Project Finance Officer [Open to internal and external applicants]

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

UNDP has been working in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development. Together with the Government of India and development partners, we have worked towards eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, strengthening local governance, enhancing community resilience, protecting the environment, supporting policy initiatives and institutional reforms, and accelerating sustainable development for all. 

With projects and programmes in every state and union territory in India, UNDP works with national and subnational government, and diverse development actors to deliver people-centric results, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. As the integrator for collective action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UN system, we are committed to supporting the Government of India’s national development vision and priorities and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet. 

UNDP India’s new Country Programme (2023-2027) builds on our prior work and aims to provide an integrated approach to development solutions in three strategic portfolios: 

South-South cooperation, gender equality and social inclusion are promoted across the pillars. The programme is supported by a framework of renewed partnerships and blended finance solutions, strategic innovation and accelerator labs, and data and digital architecture.

You are invited to join a team of future-smart development professionals to support India in achieving the national and globally agreed goals. As part of the UNDP team, your focus will be to work with diverse stakeholders to find country-specific solutions that lead to sustainable development and reach those furthest behind first.

Duties and Responsibilities

UNDP India’s Health Unit is implementing a wide range of projects in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the Global Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), and State Governments. Together, these initiatives form one of the largest UNDP health portfolios globally, implemented at the national, state, and district levels. The Finance Officer will be a senior member of the Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) project team, leading and managing the project finance team to ensure robust financial oversight, donor compliance, and fiduciary integrity across all project components.

The HSS project portfolio plays a central role in strengthening India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) by leveraging digital innovations and system improvements. The overarching goal of these projects is to ensure universal, equitable, and sustainable access to immunization services, combining digital health platforms, capacity building, and increasing state ownership of financing.

Current initiatives include:

The Finance Officer will work under the supervision of the Project Manager and provide strategic leadership to the finance function of the HSS projects, overseeing an annual portfolio of more than USD 30 million. As head of the project’s finance team, the role will ensure sound financial planning, full compliance with UNDP, donor, and state-level requirements, and the establishment of robust systems for expenditure tracking and reporting. The Finance Officer will also advise project leadership on financial risks, opportunities, and resource allocation, ensuring that financial management effectively supports project success.

Operating in a complex environment with multiple funding streams and a transition from donor to state financing, the Finance Officer will be responsible for safeguarding fiduciary integrity and maintaining the confidence of government and donor partners. By building strong financial systems, the role will enable UNDP to deliver on its commitment to strengthening immunization systems and advancing the principle of Leaving No One Behind.

The Finance Officer will provide leadership and oversight of financial management across UNDP India’s Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) projects, including HSS III, eVIN State Support, and Co-WIN. In close coordination with Country Office Finance Team, the position will ensure compliance with UNDP, donor, and government requirements while strengthening systems for planning, reporting, and risk management.  Leading the project’s finance team, the Finance Officer will oversee cash flows and fund utilization, enforce strong internal controls, and drive process improvements. By delivering timely financial analysis and advice, the role will safeguard fiduciary integrity, support effective resource allocation, and advance the long-term financial sustainability of UNDP’s health portfolio in India.

Reporting To: Project Manager – Vaccine Intelligence

Reporting to this position: - 2 Project Finance Associates (NPSA 6) 

Financial Strategy and Oversight

Budgeting, Reporting, and Analysis

Process Optimization and Risk Management

Compliance 

Team Leadership and Capacity Building

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Core competencies

People management

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site [link removed]. 

Cross-Functional & Technical Competences 

Finance            

 Business Management          

Business Direction and Strategy      

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Experience:

Required skills 

Desired skills 

Required Languages

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection [link removed]

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.