Introduction

Behind every successful United Nations development project is a strong administrative and financial backbone. From managing donor funds and ensuring compliance with international regulations to supporting programme teams in delivering life-changing interventions, Project Administration and Finance Associates play a central role in transforming development plans into real, measurable impact.

For 2026, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking qualified professionals to fill Project Admin and Finance Associate positions across multiple duty stations and programmes. These roles are ideal for individuals with experience in finance, administration, accounting, project support, or operations who want to build a stable, respected, and globally recognized career within the United Nations system.

This article is published by an independent job-advertising and career-information platform. It is shared strictly for informational purposes and is not affiliated with UNDP. The platform does not participate in recruitment, shortlisting, or selection. All applications must be submitted through UNDP’s official recruitment channels.

For professionals seeking job security, international exposure, competitive compensation, and meaningful development impact, the UNDP Project Admin and Finance Associate role in 2026 represents a highly valuable opportunity.

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Background & Job Description

About UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme is the United Nations’ global development network, working in nearly 170 countries and territories. UNDP supports governments and communities to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, strengthen governance, build resilience, and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UNDP’s work spans a wide range of thematic areas, including:

• Poverty reduction and inclusive growth
• Climate action and environmental sustainability
• Democratic governance and rule of law
• Crisis prevention, recovery, and resilience
• Gender equality and women’s empowerment
• Digital transformation and innovation

Across all these areas, strong financial management and administrative systems are essential to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective use of donor resources.

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Overview of the Project Admin and Finance Associate Role

The Project Admin and Finance Associate provides critical administrative, financial, and operational support to UNDP-managed projects. The role ensures that:

• Project funds are managed accurately and responsibly
• Administrative processes run smoothly
• Reporting requirements are met on time
• Projects comply with UNDP policies and donor regulations

Depending on the duty station, this role may be offered under:

• General Service (GS) contracts, or
• National Personnel Services Agreement (NPSA) contracts

Regardless of contract modality, the role is considered a core professional support function within UNDP operations.

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Role Purpose and Strategic Impact

The primary purpose of the Project Admin and Finance Associate role is to enable effective programme delivery by ensuring that all administrative and financial aspects of a project are well managed.

This role directly contributes to:

• Efficient use of development funding
• Donor confidence and continued financing
• Timely implementation of project activities
• Strong audit outcomes and compliance records

By maintaining robust financial and administrative systems, the Associate helps UNDP achieve its mission of sustainable development and long-term impact.

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Key Responsibilities

While specific duties may vary depending on the project and country office, Project Admin and Finance Associates are typically responsible for the following:

1. Administrative Support

• Providing day-to-day administrative support to project teams
• Coordinating meetings, workshops, trainings, and project events
• Preparing meeting minutes, correspondence, and internal communications
• Maintaining organized project files and documentation systems
• Supporting travel arrangements and logistics for project staff and partners

Strong administrative systems ensure smooth project implementation and effective coordination among stakeholders.

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2. Financial Management & Budget Support

• Processing payments, invoices, and reimbursements in line with UNDP rules
• Supporting budget planning and expenditure tracking
• Monitoring project budgets and flagging potential issues or variances
• Maintaining accurate financial records and supporting audits
• Assisting with financial reporting to donors and UNDP management

This financial oversight role is critical to ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of public and donor funds.

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3. Project Implementation Support

• Assisting with project planning, workplans, and timelines
• Supporting monitoring and reporting on project progress
• Coordinating with programme staff, procurement units, and operations teams
• Supporting preparation of donor reports and internal progress updates

Through this work, the Associate helps ensure that projects stay on track, on budget, and aligned with objectives.

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4. Compliance, Risk & Audit Support

• Ensuring compliance with UNDP policies, procedures, and donor agreements
• Supporting internal and external audits
• Maintaining accurate documentation for financial and administrative reviews
• Identifying potential compliance or financial risks and escalating them appropriately

This function is essential to protecting UNDP’s reputation and maintaining trust with donors and partners.

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UNDP Project Admin and Finance Associate Jobs 2026 — Competitive UN Salary & Global Career Opportunity

Qualifications

Education & Certification

Competitive candidates usually meet one of the following criteria:

• Secondary education combined with relevant professional experience, or
• A Bachelor’s degree in:
  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Public Administration
  • Management or a related field

Professional certifications in accounting, finance, or administration are considered an advantage.

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Professional Experience

Applicants are typically expected to have:

• Several years of relevant experience in finance, administration, accounting, or project support
• Experience managing budgets, financial transactions, or administrative systems
• Prior experience in international organizations, NGOs, government, or donor-funded projects is highly desirable

Experience working with ERP systems or financial management software is an asset.

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Skills & Core Competencies

Successful Project Admin and Finance Associates usually demonstrate:

• Strong numerical and analytical skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Knowledge of financial and administrative procedures
• Strong communication and coordination skills
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments
• Integrity, discretion, and professionalism

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Salary & Benefits (Indicative)

While exact compensation varies by duty station and contract type, Project Admin and Finance Associate roles at UNDP generally offer:

💰 Salary Range

• Competitive UN-aligned salary, typically benchmarked to local and international standards
• Salaries may range from mid-level national professional earnings to internationally competitive GS/NPSA rates, depending on location

🎁 Benefits

• Paid annual leave and sick leave
• Health insurance coverage
• Pension or social security contributions (contract-dependent)
• Access to UNDP learning and development platforms

These benefits make UNDP roles financially stable and professionally sustainable.

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Why Apply for a UNDP Project Admin and Finance Associate Role in 2026

🌍 Meaningful Global Impact

Support projects that address poverty, climate change, governance, and inequality.

💼 Career Stability

UNDP offers structured contracts, professional recognition, and long-term career prospects.

📈 Career Growth

Many professionals progress from Associate roles into Programme Analyst, Operations Specialist, or managerial positions.

🤝 Inclusive Work Culture

UNDP promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion and values multicultural collaboration.

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Career Pathways After This Role

Professionals in Project Admin and Finance Associate roles often move into:

• Programme or Project Analyst roles
• Finance Specialist or Operations Manager positions
• Procurement or Grants Management roles
• Senior administrative or managerial functions within UNDP or other UN agencies

This role provides an excellent foundation for long-term UN system careers.

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Application Tips & Insights

Strong applicants typically:

• Tailor their CV to highlight finance and administrative experience
• Demonstrate familiarity with donor-funded project environments
• Show strong organizational and compliance skills
• Clearly explain their motivation to work with UNDP

Avoid generic applications—demonstrate how your experience directly supports project delivery and financial accountability.

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Additional Information

• Organization: United Nations Development Programme
• Position: Project Admin and Finance Associate
• Year: 2026
• Contract Type: GS / NPSA (varies by duty station)
• Work Location: Country office or project-based (varies)

UNDP is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from underrepresented groups.

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How to Apply

Interested candidates should:

1. Access UNDP’s official careers system
2. Search for Project Admin and Finance Associate – 2026 vacancies
3. Review eligibility and contract details carefully
4. Prepare a targeted CV and supporting documents
5. Submit the application before the stated deadline

Applicants should be aware that UNDP never charges application or recruitment fees.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior UN experience required?
No, but experience with donor-funded projects is an advantage.

Are these roles open to international applicants?
Eligibility depends on the contract type and duty station.

Is this a long-term role?
Many contracts are fixed-term with possibilities for extension based on performance and funding.

Does this role involve travel?
Travel is usually limited and depends on project needs.

Can this role lead to higher UN positions?
Yes. Many UN professionals begin their careers in Associate-level roles.

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