Finance Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been operational in India since 1951, focusing on various aspects of human development. The organization collaborates with the Government of India and other development partners to tackle issues such as poverty eradication, inequality reduction, local governance enhancement, environmental protection, and sustainable development. UNDP India operates in every state and union territory, working with national and subnational governments and diverse development actors to achieve people-centric results, particularly for marginalized communities. The organization is committed to supporting India's national development vision and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its Country Programme (2023-2027), which emphasizes strong institutions, economic opportunities, social protection, and climate-smart solutions. UNDP promotes South-South cooperation, gender equality, and social inclusion across its initiatives, backed by partnerships and innovative financing solutions.

Job Overview:
The Finance Officer position is a senior role within UNDP India's Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) project team. This role involves leading and managing the project finance team to ensure robust financial oversight, compliance with donor requirements, and fiduciary integrity across all project components. The HSS project portfolio is crucial for strengthening India's Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) through digital innovations and system improvements. The Finance Officer will oversee an annual portfolio exceeding USD 30 million, ensuring sound financial planning and compliance with UNDP and donor requirements. The position requires strategic leadership in financial management, advising project leadership on financial risks and resource allocation, and maintaining the confidence of government and donor partners. The Finance Officer will play a key role in safeguarding fiduciary integrity and enabling UNDP to fulfill its commitment to strengthening immunization systems and advancing the principle of Leaving No One Behind.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Officer will report to the Project Manager and will oversee the financial management of the HSS projects, including HSS III, eVIN State Support, and Co-WIN. Key responsibilities include leading the finance team, ensuring compliance with UNDP and donor requirements, overseeing cash flows and fund utilization, enforcing internal controls, and driving process improvements. The Finance Officer will implement financial strategies, manage multi-donor budgets, oversee the preparation of financial reports, and ensure audit readiness. The role also involves identifying financial risks, strengthening financial systems, and providing direction and mentoring to the finance team. The Finance Officer will be responsible for building financial capacity at regional and state levels and promoting best practices in financial management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a professional accounting qualification from an internationally accredited institute or an Advanced (Master’s) University Degree in Finance and/or Accounting. A first-level university degree in the relevant fields, combined with two years of qualifying experience, will also be considered. Candidates without professional accountancy qualifications must complete the Finance Training and Certification Programme if recruited. Those with an MBA or master's in finance without accountancy qualifications must undertake the UNDP Advanced Accountancy and Finance Test to be eligible for shortlisting. Additionally, candidates should have demonstrated experience in financial management advisory services, managing operational systems, and familiarity with financial regulations and policies in international organizations.

Educational Background:
A professional accounting qualification from an internationally accredited institute or an Advanced (Master’s) University Degree in Finance and/or Accounting is required. A first-level university degree in the relevant fields, combined with two years of qualifying experience, will also be considered. Candidates without professional accountancy qualifications must complete the Finance Training and Certification Programme if recruited. Those with an MBA or master's in finance without accountancy qualifications must undertake the UNDP Advanced Accountancy and Finance Test to be eligible for shortlisting.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience is required for candidates with a master's degree, or 4 years for those with a bachelor's degree. Candidates should have experience providing financial management advisory services, managing personnel and operational systems, and familiarity with financial regulations and policies in international organizations. Experience with financial resource planning, budgeting processes, and using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for financial transaction processing is essential. Candidates should also have experience in analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis and interpretation of complex accounting and financial information, as well as knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and/or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Languages:
Fluency in Hindi and English is required for this position. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages, as they will be working in a diverse environment with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working with multiple funding streams and transitioning from donor to state financing. UNDP is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, encouraging qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions at the same grade level. Candidates should be aware that UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.