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

The Rule of Law Programme under UNDP in Pakistan seeks a Project Operations & Finance Analyst to provide essential financial management, operational coordination, and administrative support. This role supports the effective implementation of the Programme, which focuses on strengthening justice and security services across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Islamabad Capital Territory, with particular attention to women and marginalized groups. The Analyst will ensure sound budget planning, financial monitoring, forecasting, expenditure review, and compliance with UNDP policies and donor requirements. Working closely with programme management and relevant UNDP teams, the Analyst will help maintain audit-ready records and facilitate smooth operational processes to enhance programme delivery.

Key Responsibilities

- Manage programme financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting: Support preparation, review, and consolidation of budgets and financial plans aligned with programme priorities. Prepare financial forecasts and cash-flow projections, monitor budget utilization, and identify funding gaps or variances. Assist with budget revisions and provide financial advice linked to programme decisions.

- Monitor programme expenditure and financial performance: Track expenditures, commitments, and advances regularly. Review financial transactions for accuracy and compliance. Prepare budget-versus-expenditure analyses, monitor delivery rates, and support reconciliation of financial discrepancies in coordination with UNDP colleagues.

- Support financial reporting, compliance, audit, and internal controls: Prepare financial information for donor and programme reporting. Ensure compliance with UNDP and donor financial rules. Maintain organized records to facilitate audits and assurance exercises. Assist in identifying and mitigating financial risks and advise team members on financial procedures.

- Coordinate programme operational and administrative processes: Manage day-to-day operational needs, including finance, procurement, contracting, human resources, travel, and logistics. Maintain oversight of key operational deadlines and resolve bottlenecks. Support administrative processes related to personnel, consultants, missions, and events, liaising with relevant UNDP functions.

- Provide financial and operational advice and quality assurance: Deliver regular updates and analyses to programme management. Support preparation of workplans, reviews, and donor discussions. Recommend improvements to operational processes and ensure quality assurance of financial documentation. Stay updated on UNDP policies and contribute to a collaborative working environment.

- Facilitate knowledge building and financial guidance: Identify training needs and organize capacity development sessions on financial management and compliance. Provide ongoing technical advice on audit and internal control frameworks. Share lessons learned and contribute to knowledge networks.

Required Qualifications

- A professional accounting qualification from an internationally accredited institute and/or an advanced (Master’s) degree in Finance or Accounting is required. 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 or project financial management, including budget planning, expenditure monitoring, forecasting, and financial analysis.

- Experience preparing financial reports, budget revisions, reconciliations, and managing financial information.

- Fluency in English and Urdu is required.

Preferred Qualifications and Additional Experience

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

- Familiarity with financial rules, internal controls, audit requirements, and risk management procedures.

- Experience supporting donor-funded programmes, particularly European Union-funded projects.

- Experience with audits, financial reviews, and assurance exercises.

- Proficiency in enterprise resource planning and financial management systems such as UNDP Quantum or comparable ERP systems.

- Ability to coordinate with procurement, human resources, travel, logistics, and other operational functions.

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

UNDP is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. The organization maintains a strict policy against harassment and abuse of authority. Candidates are encouraged to apply based on merit and suitability. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates and retain applications for similar roles. Applicants are advised to use AI responsibly during the recruitment process.