The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) continues to play a critical role in promoting peace, resilience, and sustainable development across fragile and conflict-affected settings. One such opportunity now open is the Project Admin and Finance Associate (NPSA-6) position based in Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea. This nationally recruited role offers professionals the chance to directly support peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and post-conflict recovery initiatives in one of the country’s most complex and dynamic regions.
This position is open to all qualified applicants, with a closing date of 13 January 2026, and comes with a one-year contract that carries the possibility of extension based on performance and operational needs.
Understanding the Context: Peacebuilding in Papua New Guinea’s Highlands
The Highlands region of Papua New Guinea has long experienced inter-group and intra-group conflicts, often driven by a combination of demographic pressures, competition over resources, political influence, and limited access to effective justice systems. In many communities, violence remains a normalized and culturally perceived means of resolving disputes.
UNDP’s work in the Highlands is therefore both sensitive and vital. The organization supports survivors of Sorcery-Accusation-Related Violence (SARV) through emotional, physical, and material assistance, while also engaging perpetrators to promote behavioral change, reconciliation, and reintegration. Beyond response efforts, UNDP invests in community peacebuilding projects that strengthen social cohesion, generate livelihoods, expand access to social services, and create opportunities for youth and displaced populations.
The Project Admin and Finance Associate plays a central operational role in ensuring these interventions are delivered efficiently, transparently, and in line with UNDP’s policies and procedures.
Role Overview: Project Admin and Finance Associate
The Project Admin and Finance Associate works under the supervision of the Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Specialist and in close collaboration with the Highlands Joint Programme Coordination Team, UNDP Country Office operations units, and security teams.
At its core, this role ensures that project planning, financial management, procurement, logistics, and administrative processes function smoothly, enabling programme teams to focus on delivering impact on the ground.
Key Responsibilities
1. Project Planning and Annual Work Plan (AWP) Support
The incumbent contributes to the formulation and revision of Annual Work Plans by:
- Preparing inputs for AWPs and detailed implementation plans
- Supporting budget preparation and revisions
- Assisting with procurement and human resources planning
- Coordinating logistics for workshops, meetings, and stakeholder engagements
- Taking minutes during meetings and contributing to reports and documentation
This function ensures that project activities are strategically planned, well-coordinated, and aligned with UNDP country office standards.
2. Ensuring Timely and Effective Project Implementation
A significant component of the role focuses on operational execution. Responsibilities include:
- Initiating procurement actions for goods, services, works, and individual contractors
- Preparing recruitment and contracting requests in line with UNDP SOPs
- Creating and managing e-requisitions in the QUANTUM system
- Following up on procurement, recruitment, travel, and logistics requests
- Preparing travel authorizations and payment requests with accurate chart of accounts
- Processing receipts and financial documentation in QUANTUM
This function demands strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines.
3. Administrative and Asset Management
The Associate also ensures effective administration of project resources by:
- Supervising drivers’ work plans and maintaining vehicle logs
- Overseeing project premises, equipment, and furniture
- Managing asset inventories, tagging, transfers, and monthly updates
- Monitoring staff leave records and coordinating with HR on separations
- Supporting security arrangements in coordination with the UNDP Security Team
- Coordinating ICT support and liaising with the UNDP helpdesk
These responsibilities are essential to maintaining accountability, operational continuity, and compliance with UNDP regulations.
Required Skills, Experience, and Qualifications
Education
- Secondary education is required
- A Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration is an asset but not mandatory
Professional Experience
- Six years of experience with secondary education, or
- Three years of experience with a bachelor’s degree
Experience should be in administrative, programme, or project management support at national or international level. Prior work in peacebuilding, humanitarian coordination, crisis management, or insecure environments is required, while experience within international organizations—especially the UN system—is highly desirable.
Knowledge of UNDP rules and procedures and familiarity with the QUANTUM system are considered strong assets.
Competencies That Matter
UNDP seeks candidates who demonstrate:
- Strong planning and delivery skills
- Adaptability and resilience in challenging environments
- Commitment to learning and continuous improvement
- Respect for diversity and inclusive teamwork
- Integrity, professionalism, and accountability
Technical competencies in finance, procurement, asset management, travel administration, and financial reporting are particularly important for success in this role.
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Language Requirements
- Fluency in English and Tok Pisin is mandatory, reflecting the operational and community-facing nature of the position.
A Commitment to Ethics, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity
UNDP is an equal opportunity employer and is deeply committed to diversity, inclusion, and ethical conduct. All employment decisions are based strictly on merit and suitability. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment, exploitation, abuse of authority, and discrimination.
Applicants should also be aware that UNDP never charges fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
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Why This Role Matters
The Project Admin and Finance Associate is more than an administrative position—it is a backbone role that enables peacebuilding initiatives to function effectively in a highly sensitive context. By ensuring sound financial management, transparent procurement, and efficient administration, the incumbent directly contributes to restoring dignity, promoting recovery, and strengthening social cohesion in Papua New Guinea’s Highlands.
For professionals seeking meaningful work with tangible community impact, this role offers both challenge and purpose.
