“In-Depth Role Analysis: Project Associate (Finance & Admin) – UNDP Dhaka, Bangladesh (Job ID: 25563)”

April 15, 2025

11 minutes read

Project Associate (Finance & Admin) position with UNDP in Dhaka, Bangladesh, as posted under job ID 25563. This breakdown covers the job context, responsibilities, organizational structure, technical and soft skill requirements, and implications for career development.@vacancyspaces.com

I. Contextual Background of the Job

1.1 Country and Political Contexthttp://👉 UNDP Vacancy: Project Associate (Finance & Admin), Dhaka, Bangladesh

Bangladesh is currently navigating a pivotal electoral period aimed at reinforcing democratic practices, inclusivity, and public trust. The democratic landscape is evolving under the stewardship of the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC), which seeks reforms to enhance the transparency, integrity, and inclusiveness of electoral processes. With a strategic vision to restore trust in governance and enable diverse voices, Bangladesh is enacting reforms across institutional and electoral dimensions.

1.2 UNDP’s Role and the DRIP Project

In response to the BEC’s request for support, UNDP launched the Democratic Reforms through Inclusive Participation in Bangladesh (DRIP) project. This multi-year initiative is a flagship electoral and democratic governance program aimed at:

Strengthening institutional capacity.
Ensuring credible and inclusive elections.
Empowering marginalized groups—especially women, youth, and socially excluded communities.
Supporting data-driven decision-making and civic engagement.

UNDP, in partnership with UN Women, academia, think tanks, media, and civil society (including Women Rights Organizations and Women-Led Organizations), is implementing DRIP across two core outcomes:

Credible, inclusive, and transparent electoral and democratic reform processes.
Data-informed advocacy to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in governance.

The Project Associate (Finance & Admin) plays a critical enabling role in this broader democratic reform agenda by ensuring effective financial oversight, compliance, and administrative management for the project’s smooth operation.

II. Core Duties and Responsibilities

The role is divided into six major functions:

2.1 Administrative and Logistical Support

Budget Planning and Monitoring: Assist the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) in preparing, tracking, and submitting monthly and annual budgets aligned with both UNDP and donor protocols.
Expenditure Oversight: Monitor and analyze budget performance, provide timely updates to the Project Manager, and advise on necessary adjustments.
Asset and Property Management: Maintain a log of all project-related assets, noting their condition, value, and location.
Procurement Compliance: Ensure goods and services are acquired per UNDP guidelines and administrative procedures.
Reporting Support: Aid in preparing annual progress reports to donors and other stakeholders.

2.2 Project Financial and Operational Management

Transaction Oversight: Manage payments to vendors, consultants, staff, and partners, ensuring adherence to financial policies and alignment with the approved budget.
Advance Monitoring: Track and follow up on outstanding advances to ensure timely liquidation.
Financial Forecasting: Collaborate with the team to project future costs, ensuring budget compliance.
ERP Usage (QUANTUM): Execute transactions related to budget uploads, adjustments, General Ledger Journal Entries (GLJE), and budget analysis in UNDP’s QUANTUM platform.
Supply Chain Monitoring: Evaluate financial performance of procurement and inventory systems.

2.3 Strategic Financial Direction

Policy Compliance: Guarantee operational alignment with UNDP rules, policies, and project regulations.
Framework Development: Assist in establishing/refining financial procedures for receipts, disbursements, and accounting.
Internal Financial Systems: Support improvements to internal financial controls to ensure quality, accuracy, and compliance.

2.4 Financial Reporting, Audits, and Controls

Donor and Internal Reporting: Prepare and submit required financial reports, including to the Project Board, UNDP, UN Women, and other relevant stakeholders.
Audit Facilitation: Coordinate FAPAD, HACT, UNDP, and UNBOA audits, ensuring auditors have the necessary documentation and evidence.
Audit Response and Compliance: Prepare responses to audit findings and implement recommendations for continuous improvement.
Voucher Processing and Record Keeping: Ensure vouchers are accurate, timely, and matched correctly; maintain high-quality financial records in QUANTUM.

Training and Induction: Support internal training efforts for project staff on finance and admin systems.
Best Practice Dissemination: Stay updated on emerging trends and best practices at national and international levels and contribute to knowledge platforms.
Tool Development: Help design templates, platforms, and content for workshops, capacity building, and policy learning.

2.6 Other Duties

Provide support in various administrative or financial tasks as requested by the supervisor to ensure the project’s efficient functioning.

III. Reporting and Institutional Arrangement

Reporting Line: Reports directly to the Chief Technical Electoral Advisor (CTA).
Work Environment: Will coordinate closely with the DRIP project team, UNDP Country Office, UN Women, and external stakeholders, including donors and implementing partners.

IV. Required Qualifications and Experience

4.1 Education

Mandatory: Completion of Secondary Education (High School Diploma).
Preferred: University degree in Finance or Accounting is desirable but not mandatory.
Professional Certification:
- Fully Qualified Accountant from an internationally accredited institute OR
- Completion of the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP).
Candidates without accountancy qualifications but with degrees in finance/accounting must complete FTCP if recruited.
If a candidate has no finance qualifications or degree, they must pass the UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) before shortlisting and later complete the FTCP.

4.2 Work Experience

Minimum 6 years of progressively responsible finance and accounting experience (with secondary education) OR
Minimum 3 years (with a Bachelor’s degree).
Must include work in development projects run by:
- National or international NGOs
- Government programs
- Donor-supported initiatives

V. Required Technical Skills

Donor and Government Reporting: Experience in preparing financial reports aligned with Annual Development Programmes, donor requirements, and UNDP guidelines.
ERP Knowledge: Exposure to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems—especially QUANTUM—for budgeting, accounting, and asset management.
Budgeting Expertise: Proficiency in preparing comprehensive, multi-year budgets based on ProDocs, AWP (Annual Work Plans), and TAPP (Technical Assistance Project Proposals).
Procurement and Logistics: Familiarity with project logistics, procurement planning, and asset tracking.

VI. Preferred (Desired) Skills

International Organization Experience: Prior work with the UN, international NGOs, or multilateral donors is advantageous.
Project Operations Management: Hands-on experience supporting project implementation through operational support.
Information Systems: Use of databases or management systems for tracking financial or operational data.
Audit Familiarity: Experience supporting internal or external audits, including preparation of documentation and follow-up on findings.

VII. Language Requirements

Fluency in both English and Bangla is mandatory.

VIII. Behavioral and Core Competencies

Core Competencies (Level 1)

Achieve Results: Manages own workload effectively, delivers tasks on time.
Think Innovatively: Brings creative ideas to improve processes.
Learn Continuously: Seeks feedback, learns from mistakes, and shares knowledge.
Adapt with Agility: Flexible and resilient in the face of uncertainty.
Act with Determination: Committed and calm under pressure.
Engage and Partner: Builds positive relationships across teams and stakeholders.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Embraces cultural and individual differences.

Cross-Functional/Technical Competencies

Area	Competency	Description
Business Strategy	Business Acumen	Makes sound judgments in financial/administrative decisions.
Business Management	Partnership Management	Cultivates relationships with stakeholders and external partners.
Finance	Accounting (General)	Applies standards, policies, and practices effectively.
Finance	Audit Risk Management	Identifies and addresses audit issues proactively.
Finance	Budget Management	Supports the creation and management of detailed budgets.
Finance	Financial Reporting & Analysis	Analyzes and communicates financial data for decision-making.
Finance	Cost Accounting	Provides qualitative and quantitative analysis for strategic planning.

IX. Organizational Culture and Safeguards

Diversity and Inclusion: UNDP encourages applicants of all backgrounds, without discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, disability, or socioeconomic status.
Ethical Conduct: All staff are required to comply with UNDP’s strict policies against harassment, sexual exploitation, abuse of authority, and discrimination.
Scam Alert: UNDP does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.

X. Career Development Potential

This role is an ideal stepping stone for professionals interested in a long-term career in development finance, project management, and governance operations. It provides:

Exposure to electoral reform projects at a national scale.
Direct experience with international organizations such as UNDP and UN Women.
Capacity building and training opportunities, including mandatory UNDP certification programs.
Access to regional and global best practices, development frameworks, and partnerships.

Successful candidates can grow into more senior finance/operations roles within the UN system or take on leadership positions in government or civil society projects focused on democratic governance and transparency.

XI. Application Details

Job ID: 25563
Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Grade: NPSA-6
Application Deadline: April 19, 2025, 05:39 AM (local time)
Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA)
Work Schedule: Full-time
Agency: UNDP
Practice Area: Governance
Vacancy Type: National

Would you like a tailored cover letter or CV draft for this position next?

Absolutely! Below is a highly detailed explanation of the Project Associate (Finance & Admin) position with UNDP in Dhaka, Bangladesh, job ID 25563. This breakdown will help you understand the scope, context, expectations, qualifications, and career value of the role in depth.

🌐 Introduction

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network that works in nearly 170 countries to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilient, inclusive societies. In Bangladesh, UNDP collaborates with national partners to promote sustainable development, democratic governance, and inclusive participation. One such initiative is the Democratic Reforms through Inclusive Participation in Bangladesh (DRIP) project, launched in 2023.

The Project Associate (Finance & Admin) is a crucial role that ensures the seamless operation of this high-impact, multi-stakeholder project by providing critical support in financial management, procurement, administrative oversight, and audit coordination. Positioned within a flagship project dedicated to enhancing the transparency and accountability of democratic institutions, this role not only supports day-to-day operational needs but also helps shape long-term institutional reform through responsible stewardship of resources.

📍 Background and Rationale of the DRIP Project

1. Political and Electoral Landscape

Bangladesh’s socio-political environment is at a crossroads. The nation is working toward strengthening democratic institutions, restoring public trust in governance, and fostering inclusive political participation. A key institution in this journey is the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC), which has outlined priorities that include reforming electoral frameworks, improving voter engagement, and ensuring representation of historically marginalized communities.

The DRIP project was born out of these ambitions. It is designed to assist BEC and related stakeholders in modernizing electoral practices, adopting inclusive strategies, and building the infrastructure needed for participatory governance.

2. Project Objectives

The DRIP project focuses on two major outcomes:

Outcome 1: Electoral and democratic reform processes become more credible, inclusive, and transparent.
Outcome 2: Advocacy for transparency and accountability in governance is grounded in reliable, disaggregated data.

The project is also aligned with Bangladesh’s broader Five-Year Development Plan, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—specifically Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

3. UNDP’s Role

UNDP provides technical, financial, and administrative support to national actors, including:

Government ministries and agencies
Civil society and community organizations
Academic institutions and media
Development partners and donors

In this complex ecosystem, the Project Associate (Finance & Admin) acts as a key enabler for the successful implementation of project activities.

💼 Overview of the Position

Job Title: Project Associate (Finance & Admin)

Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh

Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA)

Grade: NPSA 6

Practice Area: Governance

Duration: Fixed-term, Full-time

Supervision: Reports to the Chief Technical Electoral Advisor (CTA)

🧾 Detailed Scope of Work

The position encompasses six integrated functions that revolve around financial integrity, administrative efficiency, and accountability.

Function 1: Administrative and Logistical Support

The associate serves as the backbone of administrative functions, supporting budgeting, procurement, and logistics.

Key Activities:

Budget Planning: Assist the Chief Technical Advisor in preparing annual and multi-year budgets, ensuring they align with donor requirements, project objectives, and UNDP financial regulations.
Asset and Inventory Management: Maintain records of project assets (e.g., laptops, vehicles, furniture) and conduct periodic audits to track usage and condition.
Logistical Support: Ensure timely procurement of goods/services, manage vendor contracts, and arrange logistics for workshops, travel, and consultations.
Procurement Documentation: Coordinate with the UNDP procurement unit to prepare bidding documents, manage vendor selection processes, and ensure documentation is filed in compliance with UNDP rules.

Function 2: Financial and Operational Management

Here the role transitions into a finance officer who ensures that every dollar spent is accurately tracked, reported, and justified.

Key Activities:

Transaction Processing: Manage day-to-day financial operations such as preparing payment vouchers, processing consultant fees, and settling utility bills.
Monitoring Advances: Track advances given to staff or implementing partners and ensure they are liquidated with appropriate receipts and justifications.
Cost Projections: Help project managers plan expenditures and forecast future spending based on past trends and planned activities.
System Transactions: Execute financial operations through UNDP’s QUANTUM system, including budget uploads, general ledger entries, and expense tracking.

Function 3: Strategic Financial Direction

This function involves developing and maintaining financial governance frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and value-for-money.

Key Activities:

Policy Compliance: Align project expenditures with UNDP’s financial rules and donor-specific requirements.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Contribute to SOPs for payment processing, procurement workflows, and audit protocols.
Internal Controls: Strengthen financial controls to detect and mitigate risks, such as unauthorized spending or delays in advance clearance.
Financial Templates: Develop Excel templates or software tools to monitor financial indicators and provide real-time status updates.

Function 4: Financial Reporting, Audits, and Controls

This is a high-stakes component involving both external accountability (to donors and government) and internal transparency (within the UNDP).

Key Activities:

Financial Reporting: Prepare quarterly, annual, and ad-hoc financial statements for donors, the UNDP Country Office, and UN Women.
Audit Coordination: Liaise with government auditors (FAPAD), internal UNDP auditors, and the UN Board of Auditors (UNBOA). Ensure that documentation is audit-ready.
Follow-up on Audit Findings: Support implementation of recommendations related to fraud prevention, documentation gaps, or process inefficiencies.
Voucher Quality Control: Ensure every voucher is matched with an invoice, purchase order, and delivery note to pass compliance checks.

Function 5: Knowledge Management and Capacity Development

Recognizing that finance and administration are not just support functions but also learning domains, this role actively contributes to capacity building.

Key Activities:

Training Staff: Lead sessions for internal staff on finance tools, QUANTUM processes, and reporting procedures.
Resource Development: Design manuals or handbooks on administrative procedures, procurement steps, and compliance mechanisms.
Best Practice Sharing: Document lessons learned from audits, procurement challenges, or financial innovations and share them via workshops or UNDP platforms.

Function 6: Other Duties

Includes any other responsibilities needed to ensure the smooth functioning of the project, such as:

Representing the project in financial coordination meetings
Supporting UNDP in planning donor field visits
Acting as backup for other admin/finance team members

🎓 Required Qualifications

1. Education

Mandatory: Secondary education (high school diploma)
Preferred: University degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration
Professional Accreditation:
- Certified Accountant (ACCA, CPA, CA) – highly desirable
- Completion of the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP) – required during employment unless waived through qualifications

2. Work Experience

6 years (with secondary education) or 3 years (with university degree) of relevant experience in:
- Finance and accounting
- Development projects
- Public sector or donor-funded programs

🛠️ Required and Desired Skills

Category	Skills
Finance	Budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, asset management, cost control
Systems	Knowledge of ERP platforms (preferably QUANTUM), Excel, document management systems
Procurement	Vendor management, compliance, purchase planning
Audit	Familiarity with FAPAD/HACT/UNDP audit cycles, risk assessment, documentation
Soft Skills	Communication, coordination, time management, organizational acumen

🌍 Language Requirements

Fluency in English and Bangla (both written and spoken)

🤝 Behavioral and Functional Competencies

Core Competencies

Achieve Results: Effectively manages tasks under pressure.
Think Innovatively: Finds smarter ways to manage finances and admin tasks.
Learn Continuously: Adapts to evolving systems (e.g., QUANTUM) and practices.
Adapt with Agility: Handles unexpected challenges in reporting, logistics, and procurement.
Act with Determination: Takes initiative to ensure financial processes are not delayed.
Engage and Partner: Builds trust with UNDP teams, vendors, and auditors.
Enable Diversity: Supports an inclusive work culture.

Functional Competencies

Business Acumen: Understands how finance supports governance reform.
Partnership Management: Works with government bodies, donors, and vendors.
Audit Risk Management: Identifies vulnerabilities and acts preemptively.
Cost Accounting: Aligns expenses with project outcomes for maximum impact.

📈 Career Progression and Impact

This role positions you for future opportunities such as:

Finance and Admin Specialist in UNDP or other UN agencies
Operations Analyst/Manager within international NGOs or public sector development initiatives
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) or compliance-related positions
Project Finance Consultant roles in global consulting firms or multilateral donors

It also strengthens your exposure to international procurement, compliance with global accounting standards, and results-based budgeting, all of which are invaluable in both the national and global development ecosystems.