Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

  • Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
  • Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
  • Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
  • Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

With a total gross domestic product (GDP) of over USD 450 billion, Bangladesh is the second-largest economy in South Asia. Between 2000 and 2019, Bangladesh’s economy registered high GDP growth, averaging around 6% per annum. During this period, there were several notable improvements across different socioeconomic indicators, putting the country on track for a formal graduation from the group of least developed countries (LDCs) in 2026. Bangladesh’s score on the human development index (HDI) increased from 0.49 in 2000 to 0.68, placing it among countries categorized as medium human development. The national poverty rate fell from over 48% in 2000 to less than 19% in 2022.

Despite the progress, Bangladesh faces several development challenges, and with the current trend, the country is unlikely to meet several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Bangladesh has been grappling with high inflation. GDP growth is slowing down, and according to the latest estimates, GDP grew by 3.5% in 2025.  Without an uptick in private investment, the economy cannot diversify, a necessary condition for creating decent jobs. With low social spending and weak capacities, the government is constrained from providing quality services to the people. Moreover, Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change and prone to natural hazards, including climate-induced disasters. 

As the UN’s development agency, UNDP has been in Bangladesh since 1972, promoting democratic governance, climate adaptation, environmental protection and inclusive growth, and helping the country to achieve equitable and sustainable development. UNDP has been a close partner of Bangladesh in co-designing policy solutions, building national capacities, and promoting innovations to help meet its developmental aspirations.  This entails high-quality policy and technical advice, implementation support, helping Bangladesh to mobilize development financing, and promoting knowledge sharing.

The programme portfolio of UNDP Bangladesh is organized in two Programme Clusters: a) Democratic Governance; and b) Resilient and Inclusive Growth (RIG). The Programme Clusters support the achievement of strategic objectives articulated in UNDP’s Country Programme Document (CPD) and the UN’s Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Associate (Finance & Admin) NPSA7 will provide operational, financial and administrative support to ensure the smooth, compliant and efficient management of project resources in accordance with UNDP's financial rules and regulations, donor requirements and GoB guidelines.

1- Ensure Financial Management and Reporting

  • Assist in setting up and maintaining financial control systems; process financial transactions in line with Government of Bangladesh (GoB) and UNDP/organizational policies and procedures.
  • Effectively manage and monitor donor funds in alignment with the Annual Work Plan (AWP) and in full compliance with donor agreements.
  • Monitor expenditures against the approved AWP; maintain shadow budgets and ensure timely project financial delivery.
  • Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports as per organizational and donor requirements.
  • Prepare quarterly Fund Authorization and Certification of Expenditures (FACE) forms, including cashbook and bank reconciliation; ensure timely liquidation of advances.
  • Review and process all payment requests, including travel claims and suppliers' invoices, ensuring compliance with UNDP financial rules.
  • Support the preparation and revision of the AWP and multi-year budgets in coordination with the Project Manager.
  • Ensure timely processing of ERP/Quantum system transactions, including budget uploads, General Ledger Journal Entries (GLJE) and ongoing budget monitoring.
  • Prepare vouchers and financial transactions in alignment with UNDP rules and regulations, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
  • Support the audit process, including responding to audit observations and implementing recommendations.
  • Regularly monitor the financial dashboard to identify and address any pending issues in a timely manner.
  • Ensure financial closure of the project/programme in line with donor and government requirements.

2- Provision of Administrative, Logistics and Asset Management Services 

  • Provide day-to-day administrative and logistical support to ensure the smooth operation of project activities.
  • Coordinate logistics for events such as workshops, seminars, conferences and field missions.
  • Ensure proper record-keeping and a systematic filing system for administrative, logistics, vehicle and equipment-related documents.
  • Monitor the security and maintenance of project equipment, vehicles and assets; support asset transfer and disposal formalities as required.
  • Ensure compliance with UNDP travel and vehicle usage policies; maintain accurate vehicle logs and related documentation.
  • Assist in HR-related activities such as recruitment support, contract management, staff evaluations and maintaining personnel records.
  • Assist with the procurement process; follow up on deliveries and troubleshoot delays in goods/services acquisition.
  • Support the Project Manager in drafting Letters of Agreement (LoAs), MoUs, contracts and other administrative documents, ensuring alignment with UNDP and GoB guidelines.
  • Maintain all registers and records, including asset/inventory logs, document registers and others as required.
  • Support the closure of project activities, including submission of final reports and completion of asset disposal and other administrative tasks.

3- Ensure Quality Assurance and Compliance

  • Verify implementing partner activities and fund utilization as per approved FACE forms; monitor disbursement and adjustments to ensure compliance with financial and programmatic targets.
  • Support spot checks, audits and financial reviews of implementing partners, contributing to transparent financial oversight and risk management.
  • Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual progress and financial reports, consolidating validated data from implementing partners.
  • Contribute to the development and update of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen internal controls.
  • Coordinate logistical and administrative support for project activities, including workshops, training sessions, field missions and event management.
  • Maintain organized documentation and filing systems for all financial and administrative records, ensuring readiness for audits and evaluations.
  • Ensure compliance with UNDP's anti-fraud and anti-corruption policies in all financial operations.
  • Apply strong financial data-integrity controls and support value-for-money in operations; uphold UNDP’s safeguarding standards, including protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), within the area of responsibility.

4- Facilitate Knowledge Building and Sharing

  • Participate in trainings for project and operations staff on financial and administrative procedures.
  • Provide on-the-job training and support for project staff in the areas of finance and administration.
  • Contribute to the documentation and sharing of best practices and lessons learned to strengthen project operational performance.
  • Support the development and maintenance of knowledge products related to administrative and financial processes.

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

Institutional Arrangements

The Project Associate (Finance & Admin) (NPSA-7) will work under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and works in close collaboration with Project Teams, RIG Cluster and UNDP Operations (Finance, HR, Procurement, General Services) and with the National Project Director's office/government counterparts as required. The incumbent also provides guidance and support to junior administrative staff within the project team. The Finance & Admin Associate will work under the direct leadership of the Project Manager (or the designated supervisor).

Competencies

a) Core Competencies: 

Competency 

Level 

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 ​ 

b) Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies: 

Thematic Area 

Name 

Definition 

Finance 

Accounting (General) 

Knowledge of accounting concepts, principles, frameworks, standards, regulations, policies and trends, and ability to apply these to strategic and/or practical situations 

Finance 

Audit (General) 

Understands key stages of audit work including planning, documentation, testing and reporting; understands mechanisms for assurance and scrutiny; knowledge of anti-bribery and corruption controls 

Finance 

Budget Management 

Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning, drawing and management of team budgets 

Administration & Operations 

Events Management 

Ability to manage events including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation and cash disbursements 

Procurement 

Contract Management 

Knowledge of contract management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply these to practical situations 

Business Management 

Risk Management 

 Identify and organize action around reducing, 

mitigating and proactively managing risks 

Business Management 

Resource Management 

 Allocate and use resources in a strategic or tactical 

way in line with business needs and priorities and 

principles of accountability and integrity 

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Secondary Education with specialized certification in accounting and/or Finance is required. OR 
  • University degree (bachelor’s degree) in Finance or Accounting will be given due consideration, but not a requirement.
  • Part-qualified accountants from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage
  • Fully Qualified Accountant, from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy or Full Completion of the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP). No UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) required. 
  • Candidates with no professional accountancy qualifications, but with degrees that major in accountancy and/or finance must complete UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), if recruited. However, no UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) is required.
  • •Candidates with no professional accountancy qualifications but with relevant experience must successfully undertake UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) before shortlisting and must complete the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), if recruited

Experience:

  • Minimum of 7 years (with Secondary education) or 4 years (with a bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in administration and financial management in development projects, government or international organizations.

Required Skilslls:

  • Hands-on experience across the full finance cycle transactions, reconciliations, financial reporting and supporting procurement.
  • Proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel) and web-based financial-management or ERP systems.
  • Proven experience and sound knowledge of donor or public‑sector financial rules and reporting requirements, and experience in applying fund or grant‑management procedures.

Desired Skills:

  • Experience in the development sector-with an NGO, UN agency, donor‑funded project or government programme including liaising with government counterparts and project stakeholders on operational and financial matters
  • Experience supporting audits, spot checks or financial reviews, including tracking and closing out findings.
  • Experience in budget preparation, expenditure monitoring and basic forecasting or variance analysis, beyond routine transaction processing.
  • Experience supporting both programme finance and day‑to‑day operations as part of a project delivery team
  • Experience in providing support, mentoring and quality assurance guidance to finance and administrative personnel

Language:

  • Fluency in English and Bengali (Bangla) is required, both written and verbal.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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