Finance Associate (Open to Tier 1 applicants) at United Nations Development Programme

United Nations Development Programme; Bonn; Vor Ort; EUR 60.000 - 85.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

United Nations Development Programme in Bonn, Germany, is seeking a Finance Associate (Open to Tier 1 internal candidates) for an on-site role. The position supports the BPPS finance team with budgeting, reporting, and financial administration in line with UNDP rules.

The ideal candidate has strong experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and project finance, plus fluency in English and German. A secondary education with accounting/finance or a relevant degree is expected, with professional

Qualifikationen

• Minimum Education requirements: Secondary education with specialized certification in accounting or finance.
• University degree in finance or accounting is desirable.
• Fully qualified accountant from an internationally accredited institute is advantageous.
• Minimum 7 years (with secondary education) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of experience in finance or accounting.
• Fluency in English and German is required. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.

Aufgaben

• Support administration and financial management, including budgeting, analysis of variances, and financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with UNDP financial regulations and donor requirements; assist audits as needed.
• Provide administrative and financial support to BPPS teams and manage documentation and records.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing, improvements in financial processes, and system optimization.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure timely, compliant financial operations.

Kenntnisse

Financial reporting and analysis

Financial compliance

Project finance management

Ausbildung

Secondary Education with specialized certification in accounting and/or Finance

University degree in Finance or Accounting

Fully Qualified Accountant (international)

Tools

Accounting software

ERP systems

Jobbeschreibung

Apply for Finance Associate (Open to Tier 1 applicants) at United Nations Development Programme in Bonn, NW, DE. This Full time on site position offers great opportunities for career growth. Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below:

• 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: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates)
• Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts
• Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Background and organization context

For six decades, UNDP has shaped the progress of human development, working with its partners to lift millions from poverty and increase opportunities for all. Empowered by Member States with a mandate to work across the spectrum of human development, UNDP provides integrated support at scale to improve people’s lives worldwide. UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2026-2029 is grounded in the determination to eradicate poverty, the greatest global challenge, indispensable to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Through the Strategic Plan, UNDP will continue to support countries’ progress towards high human development, while protecting the planet. Four strategic objectives – prosperity for all, effective governance, crisis resilience, and healthy planet – define its strategic direction, powered by three accelerators: digital and artificial intelligence (AI) transformation; gender equality; and sustainable finance. All are underpinned by a commitment to human rights and to leaving no one behind. Within UNDP, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) unites world-class policy expertise, flagship global programmes, and collaborative innovation and learning networks so UNDP is not only ready for the future — but helps build it with governments and partners. To support the achievement of the Strategic Plan, BPPS keeps UNDP at the leading edge of thought and practice, translating evidence into action and elevating solutions that work on the ground. BPPS is where policy meets practice - for impact. From development to crisis contexts, BPPS helps countries navigate complexity, scale what works, and advance a more just, resilient, and sustainable future. In response to the dynamic and rapidly changing development context, BPPS implemented a new structure in 2026 to strengthen its ability to plan, adapt, and execute its strategy in support of the achievement of UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2026-2029. A key component of this restructuring is the centralization of operational support functions in the Business Services Hub for greater cost and process efficiency, integrating digital solutions where possible. The Business Solutions Hub provides support to BPPS Client teams and serves as the principal management adviser to the Directors and Deputy Bureau Director. In this context, the Finance team of BSH supports BPPS management and Client teams by continuously ensuring strong accountability through informed decision-making, effective financial management processes, and transparent financial reporting that complies with all corporate rules and regulations and required risk management thresholds.

Position Purpose

Under the guidance and supervision of the Finance & Administration Analyst, the Finance & Admin Associate serves as the deputy to the Finance/Admin team and supports the Head of Finance/Admin within the transactional services team in delivering service excellence to BPPS client teams. The role ensures the provision of efficient, solutions-oriented transactional services that promote operational effectiveness and compliance with corporate policies and procedures. The Finance & Admin Associate supports the head of Finance/Admin in the management and stewardship of financial resources, ensuring their effective, transparent, and accountable utilization for operational projects. The position plays a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of financial operations, ensuring compliance with United Nations Development Programme financial regulations and rules, and providing timely and accurate financial information to support informed decision-making. UNDP applies a portfolio approach to respond to evolving business needs and to leverage synergies across interventions in support of its strategic objectives. This approach recognizes the interconnected nature of development challenges, risks, and crises, requiring multidisciplinary and integrated responses. As such, UNDP personnel are expected to work across issues, units, functions, teams, and projects, fostering horizontal collaboration and contributing to system-wide effectiveness.

Key Duties and Accountabilities

1. 1.) Support administration and financial management Ensure effective financial planning, budgeting, and monitoring in line with UNDP rules, regulations, and policies. Conduct regular financial analysis to identify trends, variances, and potential risks, and recommend corrective actions. Support the implementation of corporate financial strategies and ensure proper utilization of financial resources. Monitor budget performance and provide timely advice to management and project teams on financial status and projections.
2. 2.) Ensure reporting and compliance Prepare and reconcile financial reports in accordance with internal requirements and donor reporting obligations. Monitor compliance with UNDP financial regulations, policies, and donor-specific requirements. Support internal and external audit processes, including preparation of documentation and follow-up on audit recommendations. Ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of financial data and reporting.
3. 3.) Assist in providing administrative support services to BPPS teams Maintain inventory and office asset records and assist in organizing office supplies and materials for staff use. Support the preparation, processing, and submission of administrative and financial documentation in line with established procedures. Respond to routine administrative and financial queries and provide basic guidance to support compliance and efficient operations. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate timely resolution of administrative and financial matters. Perform office support duties as assigned while promoting a client-oriented approach to service delivery. Coordinate with relevant units to ensure timely and compliant supplier management processes.
4. 4.) Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing Support project staff on financial policies, procedures, and tools. Facilitate workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions on financial management best practices. Contribute to strengthening financial management capacity across teams. Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and compliance.
5. 5.) Contribute to systems and procedures implementation and optimization Contribute to the enhancement and optimization of financial systems and tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Document, review, and update financial procedures and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as needed. Support process mapping and continuous improvement initiatives within financial management. Leverage digital solutions and automation to strengthen financial monitoring and reporting. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities

None Expected

Demonstration of Competencies

• 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

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Thematic Area Name Definition Business Management Customer Satisfaction/Client Management Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns. Business Direction & Strategy 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. Finance Accounting (general) Knowledge of accounting concepts, principles, frameworks, standards, regulations, policies and trends, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations. Finance Budget Management Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets. Administration and Operations Documents and records management Overall document (hard or electronic) management; registry and retention policy including storing and archiving.

Required Education, Experience, Skills and Competencies

Minimum Education requirements Secondary Education with specialized certification in accounting and/or Finance.

University degree in Finance or Accounting desirable. Part-qualified accountants from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage. (The degree must state that the major is in accounting or finance. Degrees in Business Administration or Public Administration are not considered equivalent.)

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) is 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.

Candidate 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.

Minimum years of relevant work experience Minimum 7 years (with secondary education) or 4 years (with bachelor´s degree) of experience in finance or accounting is required.

Required skills Experience with financial reporting and analysis is required. Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section Knowledge of UNDP financial regulations is desirable. Experience using accounting software and tools is desirable. Experience in project financial management is desirable.

Required Language (s): Fluency in English and German is required. Knowledge of another UN language is desired.

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.

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.