Project Operations and Finance Analyst (Open to Internal and External Applicants)

The UNDP Rule of Law Programme in Pakistan is seeking a Finance and Operations Analyst to provide financial management, operational coordination, and administrative support for effective programme implementation. The role focuses on supporting budget planning, financial analysis, forecasting, expenditure monitoring, risk management, internal controls, and compliance with UNDP policies and donor requirements. The Analyst will work closely with programme management and relevant UNDP teams to ensure resources are utilized efficiently, financial records are audit-ready, and operational processes run smoothly. This position contributes to strengthening justice and security services across Pakistan, with a focus on women and marginalized groups, in line with government reforms and UNDP’s strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

- Manage programme financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting: Support preparation, review, and consolidation of budgets, annual workplans, and financial plans. Prepare financial forecasts and cash-flow projections, monitor budget utilization, identify funding gaps or variances, and assist with budget revisions and reallocations.

- Monitor programme expenditure, financial performance, and resource utilization: Track expenditures, commitments, and balances regularly. Review financial transactions for accuracy and compliance. Prepare budget-versus-expenditure analyses, monitor delivery rates, support reconciliation of discrepancies, and maintain financial information for reporting and audits.

- Support financial reporting, compliance, audit, and internal controls: Prepare financial data and schedules for donor and programme reporting. Ensure compliance with UNDP and donor financial rules. Maintain organized records for accountability and audit readiness. Assist with internal and external audits, risk identification, and mitigation measures.

- Coordinate programme operational and administrative processes: Oversee day-to-day operational requirements, including finance, procurement, contracting, human resources, travel, and logistics. Maintain an overview of operational deadlines, support budget checks and financial clearances, and liaise with UNDP Country Office functions to facilitate timely programme delivery.

- Provide financial and operational advice, quality assurance, and management support: Deliver regular financial updates and analyses to management. Support preparation of workplans, reviews, donor discussions, and progress reports. Recommend improvements to operational processes and ensure compliance with updated policies and procedures.

- Facilitate knowledge building and sharing: Identify training needs and organize capacity development sessions on financial management, compliance, and audit matters. Share lessons learned and contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Required Qualifications

- A professional accounting qualification from an internationally accredited institute, and/or an advanced (Master’s) degree in Finance or Accounting. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be considered.

- Candidates with professional accounting qualifications have a distinct advantage. Those without such qualifications but with degrees in accountancy or finance must complete the Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP) if recruited.

- Minimum of two years (with a Master’s degree) or four years (with a Bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional experience in financial management, programme operations, budgeting, or related fields.

- Demonstrated experience in programme/project financial management, including budget planning, expenditure monitoring, forecasting, and financial analysis.

- Fluency in English and Urdu is required.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

- Experience in programme or project operations and administration, including coordination of operational processes and compliance.

- Knowledge of financial rules, internal controls, audit requirements, and risk management procedures.

- Experience supporting donor-funded programmes, particularly with European Union funding.

- Familiarity with enterprise resource planning and financial management systems such as UNDP Quantum or comparable ERP platforms.

- Previous work experience with UNDP, other UN agencies, or international development organizations is highly desirable.

UNDP is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority. Selected candidates will undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to UNDP’s ethical standards. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates and to consider applications for similar positions.

Applicants are encouraged to use AI responsibly in the recruitment process, following UNDP guidelines. UNDP does not charge any fees during recruitment. For more information on data privacy and recruitment integrity, candidates should refer to UNDP’s official statements and resources.