Grants & Finance Specialist

Open

UNOPS

Quick Summary

Type
Full Time
Location
Kabul - Kabul
Category
Finance
Published
2026-09-30
Nationality
Afghan
Gender
Male/Female
Vacancy Number
VA No. 4639
No of Job
1

Education

Master’s Degree in Project Management, Business Administration

Experience

Experience in project/programme management, with a focus on private sector development

Deadline

2026-10-13

About the Company

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.

Working with us

We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.

Diversity

With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.

 

Job Summary

Afghanistan

With more than 20 years of experience in the country, UNOPS Afghanistan focuses on providing maximum support to the people of Afghanistan through the delivery of projects and services that improve the lives of people in need. The UNOPS Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) serves as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the implementation agency. At present, UNOPS AFCO activities cover a range of sectors including humanitarian, basic human needs, cash for work, infrastructure, development, procurement and HR services.

The functional objective of UNOPS AFCO is to contribute to improving the lives of girls, boys, men and women living in Afghanistan. The aim of UNOPS AFCO is to provide efficient and cost-effective implementation services on behalf of all our partners to support the humanitarian response and development of the country. UNOPS AFCO’s mission is to exceed the expectations of all stakeholders in the delivery of AFCO services, at all times, in all places, in all circumstances, in order to improve the lives of Afghans in need.

 

Job Requirements

Job Specific Context 

The Private Sector Resilience Program (PSRP) is a flagship Series of Projects (SOP) financed by the World Bank (IDA and ARTF) designed to strengthen the resilience and job creation potential of Afghan Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with a particular focus on women, youth, and returnees.. 

The Grants & Finance Specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing grant mechanisms and supporting the effective financial and operational management of grant-funded activities. The role will oversee matching grants, fund flows, budgets, expenditures, payments, financial reporting and partner controls, while also supporting overall project financial planning, monitoring, forecasting and reporting. The Specialist will work closely with the Program Manager, Finance and project teams to ensure compliance with UNOPS and World Bank requirements and effective use of project resources.

The grants and finance specialist will be required to travel to project areas for monitoring and supervision purposes. 

Role Purpose 

To ensure effective grant management, stakeholder engagement, sound financial management, fiduciary oversight and risk mitigation of the Private Sector Resilience Program (PSRP), contributing to the program's objectives and managing dedicated grants personnel.

Functions / Key Results Expected 

1. Grant Management

  • Preparing and managing the Call for Proposals (CFP), conducting and managing the submission and evaluation of proposals as per the UNOPS policies.
  • Manage day-to-day administration of grant management activities and the implementing partners.
  • Communicate with and provide guidance to implementing partners on grant-related matters in collaboration with the project team.
  • Coordinate due diligence processes, including capacity assessments and protection from sexual exploitation and abuse capacity assessment (PSEA) and monitoring associated action plans.
  • Review and consult on implementing partner documentation and work plans, budgets, and results frameworks. Facilitate orientation sessions and routine dialogue with implementing partners.
  • Coordinate the timely preparation and processing of grant award requests, amendments and implementing partner agreements, in consultation with relevant legal and other advisors, and ensure compliance with UNOPS legal, financial and policy requirements.
  • Follow up and work with project teams to monitor the implementation of implementing partner activities based on the approved work plan, budget and results framework and track the start and completion dates of activities and proactively highlight activities with risk and delays to senior management
  • Establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships with implementing partners and facilitate timely resolution of grant-related issues.
  • Coordinate and follow-up on implementing partner assurance activities, such as routine monitoring, financial spot checks, audits, and evaluations. Facilitate the sharing of lessons learned between implementing partners.
  • Establish and manage effective information flows between the implementing partners and team through consistent and consolidated reporting using dashboards providing a clear overview of grant performance, progress, risks and key issues
  • Coordination of the process of the operational closure of implementing partner grants and UNOPS project closure
  • Preparing and managing the Call for Proposals (CFP), conducting and managing the submission and evaluation of proposals as per the UNOPS policies.
  • Manage day-to-day administration of grant management activities and the implementing partners.
  • Communicate with and provide guidance to implementing partners on grant-related matters in collaboration with the project team.

2. Financial Management

  • Establish and maintain effective financial management arrangements for grants and related project activities, in coordination with the Program Manager and Finance.

  • Support the preparation, review and consolidation of grant budgets and relevant project financial plans, ensuring alignment with approved work plans, results frameworks and financing arrangements.

  • Monitor grant expenditures, commitments, budget utilization, cash-flow requirements and financial forecasts, identifying variances and emerging financial risks.

  • Review grant payment requests, budgets, financial provisions and amendments, ensuring compliance with approved agreements, payment schedules and UNOPS requirements.

  • Monitor advances, expenditures, liquidations and outstanding balances, and follow up with implementing partners on financial issues and overdue submissions.

  • Review implementing partner financial reports for completeness, accuracy and compliance with approved budgets and grant agreements, and reconcile reported information with UNOPS records.

  • Prepare consolidated project financial information, dashboards and management reports, highlighting budget utilization, expenditure, forecasts, variances and key financial risks.

  • Prepare consolidated project financial information, dashboards and management reports, highlighting budget utilization, expenditure, forecasts, variances and key financial risks.

  • Prepare regular project financial reports with inputs from relevant focal persons and manage their finalization and submission, including preparation and submission of disbursement requests.

  • Provide financial inputs to project and donor reporting, financial reviews and project closure, ensuring consistency between financial information, implementation progress and reported results.

3. Capacity Assessment and Capacity Building
  • Lead the review, monitoring and updating of the UNOPS implementing partner capacity assessment and PSEA capacity assessment, incorporating best practices and assessment tools.
  • Organize and deliver IP capacity development and training in financial and organisational management and PSEA.
  • Provide day-to-day help and guidance to the IPs and coordinate with the Project Team to ensure IP understanding of, and compliance with, these standards.
  • Provide IPs with the required assistance in developing or strengthening their internal guidelines and policies to guide their project financial management and organisational activities and to ensure accountability.
  • Standardize, to the extent possible, IP capacity development efforts by UNOPS.

4. Knowledge Management and Innovation

  • Keep abreast of and incorporate latest/best practices, approaches and technology to enhance the programme delivery and results.

  • Institutionalise and share best practices and lessons for corporate development planning and knowledge building.

  • Draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to align grant operations with changing environments.

  • Lead the planning, implementation and organization of strategic capacity building of project personnel, implementing partners, clients and stakeholders especially in the field of grant management.

  • Coordinate with the UNOPS Infrastructure and Project Management Group (IPMG) and AFCO peers for tailoring good practices to meet the specific needs of UNOPS Afghanistan.

5. Risk Management and Compliance

  • Identify and assess potential risks associated with grant implementation, and develop mitigation strategies in coordination with the project team.

  • Ensure compliance with UNOPS financial rules and regulations, procurement procedures, and relevant donor requirements.

  • Support regular audits as per agreement with the donor and conduct spot checks of grant activities to ensure accountability and transparency.

  • Oversee and ensure the implementation of the FundsChain blockchain platform for transaction traceability from the Bank to end-beneficiaries for transactions involving implementing partners

6. Stakeholder Communication and Coordination

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for grantees, providing guidance and support throughout the grant lifecycle.

  • Facilitate communication and collaboration between grantees, UNOPS project team, and other stakeholders.

  • Organize regular meetings and workshops to share information, best practices, and lessons learned among grantees.

  • Prepare regular progress reports and presentations for senior management and donors on grant activities and outcomes.

7. Program Development and Improvement

  • Contribute to the development of new grant programs and initiatives based on identified needs and priorities.

  • Evaluate the effectiveness of existing grant programs and recommend improvements to enhance their impact and sustainability.

  • Conduct research and analysis on best practices in grant management and private sector development, and incorporate findings into program design and implementation.

 

Skills 
Capacity Building, Grant Monitoring, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Planning, Team Leadership, Finance Management
Strategic Perspective
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
Respect
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Collaboration
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Partnerships
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Excellence
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Adaptability
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Decision-making
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Communication
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Education Requirements 

Required

  • Master’s Degree in Project Management, Business Administration, International Development, or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; OR a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience.

 

 

Experience Requirements 

Required

  • Experience in project/programme management, with a focus on private sector development, grant management, or economic development in complex environments is considered relevant

 

Desired

  • Experience making grants to private sector entities and/or developing and managing complex grants.

  • Experience working with the World Bank or other international financial institutions.

  • Experience in FCV contexts.

Language Requirements 
Language Proficiency Level Requirement
English Fluent Required
 
 

Submission Guideline

Please click on the below link for actual vacancy announcement to see the complete details and submission guideline as this is only an attempt for attracting female applicants for gender parity in organization. Please make sure you fill your profile/application properly with all relevant details in order to be considered for the next stage of recruitment/selection.

https://careers.unops.org/careersmarketplace/JobDetail/4639 

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