Overview
The Finance Specialist (Financial Performance Management (FPM)) role supports the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in implementing the 2030 agenda and UNDP’s Strategic Plan by enhancing financial and administrative performance. The position provides specialized technical expertise in financial risk management, IPSAS compliance, and support to audit processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the formulation, continuous improvement, and corporate interpretation of UNDP financial risk management policies, including the HACT Framework.
- Oversee the design and enhancement of digital tools, dashboards, and ERP-based solutions to strengthen risk identification, monitoring, and compliance.
- Provide strategic advisory support and necessary training to UNDP offices units on complex financial risk matters.
- Drive cross-functional and inter-agency coordination on financial risk management.
- Lead the planning, rollout, and technical management of the Annual Representation Exercise.
- Maintain and refine the methodology linking Annual Representation outcomes to the SICFR risk framework.
- Provide authoritative technical guidance to Business Process Owners and offices to strengthen compliance and readiness for corporate representations.
- Prepare assigned sections of SICFR and related corporate reporting.
- Deliver clear, actionable feedback to offices on the Annual Representation submissions and SICFR.
- Lead complex analytical reviews and technical assessments required for the preparation of IPSAS-compliant financial statements and related disclosures.
- Contribute to drafting primary financial statements and notes.
- Produce high-level analytical insights, briefing notes, and decision-support materials for senior management.
- Evaluate the impact of new IPSAS standards or policy changes.
- Ensure accuracy of financial data used for corporate reporting.
- Support engagement with internal and external auditors, including the UN Board of Auditors (UNBOA).
- Prepare and validate audit samples, documentation, and evidence.
- Support post-audit follow-up and year-round readiness.
- Strengthen internal control practices by identifying systemic issues, recommending corrective actions, and promoting knowledge sharing.
- Synthesize lessons learned and best practices in Finance.
- Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
- Review and collate performance data and provide relevant analysis for use in preparing formal reports and documents on financial resources management.
Required Experience
- Minimum 5 years (with master´s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor´s degree) of relevant financial management/reporting experience in a large multi-national or international organization.
- Proven experience and a sound understanding of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and/or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) required.
- Experience with ERP financial systems is required (preferably Oracle).
- Experience and knowledge of risk management principles and frameworks, including enterprise risk management concepts.
- Strong analytical and report-writing skills with a proven track record.
- Demonstrated ability to work in and across teams.
- Demonstrated experience in AI, digital transformation, and process automation.
- Experience as a collaborative team player with flexibility to work across global time zones.
- Desirable Criteria: Audit experience (internal and/or external).
- Experience in leading complex analytical reviews and technical assessments
- Prior experience with UN/UNDP
- Experience in producing high-level analytical insights, briefing notes, and decision-support materials for senior management.
Qualifications
Advanced University Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Finance or Accounting, and/or a professional accounting qualification from an accredited institute of accountancy 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 an advanced university degree. Those with professional accounting qualifications from an accredited institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage. Candidates with no accountancy qualification but with relevant experience must successfully undertake the UNDP Advanced Accountancy and Finance Test (AAFT) to be eligible for shortlisting. 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.
