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

The Project Operations & Finance Analyst will play a crucial role in supporting the financial management, operational coordination, and administrative functions of UNDP’s Rule of Law Programme in Pakistan. This programme focuses on strengthening the rule of law and ensuring equitable access to justice and security services, particularly for women and marginalized groups across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Islamabad Capital Territory. The Analyst will assist in budget planning, financial forecasting, expenditure monitoring, risk management, and compliance with UNDP policies and donor requirements. Working closely with programme management and various UNDP teams, the Analyst will help maintain audit-ready records and ensure efficient use of resources to support timely and accountable programme implementation.

Key Responsibilities

- Manage programme financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting: Support preparation and consolidation of budgets and financial plans aligned with programme priorities. Monitor budget utilization, prepare financial forecasts, and advise management on financial implications of decisions.

- Monitor programme expenditure, financial performance, and resource utilization: Track expenditures, commitments, and advances; review transactions for accuracy and compliance; prepare budget-versus-expenditure analyses; and support reconciliation of financial discrepancies.

- Support financial reporting, compliance, audit, and internal controls: Prepare financial information for donor and programme reports, ensure adherence to UNDP and donor financial rules, maintain organized records for audit readiness, and assist with internal and external audits.

- Coordinate programme operational and administrative processes: Oversee day-to-day operational needs, coordinate finance, procurement, HR, travel, and logistics activities, monitor deadlines, and liaise with relevant UNDP offices to facilitate smooth programme delivery.

- Provide financial and operational advice, quality assurance, and management support: Deliver regular financial updates, contribute to workplans and reports, recommend improvements to operational processes, and ensure compliance with evolving policies and procedures.

- Facilitate knowledge building and sharing: Identify training needs, conduct financial management training for staff, provide guidance on audit and compliance matters, and contribute to knowledge networks and best practice sharing.

Required Qualifications

- A professional accounting qualification from an internationally accredited institute and/or an advanced university degree (Master’s) in Finance or Accounting is required. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree plus two additional years of relevant experience will also be considered.

- Candidates without professional accountancy qualifications but with degrees in accountancy or finance must complete the Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP) if recruited.

- Minimum of two years (with Master’s) or four years (with Bachelor’s) of relevant 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.

- Proficiency in preparing financial reports, budget revisions, reconciliations, and management of financial information.

- 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.

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

- Experience supporting donor-funded programmes, especially those funded by the European Union.

- Exposure to audits, financial reviews, spot checks, and assurance exercises.

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

- Experience collaborating with procurement, human resources, travel, logistics, and other operational functions.

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

UNDP is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All candidates are expected to adhere to UNDP’s standards on harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority. Multiple candidates may be selected from this vacancy, and applications may be retained for consideration for similar roles. Applicants are encouraged to use AI responsibly during the recruitment process in line with UNDP guidance.