About United Nations Development Programme

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories. 

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the 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. Under the broader framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in close coordination with other UN agencies, UNDP is supporting the Afghan people’s aspiration for peace, prosperity, and sustainability. UNDP is currently implementing its flagship crisis response programme, ABADEI (Area Based Approach to Development Emergency Initiatives), as part of the ongoing UN-led response to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and the breakdown of Afghanistan’s economy following the August 2021 shift in power. 

Job Description: Finance and Administrative Associate

Job Summary

The Policy, Innovation and Knowledge Unit undertakes research and policy analysis to inform the strategic direction of the country office and its programs. The Finance and Administrative Associate will support the Unit with all finance and administration-related activities, ensuring effective management of financial, administrative, and operational systems under the guidance of the Head of Unit.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Financial Management

• Ensure effective management of all financial systems of the Unit, including financial planning, monitoring, and reporting.
• Liaise with contracted parties (individual consultants, firms, other UN agencies) regarding tasks, payments, and deliverables.

2. Administrative Support

• Oversee program and project budget management, ensuring compliance with UNDP rules and regulations.
• Prepare business analysis/accounts, monitor project delivery status, and manage expenditure.

3. Project Work Planning

• Track tasks in the Unit’s Annual Work Plan (AWP), including financial monitoring, and lead periodic revisions of the AWP.

4. Coordination of Knowledge Production

• Manage financial, administrative, and logistical arrangements for Unit events, including consultation meetings and launches of Knowledge Products (KPs).

5. Documentation Oversight

• Ensure proper documentation of contracts, proposals, and other relevant sales materials.

6. Collaboration with Other Units

• Liaise closely with the Country Office’s Programme Management Support Unit (PMSU), Procurement Unit, and Finance Unit.
• Support the production of quarterly reports and provide timely information on financial progress.

7. Event and Mission Planning

• Assist in the logistical production of KPs, ensuring timely contracting of necessary services.

8. Administrative Operations

• Ensure the smooth operation of all administrative and financial systems on a day-to-day basis.

9. General Support

• Provide support to the Head of Unit and technical staff on various tasks as required.

Institutional Arrangement

Under the guidance of the Specialist and Head of the Policy, Innovation and Knowledge Unit, the Finance and Administrative Associate will work closely with the Unit’s UNV Administrative Assistant and support the work of other members of the Unit as needed.

Competencies

Core Competencies

• Achieve Results: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to detail, delivers quality work by deadline.
• Think Innovatively: Open to creative ideas, pragmatic problem solver.
• Learn Continuously: Open-minded, curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes.
• Adapt with Agility: Adapts to change and handles ambiguity constructively.
• Act with Determination: Shows drive and motivation, delivers calmly in adversity.
• Engage and Partner: Demonstrates compassion, forms positive relationships.
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Appreciates differences, confronts discrimination.

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies

• Business Management - Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources to achieve specific goals.
• Business Management - Customer Satisfaction/Client Management: Responds timely to client needs, provides consistent solutions.
• Finance - Budget Management: Supports budgetary aspects of work planning and management.
• Procurement - Contract Management: Knowledge of contract management principles and methods.
• Administration and Operations: Overall document management and registry.
• Finance - Financial Planning and Budgeting: Creates and manages processes to achieve financial goals.

Job Requirements

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.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience in financial management, including planning, monitoring, and reporting.
• Experience in project administration, logistics, and event management.

Desired Skills

• Experience in UNDP project work planning and revisions.
• A university degree in Finance, Accountancy, or Business Studies is advantageous.
• Familiarity with thematic areas such as poverty alleviation and economic growth is a plus.
• Prior UN/UNDP experience is an added advantage.

Languages

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

Equal Opportunity Statement

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role.

Submission Guidelines

Interested applicants can apply by clicking the link below or by copying and pasting the link into their browsers to access the application for the post:

Finance and Administrative Associate - UNDP Careers