project.
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly and without favouritism.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to foster networks and partnerships, and good working knowledge of information and computer technology with extensive web application content development knowledge.
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities. Demonstrated ability to multitask under pressure and to meet strict deadlines, often under hardship conditions.
In-depth understanding of “Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism Crimes Proclamation” and criminal justice administration.
In-depth understanding of the relevant international and regional legal frameworks related to the Proclamation.
Understanding of the Ethiopian legal and judicial system, human rights, and the rule of law context;
Extensive experience in conducting research, producing training modules,s and delivering training;
Good communication and presentation skills;
Good assessment and analytical skills;
Be a team player and have the ability to work/liaise with various counterparts.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

MA Degree in Finance, Business Administration or related discipline or BA Degree in Finance, Business Administration, or related discipline

Technical Experience

Minimum two years of relevant experience in finance experience in programme/project support services (Accounts and Financial management and auditing) in development projects
Knowledge of an ERP system.
Experience using computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.). Experience in handling of web-based management systems.
Ability to plan own work, setting priorities and completing it under pressure or when faced with competing demands
Working experience with UNDP/any UN Agency is an asset
Experience in accounting information systems, auditing and exposure to accounting software and ICT is desired

Language Requirements

Written and spoken English is essential; report writing skills are desirable.