Project Admin and Finance Associate Verified listing

The Admin and Finance Associate works under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and guidance from the Democratic Governance Unit UNDP. He/she will be based in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Financial Management, Planning, and Budgeting

• Manage the overall financial and administrative management of the Project, ensuring compliance with UNDP policies, donor agreements, and national regulations.
• Maintain a complete set of books of accounts according to international accounting principles, ensuring daily updates and accuracy of supporting documentation.
• Provide financial analysis and advice to the Project Manager and senior management to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Monitor and reconcile project accounts, advances, and expenditures; ensure timely liquidation of advances and recommend corrective actions where necessary.
• Prepare and certify all financial transactions, including vouchers, payments, and payroll, ensuring accuracy and adherence to financial controls.
• Provide support and input for the development of annual and quarterly work plans and budgets, aligning resources with project priorities.
• Verify and certify the Combined Delivery Report (CDR) and provide financial clearance for project expenditures.
• Take part in the preparation and facilitation of annual audit exercises, prepare audit responses and follow-up action plans, and ensure timely implementation of recommendations.
• Develop and maintain monthly shadow budgets and expenditure forecasts to track project delivery and proactively flag risks or funding gaps.
• Advise on financial risk management strategies, including cost-saving measures, and ensure value-for-money in all project expenditures.

Operations, Contract Management, and Audit

• Coordinate operations, procurement, HR, and administrative functions, ensuring effective service delivery and compliance.
• Develop, manage, and monitor contracts with implementing partners (governmental, non-governmental, and community-based organizations) and service providers, ensuring timely delivery of results.
• Ensure compliance with corporate and donor guidelines on procurement, human resources, sub-contracts, and financial management.
• Take part in annual procurement and human resources plans in coordination with the Project team and ensure effective implementation.
• Oversee the specification, procurement, and contracting processes for goods and services, ensuring competitive, transparent, and compliant procedures.
• Manage and oversee asset and inventory control systems; ensure proper utilization, maintenance, and timely disposal of project assets.
• Ensure annual physical verification of equipment and timely submission of verification reports.
• Provide operational assistance during audits, donor reviews, and external evaluations; ensure timely submission of required documentation.
• Ensure high-quality reporting and documentation for project operations, including procurement and contract management reports.

Leadership, Compliance, and Advisory Support

• Serve as the primary focal point for financial and operational matters with UNDP Country Office, donors, and government counterparts.
• Ensure effective internal control systems are in place to safeguard resources and prevent fraud or mismanagement.
• Monitor compliance with donor agreements, project cooperation agreements, and corporate policies, advising management on risks and mitigation strategies.
• Provide policy and procedural advice to the Project Manager and team to ensure alignment with UNDP operational and financial guidelines.
• Support the Project Manager in donor reporting, ensuring that financial data is consistent, accurate, and aligned with programmatic achievements.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing by documenting lessons learned in project operations, finance, and administration, and disseminating best practices.
  The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Education:

• Secondary Education with specialized certification in accounting and/or Finance. University degree in Finance or Accounting desirable. Part-qualified accountants from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.  (The degree must state that the major is in accounting or finance. Degrees in Business Administration or Public Administration are not considered equivalent.)”
• 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.
• CIPS level 3 is highly desirable for this position and candidates holding this level at the time of application will have a distinct advantage. If the desired certification is not available at the time of recruitment, it should be obtained within one year of recruitment. Candidates holding a CIPS certification at any level below at the time of application will have a proportionate advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years (with secondary education) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of demonstrated related experience in UN or in similar development projects or international organizations.

Required Skills:

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

Desired Skills:

• Experience in financial accounting, including auditing and reporting, as well as exposure to administration of projects.
• Demonstrated experience in financial planning, budgeting, managing procurement contracts, and inventory.
• Experience of working with UN System or international organizations.
• Experience of working with donors/ international development
  partners and government operational processes and procedures.

Required Languages:

• Fluency in Urdu and English is required.