Programme Specialist – Cash-Based Programming and Resilience [Open to Tier 0, 1 & 2 applicants]

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

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to tackle the injustices 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. Over the recent years, international 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 is one of the biggest in the world, and basic human needs and priorities remain extremely high. In 2024, 95 percent of 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).

Programme implementation is overseen by the Deputy Resident Representative for Programme with support from the Programme Management Support Unit (PMSU) which serves as the independent internal quality assurance mechanism separate from project design and implementation. The main priorities of this unit are to ensure quality programme design, effective Results Based Management, Programme coherence, appropriate application of social and environment safeguards, compliance with corporate policies and procedures throughout the programme cycle, and proper programme financial management. PMSU works in close collaboration with the country office Operations on efficiency and compliance related to delivery, finance and audits. 

The Head of PMSU oversees a Capacity Building Team that provides integrated programme and project‑level technical expertise in the areas of Social and Environmental Standards (SES), gender equality and women’s empowerment, and Cash‑Based Interventions (CBI). The team supports risk‑informed programme and project design, quality assurance, and the monitoring of effective implementation. The Capacity Building Team comprises the Programme Specialist – Social and Environmental Standards and Accountability, the Programme Specialist – Gender, Peace and Social Cohesion, and the Programme Specialist – Cash-Based Programming and Resilience. The post of Programme Specialist – Cash-Based Programming and Resilience falls under the Capacity Building Team.

Duties and Responsibilities

A. Strengthening Integrated Project Management on Cash Based Interventions under ABADEI:

• Substantively support the integrated project management on cash-based interventions under ABADEI by providing coordination and leadership across planning and implementation phases. 
• Ensure alignment on cash based interventions with Project Manager, Project Management Unit, PMSU, technical teams, regional offices, operations, finance, and responsible partners, including INGOs, NGOs, and contractors.
• Support harmonized planning, strengthened coordination among programme components, and proactive resolution of implementation challenges. 
• Strengthen contract, budget, and amendment management on cash based interventions through systematic tracking, early risk identification, and robust documentation and audit readiness.
• Enhance partner performance through structured oversight, strengthened onboarding, and regular performance reviews to ensure adherence to SOPs and reporting standards. 
• Develop internal systems, standardized tools, and structured workflows to strengthen institutional memory.

B. Strengthen Strategic Programme Integration, CBI Leadership, and Delivery Quality across UNDP Afghanistan Portfolios:

• Provide technical leadership and advisory support on Cash‑Based Interventions (CBIs), including Cash for Work, Cash for Shelter, MSME grants, and related modalities, across projects. 
• Support programme design, proposal development, and technical reviews to ensure CBIs and complementary livelihood and infrastructure interventions are well‑integrated, gender-responsive, climate‑sensitive, and market‑informed. 
• Ensure systematic integration of gender equality, protection, inclusion, and social and environmental safeguards into CBI design and delivery, in close coordination with the Programme Specialist – Gender, Peace and Social Cohesion and Programme Specialist – Social and Environmental Standards and Accountability. 
• Strengthen quality assurance by overseeing the implementation of the Cash for Work Standard Operating Procedures across regions and projects, to ensure consistent, compliant, and high‑quality delivery. 
• Facilitate effective cross‑unit coordination between programme and operations teams to strengthen coherence and results delivery. 
• Provide strategic advisory inputs to senior management on CBI positioning, delivery performance, and emerging risks and mitigation options, supporting evidence‑based decision‑making.

C. Strengthening Digital Programme Delivery Systems and Financial Partnerships:

• Lead advisory and coordination efforts to expand and institutionalize digital beneficiary management and digital payment systems across CBI and non‑CBI interventions, building on existing pilots and lessons learned. 
• Work closely with the UNDP Afghanistan Information Management System (AIMS) team, the Integrated Risk Management Unit (IRMU), programme and operations teams, as well as financial institutions and programme partners to strengthen governance, data protection, financial compliance, and risk mitigation related to digital delivery systems, in line with UNDP Financial Regulations and Rules and the UNDP Personal Data Protection and Privacy Policy. 
• Support structured engagement and negotiations with national financial institutions and payment service providers to diversify partnerships, improve cost efficiency, expand geographic coverage, and ensure operational sustainability. 
• Promote the integration of digital tools into planning, monitoring, reporting, and management decision‑making processes to enhance transparency and accountability. 
• Provide technical guidance and change‑management support to programme teams, including Regional Project Offices, to facilitate the transition from manual to digital systems, ensuring usability within the country context and prevailing operational constraints. 
• Support the development of SOPs, user guides, and internal knowledge repositories to ensure consistent use and long‑term sustainability of digital delivery mechanisms.

D. Capacity Development and Technical Advisory Support on Cash‑Based Interventions and Delivery Systems:

• Design and deliver targeted capacity‑building initiatives for UNDP staff, responsible parties, contractors, and related partners on CBI design, implementation, compliance, and monitoring. 
• Integrate CBI technical orientations and compliance guidance into partner onboarding, inception meetings, and Training‑of‑Trainers approaches to ensure consistent understanding of standards and procedures. 
• Provide ongoing technical advisory support and mentoring UNDP programmes and operations staff as CBI focal points.
• Coordinate the development, updating, and dissemination of standardized SOPs, toolkits, and operational guidance for CBIs and related delivery systems, adapted to the local context. 
• Support Regional Project Offices through periodic monitoring and field support, as required, combining compliance oversight with hands‑on problem‑solving and coaching. 
• Strengthen organizational learning by identifying capacity gaps and systematically integrating good practices and lessons learned into training materials and guidance notes.

E. Knowledge Management, Applied Learning, and Innovation to Strengthen Cash‑Based Intervention Design:

• Systematically capture, analyze, and document lessons learned, innovations, and good practices from CBI implementation across regions, with attention to gender equality and inclusion, labour market impacts, and operationalization challenges and enabling factors. 
• Support evidence‑based refinement of CBI modalities (e.g., Cash for Work, Cash for Shelter, MSME grants) by translating field experience, partner feedback, and monitoring data into actionable recommendations for programme adaptation and scale‑up.
• Strengthen internal knowledge‑sharing platforms, learning sessions, and communities of practice to promote applied learning and cross‑regional exchange among programme and operations staff. 
• Promote innovation in CBI design and delivery, including market‑linked approaches and interventions that support local economic recovery and livelihood resilience. 
• Strengthen documentation standards and institutional repositories to ensure audit readiness and compliance with donor reporting requirements. 
• Contribute technical inputs to corporate reporting, donor communications, and strategic briefs, highlighting the contribution of CBIs to livelihoods, resilience, and local economic recovery.

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

Institutional Arrangement

The Programme Specialist – Cash-Based Programming and Resilience will work under the guidance and supervision of the Head of Programme Management Support Unit (PMSU) with matrix reporting to the Project Manager (ABADEI).

Competencies

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in development studies, economics, social sciences, or related field is required. Or

• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination of an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years (with Master’s degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional work experience in managing Cash-Based Interventions (CBI) in international development organizations is required.

Requied Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in designing and monitoring CBIs indicators and achievements and reporting on CBI results is required. 
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and working knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, as well as experience in the handling of web-based management systems is required.

Desirable Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in providing capacity-building to UNDP staff, responsible parties, contractors, and related partners on CBI design, implementation, compliance, and monitoring is desired.
• Demonstrated experience working in crisis/post-crisis settings is an asset.
• Experience from previous UN assignments and/or multilateral and bi-lateral aid organizations would be an asset
• Proven knowledge of Results-Based Management methodologies would be an asset.

Languages:

Fluency in 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.