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 tackle the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change on a global scale. Working with our broad network of experts, host governments and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and 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.

Following the power shift in August 2021, the situation for the country remains largely uncertain and fragile, with approximately seventy percent of the population facing multifaceted vulnerabilities affecting their well-being, human security and long-term development while nearly a third of the population are estimated to be acutely food insecure. Women and girls are increasingly stripped of their rights to education, employment and free participation in public life that will have irrevocable socioeconomic consequences.  Over the recent years, the international humanitarian assistance has played a vital role in averting a socioeconomic collapse by providing lifesaving, resilience-building and livelihoods-sustaining assistance to millions of people, hundreds of critical healthcare and educational centres, and tens of thousands of small and medium enterprises, often owned and managed by women. Nevertheless, the humanitarian challenge in Afghanistan, which is one of the biggest in the world, and basic human needs and priorities remain extremely high. In 2024, 95 percent of the households experienced at least one shock of an economic or natural disaster nature such as floods, droughts and others.

To help tackle the pressing challenges for enduring livelihoods and climate resilience, UNDP is designing fit-for-purpose portfolios of programs to create new livelihoods, income opportunities, basic services and to build resilience against climate-induced natural calamities that continue to haunt millions of households in the country. 

Afghanistan remains one of the most gender-unequal countries in the world, with women facing systemic challenges hindering their access to education and employment opportunities in the public sector and restricting their participation in public life. UNDP remains committed to women's empowerment through capacity-building initiatives, livelihoods and self-employment/ employment support, enhancing gender-responsive decision-making at community level, and supporting local communities to include women, in line with UNSCR 1325 (Women, Peace, and Security).

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. This is a recognition of the interconnected nature of development risks and crises that the world is facing and that calls for assembling of multidisciplinary teams for an integrated and systemic response. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across issues, units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

The Finance unit in the country office is entrusted with ensuring the implementation of operational and financial management strategies and procedures, the effective and accurate financial resources management and oversight and managing an optimal cost-recovery mechanism.  It is also responsible for the proper control of country office accounts and ensuring proper cash management, including liaising with the UNDP Global Shared Services Centre on disbursements, payroll, treasury, and accounting.

Under the overall guidance of the Finance Specialist and supervision of the Finance Analyst (Deputy Head of Finance unit NOB), the Finance Analyst is responsible for effective delivery of financial services, transparent utilization of financial resources and management of the Country Office Common Services . The Finance Analyst analyses and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues related to disbursements. The Finance Analyst promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Finance Analyst may be required to lead the support staff of the Finance Unit. The Finance Officer works in close collaboration with the operations, programme, and project teams in the CO and UNDP HQs staff to resolve complex financial and operational-related issues and information delivery. 

The CO Finance Unit/ Common Services is recruiting a Finance Analyst who will be responsible to:

Ensure administration and implementation of operational and financial management strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, and policies of financial activities financial recording/reporting system and follow-up on audit recommendation; implementation of effective internal controls, and proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system.
• CO Finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance in consultation with office management
• Implementation of cost sharing and trust fund agreements, elaboration of conditions of contributions within the CO resource mobilization efforts. 
• Elaboration of proposals and implementation of cost-saving and reduction strategies in consultations with office management.

Ensure administration of budgets and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Preparation and modifications of budgets for UNDP projects, follow up with HQs on authorized spending limits (ASL) for management projects.
• Establishment of criteria for pro-ration of Agencies’ contributions to the common services account, preparation and modifications of the common services budget and follow up on timely recovery of payments.
•  Implementation of the control mechanism for development projects through monitoring budget preparation and modifications, budgetary status versus ASL, follow-up with HQs on ASL for development projects, and maintenance of General Ledger.
• Presentation of thoroughly researched information for planning of financial resources of the CO, reports containing analysis of the financial situation.
• Timely preparation of cost-recovery bills in Quantum for the services provided by, elaboration and implementation of the income tracking system, and follow-up on cost recovery. 
• Timely cost recovery of UNDP’s services from Development projects and UNDP administrated agencies. This includes: 
• Ensuring timely recovery of the direct enabling services (previously known as direct project cost / DPC) as per the respective Annual Work Plan under the DPC fund code and clearing the exceptions on the system, including conducting annual workload study (WLS) in consultation with Finance Analyst 
• Ensuring timely recovery of UNDP’s common shared services/premises from development projects
• Ensuring timely recovery of UNDP regional office’s costs from development projects;
• Following up with the admin unit and ensure the completeness and effectiveness of UNDP village income report and ensure the timely recovery of these incomes in closely coordinating with the Disbursement team;
• Follow up with the travel, protocol unit, and ensure the effective cost recovery of UNHAS and other flights from Development projects or staff, in closely coordinating with the Disbursement team.
• Coordinating with Disbursement team and ensuring effective and timely cost recovery of fresh cash bank charges from Development projects and sister agencies as appropriate;
• Follow up with relevant departments and ensuring to send the invoice on a timely basis to UN agencies and collection of income from them, including setting up/renewing the local pricing list (LPL).
•  Prepare the status report of cost recovery situation under the guidance of Finance Specialist / Finance Analyst for the purposes of senior management’s necessary decision-making;
• Prepare and monitor the budget of UN2UN agreements with other UN agencies on Quantum and ensure the timely collection of GMS on Quantum.
• Follow up and complete any other Cost recovery based on the requirements of office.

Ensure proper liaison with GSSC on all issues related to finance including Disbursements, Payroll, Treasury, and Accounting focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Review all requests submitted for finalization and submission for approval of senior management, 
•  Liaise with GSSC for voucher creation, responding to any query, 
• Follow up on unreconciled items with GSSC, e.g., B2B issues, AP voucher payment on hold, AP errors, AP pending payment (Paycycle), Cancelation of payments, etc.
• Review and finalization of pay-cycle file
• Review and validate payment methods for payments from the Travel module as appropriate
• Coordinate the payments rejected by the bank, with GSSC and relevant projects.

Provide accounting, finance and administrative support to the CO Finance Unit focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Support to prepare and monitor the CO Institutional Budget, including regular analysis, reporting on the budget approvals, and the delivery/utilization situation
• Verify the supporting documents for payments and reviewing financial reports for NEX projects.
• Maintain the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Quantum. 
• Support the year-end account closure 
• Preparation of Bank transfer for payroll payments and issuing of cheques
• Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, and unapproved vouchers.  
• Provide timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues.
• Support Finance Analyst in analysis of staff Accounts Receivables for UNDP projects and follow-up.
• Coordination and review of accounts closure in accordance with the corporate instruction, including monitoring of the respective dashboards
• Perform other duties in relation to support to the Finance Unit as required.

Ensure proper CO cash management focusing on the achievement of the following results. 

• Ensure timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements.
• Timely identification and recording of receipts for income application.
• Support Finance Analyst in Daily review of UNDP accounts bank statements in Quantum/ to monitor imprest level: identification and recording of contributions.
• Alternate to Finance Analyst as primary contact with local bank management on routine operational matters, including negotiation of exchange rate on local account replenishments. 
• Submission of monthly UN exchange rate report to Treasury  
• Support GSSU in timely and accurate preparation of bank reconciliations.
• Support Finance Analyst (preparation of monthly cash flow forecast and any cash-related reporting for use by UN cash arrangement and/or other management purposes.  

Facilitate knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Organization of training for the operations/Programme/projects staff on financial management.
• Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in financial management.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization. 

Competencies

Core competencies:

• Achieve Results: Level 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
• Learn Continuously: Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
• Act with Determination: Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner: Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction & Strategy     

• Business Acumen. Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome Ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization

Business Management    

• Communication. Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
• Customer Satisfaction/Client Management. Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategic. Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. --Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.

Finance    

• Financial Planning and Budgeting. Ability to create and manage processes to achieve UNDP's long and short-term financial goals, including through planning, budgeting, forecasting, analyzing and reporting
• Budget management    Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets
• Management and cost accounting. Ability to produce periodic qualitative and quantitative performance reports to facilitate effective decision making and performance monitoring. Ability to use a range of costing techniques and analyze cost related data to provide quantitative information to the users of reports.
• Accounting (General). Knowledge of accounting concepts, principles, frameworks, standards, regulations, policies and trends, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations

Education:

• A professional accounting qualification from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy, and/or Advanced (Master’s) University Degree in Finance and/or Accounting is required. Or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Candidates with professional accounting qualifications from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.
• Candidates with no professional accountancy qualifications, but with degrees that major in accountancy and/orfinance must complete the Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), if recruited.
• Candidates satisfying the two above criteria are exempted from undertaking the UNDP Advanced Accountancyand Finance Test (AAFT).
• Candidates with MBA or masters in finance with no accountancy qualification but with relevant experiencemust successfully undertake the UNDP Advanced Accountancy and Finance Test (AAFT) to be eligible forshortlisting.

Experience:

• Applicants with Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience.
• Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two(2) years of relevant professional experience in providing management advisory services in the area of Finance. 
• Demonstrated understanding of the UN environment, and the Finance and Accounting policies of UN and UNDP, is desired.
• Proven track record on Financial Management of Public entities, management of budgeting processes is desired. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of and application of IPSAS and/or IFRS and/or Quantum  is desired. 
•  Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages; experience in the use of web-based management systems is an asset.
• Experience working with UNDP, other UN entities, donor organizations or development organizations is an asset. 
• Experience in handling of web-based management systems and ERP systems for financial management is desired. 

Required languages:

• Fluency in English and Dari or Pashtu is required. 

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 Analyst - UNDP Careers

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders) 

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

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