Operations Analyst (P2) UNCDF New… at United Nations · New York…

Tiered Approach

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:

• 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: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

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

Background

General Assembly Resolution 2186 (XXI) decided to “bring into operations the United Nations Capital Development Fund as an organ of the General Assembly which shall function as an autonomous organization of the United Nations. The UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) assists developing countries, especially least developing countries, in the development of their economies by supplementing existing sources of capital assistance by means of grants, loans, and guarantees. UNCDF’s vision is to help mobilize and catalyze an increase of capital flows for SDG impactful investments to Member States to address the most pressing development challenges facing vulnerable communities in these countries and thereby contribute to sustainable economic growth and equitable prosperity.

As a Flagship Catalytic Blended Financing platform of the UN, UNCDF utilizes its unique capability in the UN system to deploy grants, loans and guarantees to crowd-in finance for the scaling of development impact. UNCDF focuses on where the needs are greatest, a deliberate focus and capability rooted in UNCDF’s unique investment mandate to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the realization of the Doha Programme of Action for the least developed countries, 2022–2031.

As per its Strategic Framework, UNCDF works to deploy its functions as a hybrid development organization and development finance institution. UNCDF responds to Member States’ requests for assistance by providing targeted technical and financial advisory services on investments for development outcomes, designing bespoke financial structuring solutions, undertaking financial derisking of investments, and enhancing investment readiness of SDG-aligned projects in partnership with the private sector, UNOs, international and local finance institutions, development finance institutions, as well as foundations and philanthropy, among others. UNCDF works to develop local financial systems, new markets and mobilize and crowd in capital from public and private sources. UNCDF is driven by a partnership mindset which enables it to deploy its different capital capabilities in highly tailored and responsive ways in order to mobilize investment flows from other sources, in particular from the private sector. By structuring transactions which are highly impactful, but also recognize the need for multiplying the impact of its own capital, UNCDF seeks to position itself as a preferred partner for different stakeholders. UNCDF’s work is focused on three priority areas:

• SME Finance
• Sub-National Finance
• Digital Finance

UNCDF’s organizational set up includes an Investment and Implementation Division (IID), Investment and Finance Oversight Division (IFOD), Operations and Oversight Division (OOD) and a Directorate of the Executive Office. UNCDF staff and personnel are located in regional hubs based in Dakar (Senegal), Nairobi (Kenya) and Bangkok (Thailand) with sub-regional presence in a number of locations in the Caribbean and Pacific Regions. UNCDF is led by an Executive Secretary based out of New York, USA. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 2321 (XXII, para 1.a), the Administrator of the UNDP performs the function of the Managing Director of UNCDF. UNCDF is overseen by an Executive Board comprised of UN Member States.

Position Purpose

Reporting directly to the Operations Assurance and Effectiveness Advisor, the Operations Analyst supports operations management, procurement coordination and asset and premises management through a client-oriented approach and in compliance with UNDP/UNCDF regulations and rules, policies and procedures, and in close cooperation with units within OOD and UNCDF.

UNCDF adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages cross interventions to achieve its strategic goals. This is a recognition of the interconnected nature of development risks and crises that the world is facing and that calls for assembling multidisciplinary teams for an integrated and systemic response. Therefore, UNCDF personnel are expected to work across issues, units, functions, teams and projects in multidisciplinary teams to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities

1) Ensure administrative compliance and implementation of operational strategies

• Uphold full adherence of operational activities to UNCDF rules, regulations, policies, and strategic frameworks, reinforcing accountability, transparency, and institutional integrity throughout all transactions and processes.
• Ensure effective day-to-day office management and administrative support by proactively coordinating logistical requirements, including office supplies, equipment and workspace arrangements, while also supporting G4 visa guidance, UNLP issuance and renewal processes, and corporate card reconciliation and payments, to maintain operational continuity and compliance with UN policies.
• Coordinate administrative operations, which may include organizing meetings, preparing briefing notes for OOD and official correspondence, managing confidential documentation, maintaining structured electronic and physical filing systems, and ensuring that workflow processes are streamlined in a manner that enhances efficiency, transparency, and accountability across the OOD.
• Collect, interpret, and present travel and operational data in the form of statistical summaries, performance dashboards, and management reports in order to support management to evaluate operational implementation, identify trends or inefficiencies, and implement evidence-based improvements.

2) Ensure effective coordination of the procurement process

• Contribute to the execution of annual procurement plans aligned with programme priorities and operational requirements, ensuring timely and efficient acquisition processes and full compliance with UNDP POPP, Financial Regulations and Rules (FRRs), and established procurement procedures.
• Recommend appropriate procurement strategies and contracting approaches to requesting units, providing guidance on compliance with UNDP POPP and FRRs, and ensuring considerations of efficiency, risk management, and value for money are fully integrated into the decision-making process.
• Deliver analytical and research-based support across the entire procurement cycle, including drafting solicitation documents, managing tender processes such as RFPs, RFQs, EOI, and LTA, coordinating technical and financial evaluations, facilitating contract negotiation and administration, monitoring contractor performance, addressing legal and payment provisions, applying sourcing strategies, conducting supplier selection and quality assurance, and promoting the effective use of e-procurement systems.
• Maintain and periodically update supplier rosters to cultivate a competitive and diversified vendor base, while applying structured selection and performance evaluation methodologies to strengthen accountability and optimize value for money.
• Review procurement processes and prepare and submit cases to the Contract, Asset, and Procurement Committee (CAP) and/or Advisory Committee on Procurement (ACP), as required.
• Implement the internal control system which ensures purchase orders are duly prepared and approved.
• Perform the role of a buyer in Quantum for procuring goods and services, including driving and coordinating the sourcing process of procurement.
• Monitor and analyze Purchase Order (PO) reports to identify budget check errors, data inconsistencies, and outstanding balances; coordinate timely corrective actions, data clean-up, and closure of POs to strengthen financial accuracy and internal controls.
• Perform travel oversight.

3) Ensure asset and premises oversight and compliance

• Coordinate mid-year and year-end physical asset verification exercises with Headquarters and field offices, ensuring timely completion and certification of all UNCDF-managed assets in accordance with UNDP POPP Asset Management requirements and the Internal Control Framework.
• Review asset-verification submissions for completeness, accuracy, and consistency, following up with field asset focal points to resolve discrepancies related to asset condition, tagging, location, disposals, write-offs, or missing documentation.
• Consolidate certified verification records and maintain updated oversight documentation, ensuring proper filing, traceability, and audit-readiness to support financial integrity, IPSAS reporting, and management assurance processes.
• Review and recommend appropriate disposal methods, including transfer, sale, donation, recycling, write-off, or destruction, based on asset condition, residual value, marketability, and policy criteria, ensuring decisions align with organizational risk, accountability, and stewardship standards.
• Coordinate with the Regional Operational Effectiveness and Assurance Specialist and relevant field asset focal points to facilitate the preparation, verification, and consolidation of disposal documentation.
• Review disposal submissions for completeness and policy alignment prior to onward submission to designated approving authorities (e.g., OOD, Asset Review Committees, or delegated approving officers, as applicable).
• Support the facilitation of disposal approval processes by ensuring required documentation and justifications are properly compiled and submitted.
• Monitor implementation of approved disposal actions and ensure appropriate system updates and record retention for audit purposes.
• Monitor and track all lease, sub-lease, MoU, and amendment documentation, ensuring timely updates and compliance with UNDP Premises Management policies and Common Premises frameworks.
• Proactively monitor lease expiration timelines and coordinate renewals or extensions to ensure continuity of operations.
• Review lease terms and common cost estimates (rent, utilities, maintenance, shared services) to validate cost allocations and alignment with agreed frameworks.
• Maintain and enhance a centralized premises dashboard providing visibility on lease status, expiry timelines, and cost-sharing arrangements to support management decision-making.

4) Facilitate knowledge building and knowledge sharing

• Provide practical, system-based training on the use of enterprise resource planning platform and procurement module, guiding staff through requisition creation, bid evaluation workflows, contract issuance, and vendor performance tracking, while addressing common errors and strengthening procedural compliance.
• Organize training sessions, briefings, and capacity-building sessions on travel procedures, entitlements, system functionality, and policy updates, strengthening compliance awareness and improving operational efficiency.
• Design and deliver training sessions, guidance notes, and capacity-building initiatives for asset custodians on asset handling responsibilities, system functionality, and internal control requirements, reinforcing accountability and operational consistency across the organization.

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

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: None

Competencies

Core

• 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 and Technical competencies

• 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.
• Business Management — Risk Management: Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks.
• Business Management — Portfolio Management: Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management.
• Business Management — Communication: Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.
• Business Management — Operations Management: Ability to effectively plan, organise and oversee different parts of corporate operations, simultaneously and in an integrated way, in order to convert the organisation’s assets into the best results in the most efficient way. Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms.
• Procurement — Contract Management: Knowledge of contract management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations.
• Finance — Financial Planning and Budgeting: Ability to create and manage processes to achieve UNCDF’s long and short-term financial goals, including through planning, budgeting, forecasting, analyzing and reporting.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in Business Administration, Economic or related field; or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• CIPS level 3 is highly desirable for this position and candidates holding this level at the time of application will have a distinct advantage. If the desired certification is not available at the time of recruitment, it should be obtained within one year of recruitment. Candidates holding a CIPS certification at any level below at the time of application will have a proportionate advantage.

Experience:

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• Minimum of two (2) years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible procurement and administrative experience is required at the national or international level.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) is required.
• Experience in automated procurement systems is required.
• Solid experience in assets management is required.
• Experience in procurement management with an international organization is required.
• Experience in procurement management both in HQ and in the field is desired.
• Experience with administrative and operations data analytics and dashboards to support management decision making is desired.
• Demonstrated experience in monitoring and supporting implementation of organization-wide procurement plans is desired.
• Experience with investment-related procurement processes is desired.
• Experience coordinating inputs and providing administrative and operations support to field offices desired.
• Experience and knowledge of UN/UNDP/UNCDF rules and policies is desired.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in both written and spoken English is required.
• Working knowledge of other UN languages 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.

Use of AI by candidates

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

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.

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