Project Assistant - Finance and Admin [3 Positions: Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachari] (Open to all applicants)

Background

With a total gross domestic product (GDP) of over USD 430 billion, Bangladesh is the second-largest economy in South Asia. Between 2000 and 2019, Bangladesh’s economy registered high GDP growth, averaging around 6% per annum. During this period, there were several notable improvements across different socioeconomic indicators, putting the country on track for a formal graduation from the group of least developed countries (LDCs) in 2026. Bangladesh’s score on the human development index (HDI) increased from 0.49 in 2000 to 0.68, placing it among countries categorized as medium human development. The national poverty rate fell from over 48% in 2000 to less than 19% in 2022. 

Despite the progress, Bangladesh faces several development challenges, and with the current trend, the country is unlikely to meet several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Even before the political crisis in 2024, Bangladesh was grappling with double-digit inflation. According to the latest estimate, GDP is expected to grow by 3.7% in 2025, much slower than the GDP growth in the past. Without an uptick in private investment, the economy cannot diversify, a necessary condition for creating decent jobs. With low social spending and weak capacities, the government is constrained from providing quality services to the people. Bangladesh is also one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change and is prone to natural hazards, including climate-induced disasters.   

As the UN’s development agency, UNDP has been in Bangladesh since 1972, promoting democratic governance, climate adaptation, environmental protection and inclusive growth and, helping the country to achieve equitable and sustainable development. UNDP has been a close partner of Bangladesh in co-designing policy solutions, building national capacities, and promoting innovations to help meet its developmental aspirations.   

The Ecosystems Restoration and Resilient Development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (ERRD-CHT) Project aims to bring transformative changes through four thematic areas. These changes will improve the ability of local people to cope with environmental challenges, enhance development, and strengthen governance structures that directly affect their lives and livelihoods. The project aligns with the Government of Bangladesh’s (GoB) long-term plans outlined in the SDGs and national development plans. It focuses on empowering local communities to access better, inclusive economic opportunities, resilient livelihoods, and essential ecosystem services. The project also aims to improve local people’s capacity to manage their environment, ecosystems, habitats, and biodiversity. A key part of the project involves actively engaging women, girls, marginalized groups, and youth in sustainable livelihoods, small businesses, and ecosystem conservation efforts. The project sustains ecosystems, protects biodiversity, and promotes resilient development by encouraging skills and entrepreneurship suited to the hill environment and nature. Increased civic participation and improved interactions between communities and institutions contribute to the creation of responsive, participatory, and inclusive governance. This improves socio-economic conditions and natural resource management, increases awareness about conservation, and broadens participatory decision-making processes to include more people.

The project also strengthens the relationship between public services and local communities by enhancing the capacity of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) institutions and leaders to effectively address local priorities. It contributes to a stronger and more reliable governance framework by ensuring accountability and legitimacy in participatory management and biodiversity conservation. Additionally, the ERRD-CHT Project supports the implementation of the CHT Peace Accord, reinforcing national consensus and aligning with the goals outlined in the various GoB development plans and priorities.

The main objective of the ERRD-CHT project is to “enhance climate-adaptive livelihoods, civic engagement, and the empowerment of women, girls, and youth through gender-responsive institutions and resilient ecosystems for inclusive prosperity in the Chittagong Hill Tracts,” which will be achieved through the following four outputs:

Outputs:

• Output 1: Improved ecosystems and watershed management through the development of climate-resilient communities and institutions.
• Output 2: Enhanced civic participation and community stability through CHT institutions.
• Output 3: Empowered women and girls through inclusive education, GBV prevention, and enhanced livelihood skills.
• Output 4: Strengthened youth capacities through skill-building and employment opportunities.

The project will be implemented in all 121 unions of 26 upazilas in the three hill districts of Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Bandarban. In the CHT, nearly 100,000 rural and urban households, comprising 450,000 beneficiaries (70% tribal and 30% Bengali), will directly benefit from the project. Of these, 20% are youth and 1% are persons with disabilities. It will include the extreme urban and rural poor and vulnerable groups, including women and youth.

Duties and Responsibilities

She/he will have the following specific duties and responsibilities:

Financial Management:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records of project expenditures in compliance with UNDP and Hill District Council (HDC)/GoB financial policies and procedures.
• Review vouchers, ledgers, and other supporting documents for all financial transactions.
• Prepare periodic financial reports and ensure timely submission to UNDP/GoB.
• Support the preparation of fund requests, advance settlements, and liquidation of expenditures in accordance with approved budgets.
• Reconcile project accounts and ensure accuracy between financial records and bank statements.
• Support budget monitoring and highlight any variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
• Ensure timely and accurate deduction and deposition of VAT and Tax in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Ensure proper documentation, filing, and safe custody of all financial records for audit and verification purposes.

Administrative Management:

• Support management of day-to-day administrative operations of the project office, including office maintenance, utilities, and supplies.
• Maintain inventory records of office equipment, furniture, and other assets; ensure regular updates and tagging as per UNDP/HDC/GoB policy.

Human Resources Management:

• Support the recruitment process of project personnel at HDC level in line with HDC/GoB HR policies.
• Support to maintain personnel files, leave records, and attendance registers of project staff.
• Assist in processing staff contracts, renewals, and payments in coordination with the HR focal point.
• Support payroll preparation, ensuring accuracy of timesheets, attendance, and deductions.
• Facilitate orientation of project staff and maintain HR-related documentation for audit compliance.

Procurement:

• Support procurement of goods and services in accordance with Public Procurement Act and Public Procurement Rules.
• Review request for quotations (RFQs), comparative statements, and purchase orders in coordination with the project procurment focal point.
• Ensure transparent and competitive procurement processes with proper documentation and approval.
• Maintain a proper tracking system for procurement activities and contract management.
• Oversee the timely delivery, inspection, and handover of procured goods and services to the project.

Compliance, Reporting, and Coordination:

• Ensure compliance with UNDP/HDC/GoB’s financial, procurement, HR, and administrative rules and regulations at the HDC level.
• Support internal and external audits by providing all required documentation and clarifications.
• Liaise with the Project Finance and Admin focal on administrative and financial matters as required.
• Assist in preparing financial and administrative reports, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and timely submission.
• Support management in implementing audit recommendations and compliance observations.

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

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Assistant -Finance and Admin will report administratively to the District Project Implementation Analyst and technically to the Finance and Procurement Analyst. S/he will work under the overall guidance of the Project Manager and in close coordination with other team members of the project at both HDC and Project levels.

The incumbent will be responsible for providing day-to-day operational, administrative, financial, and procurement support to ensure smooth project implementation and compliance with UNDP and HDC/ GoB rules and procedures. S/he will assist in ensuring accuracy, transparency, and accountability in all operational and financial transactions at the HDC level.

Competencies

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary education is required. Or,
• University degree (Bachelor’s degree) in Finance or Accounting or Business administration or a related discipline will be given due consideration but it’s not a requirement.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years (with Secondary education) or 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in finance, administration, asset management and/or programme support service;

Required SKills:

• Minimum 2 years working experience in related to Project Finance and Administrative management.
• Proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).

Desired Skills:

• Proven experience with preparing budget/managing events.
• Experience working in dynamic environments.
• Experience of working with international development organization; including knowledge of its practices and procedures.
• Proven experience of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems.
• Prior experience of accounting principles, financial reporting, and budget monitoring.
• Proven Experience Working with Project Operations related tasks.
• Proven Experience of using Public Procurement Act and Public Procurement Rules

Language:

• Fluency in speaking, writing and reading both in English and Bangla is required.
• Working knowledge in any of the CHT languages or Chittagonian dialect will be added advantage.

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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