National Finance Specialist

Host entity: UNDP

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Administration, Economics, poverty reduction, livelihoods, Finance, accounting

Application deadline: 26/10/2026

Mission and objectives

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results. In Sudan, UNDP supports a broad range of development interventions. At present, this focuses on support for Sudan’s transition, coupled with efforts on peacebuilding and stabilization, climate-resilience and access to energy, and broader health and economic improvement. Learn more about our impact in 2019.
With dedicated support from donor nations, the international community, and national and international partners, UNDP works in Sudan to deliver on our promise to empower resilient nations.
Serving as the main development integrator in Sudan, UNDP supports SDG-focused strategic capacity development initiatives nationwide, focusing on: inclusive socioeconomic transformation and revival; restoring governance through inclusive and accountable institutions; sustaining and consolidating local peacebuilding; and investing in a new Green Deal through renewable energy and climate resilience efforts.
Through our active partnerships with national and international entities, UNDP strives to eliminate poverty, enable recovery, and ensure effective management of natural resources, and advance peace and social cohesion.

Achieving this will require investment in stabilization and resilience strengthening at all levels of society, in tandem with humanitarian assistance. For more details of UNDP work in Sudan please visit https://www.sd.undp.org/.

Assignment context

This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) position is an integral part of UNDP's Environment, Energy and Climate Action (EECA) Pillar, which contributes to the Country Office's broader response to Sudan's rapidly evolving development and operational context since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023. The conflict has resulted in widespread displacement, disruption of essential services, increasing community vulnerabilities and severe constraints on institutional and operational capacities. In response, UNDP Sudan has progressively adapted its programming, operational footprint and delivery arrangements, guided by a strategic recalibration that emphasizes resilience and recovery, peacebuilding, public health systems, and energy and environment as interconnected priorities. Within this framework, the EECA Pillar plays an important role in supporting climate-resilient recovery, access to sustainable energy, environmental governance and sustainable management of natural resources.

The EECA Pillar manages a diverse and increasingly complex portfolio covering climate change adaptation and mitigation, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, protected areas management, environmental governance, climate finance, resilience and sustainable natural resource management. The portfolio is implemented through partnerships with national and subnational government institutions, project management units, implementing partners, development partners, civil society organizations, communities, consultants and contractors. The Pillar supports the formulation, implementation, monitoring and oversight of programmes and projects while working closely with UNDP Operations units to ensure that resources are managed efficiently, accountably and in accordance with approved project documents, work plans, budgets and applicable UNDP policies and procedures. This coordination has become particularly important in the current operating environment, where security, access, logistical and institutional constraints require greater flexibility while maintaining strong programme and fiduciary oversight.

Against this background, effective delivery of the EECA portfolio requires dedicated and systematic administrative and financial support. This includes tracking project budgets and expenditure; following up on advances, liquidations and financial documentation; facilitating timely processing of programme and project transactions; monitoring procurement and contractual actions; maintaining complete and auditable project records; and supporting audits, spot checks and other assurance activities. Given the volume, geographical reach and operational complexity of the portfolio, the UNV assignment will strengthen the Pillar's capacity to provide timely administrative and financial follow-up, improve coordination between programme, project and operations teams, and contribute to efficient, transparent and accountable implementation of the EECA portfolio in Sudan's challenging operational context.

Task description

Under the overall supervision of the Pillar Lead, the United Nations Volunteer (UNV ) will undertake and be responsible for the following tasks:
1. Provide day-to-day guidance to implementing partners on project implementation and track the use of financial resources, including monitoring the financial management protocols of the project.
2. Prepare for external and internal programme/project audits, conduct financial spot checks during liquidation processes, and support the implementation of audit recommendations.
3. Support the administration and implementation of projects and programme activities under the Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA ) Pillar.
4. Support the preparation, review, and follow-up of financial reports, payment requests, and related supporting documentation.
5. Assist the Pillar by maintaining the internal expenditure system and performing quality assurance reviews of financial reports and payments.
6. Provide on-the-job training to projects under the National Implementation Modality.
7. Oversee financial management and fulfill the obligations of project administration for all projects (nationally and directly implemented ) .
8. Facilitate the procurement process and liaise with the Procurement Unit on behalf of the Pillar.
9. Maintain and ensure that the standard operating procedures are fully compliant.

Skills and experience

Office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), database packages, and web-based management systems such as ERP. Prior experience of working for UNDP, particularly in the programme handling the programme finance is desired. Knowledge of UNDP’s Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP) will be an added advantage.

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organizing
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Living conditions

Khartoum is currently one of the safest operational areas in Sudan, with relatively stable security compared to other conflict-affected regions. Access is possible via commercial and UNHAS flights. The climate is hot and humid, especially in summer months. Modest dress is culturally expected, and alcohol is strictly prohibited. Accommodation options are limited and costly due to high demand. Basic food and water are available but expensive, and power outages are frequent. Medical facilities are functional but limited in capacity—serious cases may require evacuation. Banking services are minimal with limited access to cash; mobile money is used occasionally. Internet and telecom services are available but often unreliable.

Sudan is a unique country and is a unique operation. It provides an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as stamina and commitment. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.