Finance and Procurement Analyst

While graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status is a testament to Bangladesh’s developmental progress, it will bring various challenges, requiring adroit policy responses to manage the transition and prepare, especially for the loss of LDC-specific trade preferences. If Bangladesh can successfully navigate and mitigate any adverse implications for its export trade following its graduation from the LDC status, the transition should not precipitate major economic consequences, but will rather represent a natural progression in economic development. However, to navigate the transition effectively, Bangladesh must adopt a dual approach: securing extended LDC-type trade preferences as a transitional buffer and bolstering export competitiveness. 

The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) will play a crucial role in the post-LDC scenario, despite facing limited resources—encompassing human, financial, and technical capacities—and programmatic support. The IP Transformative Economic Policy Programme (TEPP) – II project, funded by the UK government, aims to bridge these gaps, aligning closely with national priorities for a smooth LDC graduation, particularly on Bangladesh’s trade policy and trade negotiation skills, inter-ministerial coordination on compliance issues, private sector’s competitiveness, and evidence-based policy initiatives.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will also play a crucial role in supporting ongoing growth and economic development and reaping potential benefits from the LDC graduation. In an evolving context, Bangladesh will need to improve investment facilitation, retention, and aftercare services to attract more FDI. This project, through the Research and Analytics Unit (RAU), anchored in the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) of the Prime Minister’s Office will also support evidence-based policy reforms for improved investment climate in Bangladesh. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the incumbent will perform the above-mentioned activities and the Project Manager will be responsible for the service evaluation of the Finance and Procurement Analyst. 

The Finance and Procurement Analyst will work under the supervision of the Project Manager. S/he will perform the below duties:

Financial Management and Monitoring

• Prepare and maintain financial records, including budgeting, expenditure tracking, and cash flow management.
• Monitor the project’s financial performance and report on variances to ensure alignment with approved budgets.
• Assist in the preparation of annual and quarterly financial reports, ensuring that all necessary documentation and evidence are in place for auditing purposes.
• Ensure all financial transactions are properly recorded and compliant with UNDP regulations.

Accounting and Reporting

• Ensure timely and accurate processing of all financial transactions, including requisitions, purchase orders, and payment requests.
• Prepare financial statements and reports for management and donor review, ensuring compliance with UNDP guidelines and donor requirements.
• Conduct financial analysis and provide recommendations to optimize resource utilization and ensure the cost-effectiveness of project activities.

Internal Controls and Audit

• Assist in the preparation and coordination of internal and external audits related to financial management.
• Implement and maintain internal controls to prevent fraud, waste, and mismanagement of project resources.
• Ensure that all financial records and documents are properly stored and easily accessible for audit and review.

Procurement Planning and Process Management 

• Support the development of procurement plans in line with project needs and in accordance with UNDP procurement guidelines.
• Prepare procurement documents, including e-requisitions for contracts for goods and services.

Payment Management, Procurement reporting and Compliance

• Ensure that payments are made according to the terms of the contract.
• Ensure that the procurement documentation is maintained, updated, and accessible for audit and review.
• Assist in preparing procurement reports and documentation as required for project management, audits, and donor reviews.

Capacity Building

• Provide financial management training and capacity-building support to project team members to ensure proper understanding of financial procedures and reporting requirements.
• Actively contribute to the strengthening of financial management systems and processes for improved project implementation.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• A professional accounting qualification from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy, and/or Advanced (Master´s) University Degree in Finance and/or Accounting is required.  Or a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Candidates with professional accounting qualifications from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.
• Candidates with no professional accountancy qualifications, but with degrees that major in accountancy and/or finance must complete the Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), if recruited.
• Candidates satisfying the two above criteria are exempted from undertaking the UNDP Advanced Accountancy and Finance Test (AAFT).
• Candidates with MBA or master’s in finance with no accountancy qualification but with relevant experience must successfully undertake the UNDP Advanced Accountancy and Finance Test (AAFT) to be eligible for shortlisting.

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years (with master´s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor´s degree) of relevant experience in finance and procurement management services.
• Professional experience in accounting is required.
• Experience with procurement processes, tendering, and contract management is required.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in accounting software and financial modelling.
• Experience working in the UN system or International NGOs in Finance and Procurement.
• Experience in handling web-based management systems and knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
• Experience working in UN bilateral projects with a multi-donor approach and familiarity working with GoB.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

Required Languages

• Fluency in English and Bangla is required.

Source: https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/22472