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.

Note: This position is open to Cambodian nationals only. 

Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP Cambodia Country Office (CO) works in partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC), non-government organizations, civil society organizations, community-based organizations, multilateral aid agencies, bilateral donors, and the private sector to accelerate the achievement of Cambodia Sustainable Development Goals (CSDGs) and other national development priorities as set out in the Pentagonal Strategy for realizing the national vision 2050.   

In Cambodia, the UNDP Country Programme Document 2024-2028 (CPD) identified three transformational shifts as priority for support during the next 5 years. The first shift is toward an economic growth model that accelerates inclusive growth, economic diversification, and human development. The second shift involves championing just energy transition, climate action and nature-based solutions as the foundation for national wealth, well-being, and resilience to shocks. The third shift is towards strengthening institutions, civic space, and participation as enablers for inclusive growth, access to rights and equal opportunities for all, whilst ensuring that the society at large is using the full potential of digital transformation. The CPD is aligned to national priorities and policies, particularly Cambodia’s vision 2050 and the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1 2024-2028. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative, the Result-Based Management and Programme Quality Assurance Specialist will work closely with Programme, Project, Operations, and other CO teams to ensure result-based management and programme financial management, quality assurance, and compliance.

The Result-Based Management and Programme Quality Assurance Specialist will undertake the following functions to ensure result-based management and programme financial management, quality assurance, and compliance:

Programme Oversight, Quality Assurance, and Result-Based Management

  • Provide client-oriented, quality assurance advice for strengthening results-based management and learning culture in the CO which will eventually impact the quality, transparency, and accountability of the CO programme and projects. Advises senior management in a timely manner on issues, trends, and challenges, that might affect compliance with corporate standards and accountability framework;
  • Ensure compliance of programme and projects with the approved internal control framework from the design, through implementation, and closure stages to ensure they are implemented consistently and in accordance with UNDP Programme and Operations policies and procedures (POPP);
  • Sets/reviews standard operating procedures and business processes for quality formulation and implementation of portfolios/projects to enable adequate monitoring and oversight;
  • Coordinates UNDP’s feedback to development cooperation monitoring and evaluation exercises;
  • Contribute to project design, pre-appraisal and quality assurance reviews of draft project documents to improve the quality and compliance of programming, including recommendations on capacity assessments, risk management, governance mechanisms and implementation arrangements, etc.;
  • Carry out regular oversight review of projects; assesses coherence and integrity of information provided in project plans and reports, and the completeness of supporting documents;
  • Act as Evaluation Focal Point, plans and leads the implementation of evaluations and analyzes trends and recommendations, ensuring lessons learned and management action plans are documented in CARDS and implemented;
  • Advise and support programme teams in effective use of tools and methodologies for planning, monitoring and reporting in line with UNDP corporate policies and specific donor requirements;
  • Support effective application of Programme Quality Standards (PQS) and provides required oversight actions;
  • Contribute to the integration of women empowerment and gender equality, leave no one behind principle and Human rights-based approach in programming, including quality assurance of relevant markers, as required.

Programme Finance Strategy, Management, Compliance, and Cost Recovery

  • Ensure effective administration and implementation of programme, operational, and financial management strategies, adapting processes and procedures as required;
  • Ensure full compliance with UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP) in financial activities, recording, and reporting systems;
  • Support the CO programme finance business process mapping and development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in consultation with office management;
  • Ensure effective programme finance management across the CO, including optimal resource planning, utilization, and cost recovery mechanisms;
  • Implement and monitor Programme Portfolio Pipeline and Project Tree in ERP (e.g. Quantum), ensuring proper tracking and control of financial resources;
  • Prepare and monitor project budgets, provide advice on financial and administrative reporting, and produce analytical financial reports;
  • Monitor CO financial performance, including delivery rates, Accounts Receivable, and overall financial status of projects, and provide forecasts and analysis;
  • Oversee ERP processes, including data accuracy, matching, and implementation of effective internal control systems;
  • Verify Combined Delivery Reports (CDRs) and follow up on their endorsement by national counterparts;
  • Monitor financial dashboards and exception reports, investigate anomalies, and recommend or escalate corrective actions as needed;
  • Monitor cost recovery billing, implement revenue tracking systems, and ensure timely follow-up on collections;
  • Participate in project audits, follow up on audit recommendations, and support timely closure of audit gaps;
  • Support implementation of financing and trust fund agreements in line with UNDP policies and frameworks.

Risk Management, Programme Performance Analysis, and Programme Quality Assurance

  • Lead the implementation of enterprise risk management (ERM) policies and procedures, including risk identification, assessment, analysis, mitigation, and escalation to support risk-informed programming;
  • Serve as the CO Audit Focal Point, coordinating audit and compliance processes, including data collection, analysis, follow-up on recommendations, and evidence-based reporting;
  • Ensure effective implementation and monitoring of HACT/DIM assurance activities, including spot checks and audits, and support capacity development actions based on identified risks and findings;
  • Oversee quality reviews of CO risk registers and provide guidance to programme teams on risk assessment, monitoring, and escalation;
  • Ensure effective application of Social and Environmental Standards and support oversight of safeguards at the country level;
  • Coordinate partner risk management processes, including due diligence, vetting, and risk assessments, and advise on residual risks requiring management attention;
  • Support continuous improvement of business processes through mapping, development of risk-informed SOPs, and digitization initiatives to enhance efficiency and accountability;
  • Conduct analysis of programme performance data, including financial and operational indicators, and prepare analytical reports with actionable recommendations for senior management;
  • Support monitoring of CO performance frameworks (e.g., Integrated Work Plans, Business Plans, compacts, and dashboards), ensuring alignment between programme and operational performance;
  • Monitor programme delivery trends, resource utilization, and pipeline performance, and support implementation of corrective measures to address bottlenecks;
  • Ensure accurate project setup and maintenance in corporate systems (e.g., ERP/Quantum, PIMS), in line with approved project documents and UNDP procedures;
  • Conduct periodic quality assurance reviews of programme and project documentation, including financial and risk management aspects, and recommend improvements;
  • Contribute to corporate and strategic planning processes, including preparation of country assessments, UN Cooperation Frameworks, and CPD, and support their operationalization;
  • Ensure timely updates and data accuracy in corporate platforms (e.g., UN Info and other reporting systems).

Financial Reporting Quality Assurance

  • Review and ensure the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of programme and project financial reports; 
  • Conduct quality assurance checks on budgets, expenditures, forecasts, and financial data;
  • Ensure compliance of financial reports with UNDP POPP, IPSAS standards, and donor requirements;
  • Analyse financial data to identify discrepancies, risks, trends, and areas for improvement;
  • Support timely preparation and submission of high-quality donor and internal financial reports;
  • Provide technical guidance to programme teams on financial reporting standards and tools;
  • Strengthen financial reporting SOPs, templates, and quality assurance processes.

Learning and Knowledge Management

  • As the custodian of the CPD Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework (MEL), ensures action learning is implemented on a regular basis to address capacity needs and promote programmatic improvements;
  • Keep up-to-date knowledge on changes in UNDP programme and operations policies and procedures and informs the team on application accordingly. Provides training and facilitates effective knowledge dissemination to ensure colleagues have easy access to resources and tools;
  • Analyze data and case evidence to distil relevant lessons on programme and project management and implementation;
  • In close collaboration with the Regional Bureau staff, contributes to the development and delivery of modular training packages to strengthen COs’ and partners’ capacities in the programmatic and operational oversight and implementation of the CO portfolios;
  • Contribute to CO capacity building efforts and the planning and delivery of workshops and learning events, as needed;
  • Participate in and shares the CO perspective on policy implementation of policy and strategic initiatives with the regional and HQ networks and relevant 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 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact 

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems 

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands 

Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

Engage and Partner:  LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management 

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Business Direction & Strategy: 

  • Strategic Thinking: Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight. 
  • System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Business Management: 

  • Risk Management : Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks. 
  • Results-based Management: Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks. 
  • Portfolio Management: Ability to select, prioritize, and control the organization programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management

Operations Finance: 

  • Anti-fraud and anti-bribery and corruption : Anti-bribery and corruption: Understand the policy and best practice relating to anti-bribery and corruption controls and ensure these are implemented and widely understood within the organization. Anti-fraud: Understands the fraud risks faced by public bodies and is able to effectively analyze data to support fraud identification and fraud risk management; understands the fraud risks faced by public bodies and is able to conduct fraud risk assessment and response plan.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Project Management, International Development, Public Administration, or related fields; 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.

Experience:

  • A minimum of 5 years (with a master’s degree) or 7 years (with a bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional experience in programme management, RBM, monitoring and evaluation, programme quality assurance, or programme finance/operations.

Desired Skills:

  • Experience in programme and project oversight, including planning, monitoring, reporting, financial management, and compliance;
  • Experience in risk management, audit processes, and internal controls, including follow-up on audit recommendations;
  • Demonstrated ability in data analysis and performance monitoring, with experience preparing analytical reports for decision-making;
  • Experience in business process improvement, SOP development, and capacity building/advisory support;
  • Experience working with ERP systems;
  • Experience working with the UN, UNDP, or other international development organizations. 

Required languages: 

  • Fluency in Khmer and English is required.

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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