Finance and Administrative Associate

Background

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to tackle the injustices of poverty, inequality, and climate change on a global scale. Working with our broad network of experts, host governments and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. UNDP has been working in Afghanistan for more than 50 years on climate change and resilience, gender, governance, health, livelihoods, and rule of law. 

Following the power shift in August 2021, the situation for the country remains uncertain and fragile, with approximately seventy percent of the population facing multifaceted vulnerabilities affecting their well-being, human security and long-term development while nearly a third of the population are estimated to be acutely food insecure. Over recent years, international assistance has played a vital role in averting a socioeconomic collapse by providing lifesaving, resilience-building and livelihoods-sustaining assistance to millions of people, hundreds of critical healthcare and educational centres, and tens of thousands of small and medium enterprises, often owned and managed by women. Nevertheless, the humanitarian challenge in Afghanistan is one of the biggest in the world, and basic human needs and priorities remain extremely high. In 2024, 95 percent of households experienced at least one shock of an economic or natural disaster nature such as floods, droughts and others. 

To help tackle the pressing challenges for enduring livelihoods and climate resilience, UNDP is designing fit-for-purpose portfolios of programs to create new livelihoods, income opportunities, basic services and to build resilience against climate-induced natural calamities that continue to haunt millions of households in the country. 

Afghanistan remains one of the most gender-unequal countries in the world, with women facing systemic challenges hindering their access to education and employment opportunities in the public sector and restricting their participation in public life. UNDP remains committed to women's empowerment through capacity-building initiatives, livelihoods and self-employment/employment support, enhancing gender-responsive decision-making at community level, and supporting local communities to include women, in line with UNSCR 1325 (Women, Peace, and Security).

The Policy, Innovation and Knowledge Unit undertakes research and policy analysis to inform the strategic direction of the country office and its programmes. The unit tracks socioeconomic trends and undertakes thematic and policy-related research and analysis in the country, in order to produce a range of Knowledge Products (KPs). These include annual socioeconomic review reports, policy briefs, thematic research reports and innovative analytical tools and resources. The unit also supports the production of KPs from other units, works closely with the Regional Bureau and headquarters on strategic policy issues, and leads economic policy dialogue with UN and development partners through co-chairing the Economic Stabilization Strategic Thematic Working Group (ES STWG), under the Afghanistan Coordination Group (ACG). The unit closely supports the Resident Representative and senior management in their policy engagement with UNAMA and UN partners on key UN priorities. The work of the unit lies at the heart of policy and programme innovation and development in the country office and is closely aligned with other UN agencies and development partners to link, learn, adapt and innovate, to make best use of the combined resources available.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensure effective management of all of the Unit’s financial, administrative and operational systems.

• Assume responsibility for all aspects of the Unit’s financial, administrative and operational systems, under the overall supervision of the Head of Unit.
• Liaise with contracted parties (individual consultants and firms, other UN agencies) on the completion for tasks, payments and deliverables.
• Ensure financial and administrative systems run smoothly and efficiently, anticipate and problem solve issues, liaise closely with the administrative and financial management sections of the Country Office and escalate issues to the Head of Unit were necessary.
• Prepare and progress procurement cases under the project’s annual workplan. Monitor procurement progress, problem solve and escalate to the Head of Unit as appropriate.
• Oversee program and project budget management and ensure the compliance of financial activities, financial recording/reporting and audit follow up as per UNDP rules and regulations.
• Prepare business analysis/accounts and monitor for the project’s delivery status and the expenditure management for project.

Lead the Unit’s project work planning, implementation, monitoring, and financial reporting.

• Assume responsibility for tracking tasks in the Unit’s Annual Work Plan (AWP), including financial monitoring, and lead on the periodic revision of the 2025 AWP, and drafting of 2026 AWP as required.
• Liaise closely with the Country Office’s Programme Management Support Unit (PMSU), Procurement Unit and Finance Unit and represent the Unit is Country Office meetings, as required by the Head of Unit.
• Maintain up to date financial monitoring of Unit activities.
• Assume responsibility for initiating payments to contracted parties as required, in close coordination with the administrative assistant.
• Ensure the smooth operation of all of the administrative and financial systems of the Unit on a day-to-day basis.
• Provide timely information on financial progress and administration for the Unit’s quarterly reports, and support the report production process as required.

Coordination and support for Knowledge Production, event and mission planning.

• Under the direction of the Head of Unit, assume responsibility for the financial, administrative and logistical arrangements for all Unit events, including but not limited to consultation meetings, field visits, and the launch of the Unit’s Knowledge Products (KPs).
• Ensure event and mission planning is sufficiently well provisioned in the AWP, and work closely with the Procurement and Finance Units on the timely procurement and payment of contracted parties.
• Lead on the logistical production of KPs, including ensuring timely contracting of copy editing, designing and printing services.
• Work closely with the Unit’s Administrative Assistant to ensure the smooth operation of all administrative, logistical, security and operational tasks. 

Ensure the overall effective financial and administrative functioning of the Unit.

• Under the direction of the Head of Unit, ensure all Unit financial and administrative processes function effectively, to enable the delivery of quality Knowledge Products.
• Provide support to the Head of Unit and PIKU technical staff on any tasks as required. 

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

Institutional Arrangement

Under the guidance of the Specialist and Head of the Policy, Innovation and Knowledge Unit, the Finance and Administrative Associate will support the Unit with all finance and administration related activities. The Associate will work closely with the Unit’s UNV Administrative Assistant and will agree tasks under the direction of the Head of Unit. The Associate will also support the work of other members of the Unit, as required. 

Competencies

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies)

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary education is required.
• A university degree(Bachelor’s degree) in Finance, Accountancy, or Business Studies will begiven 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) 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.
• Candidates 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

Experience:

• A minimum of 6 years (with high school diploma) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively relevant experience, in financial management or administration at the national and/or international level is required.

Required Skills:

• Experience in the use of Office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Power Point) is required.
• Demonstrable experience in financial management, including financial planning and processing, financial monitoring and financial reporting is required.
• Demonstrable experience in project administration including office procedures, logistics, meeting arrangements and event management, project implementation support is required. 

Desired skills:

• Experience in UNDP project work planning and work planning revisions would be an advantage.
• A university degree in Finance, Accountancy or Business Studies will be an advantage. 
• Experience in compiling project reports, including quarterly financial reporting, would be an advantage.
• Experience in the thematic areas such as poverty alleviation, economic growth, public policy would be an advantage. 
• Prior UN/ UNDP experience and familiarity with its policies and procedures, particularly in the applicable job area, is an added advantage.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in Dari and/ or Pashto 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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