Regional Public Finance and Governance Specialist

Mission and objectivesEstablished in 1965, UNDP is the United Nations’ global development network, operating in nearly 170 countries and territories. Its mission is to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience to crises and shocks. The Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH) is UNDP’s primary knowledge and advisory center for the Europe and Central Asia region. The Governance and Peacebuilding team at the IRH supports UNDP offices in 19 countries and territories with advisory services aimed at advancing good governance, rule of law, security, human rights, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and combating corruption.ContextIn September 2025, UNDP IRH initiated the implementation of the initiative Smart Finance for Accountable Local Governance implemented in North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, and Moldova. The UN Volunteer assignment is part of this initiative, which aims to enhance public finance management and SDG-focused auditing across the Western Balkans and Moldova. By addressing key weaknesses in financial management, improving auditing practices, and tackling corruption prevention at the local level, the project seeks to strengthen governance systems. It will facilitate regional exchanges for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the adoption of innovative tools and best practices that foster transparency, accountability, and the alignment of public finance with EU standards. The project includes:- SDG Auditing Strengthening capacities for auditing SDG implementation at the local level, with a focus on building auditing frameworks that align with international standards. This will include developing tools for conducting SDG audits at municipal levels, piloting SDG audits, and promoting collaborative knowledge-sharing between auditing institutions in the region.- Corruption Prevention Addressing the impact of corruption on governance by promoting transparency and integrity in local public procurement and financial management. Activities will focus on proactive corruption risk management, building the capacities of anti-corruption institutions, and fostering regional collaboration through knowledge exchange and the development of practical guidelines on anti-corruption practices.- Innovative Transparency Measures Enhancing internal controls and auditing systems within local governments by introducing innovative approaches to improve transparency and accountability. This will involve building local capacities for internal audits, exploring AI-based solutions for financial monitoring, and piloting innovative citizen engagement tools for public finance monitoring at the local level. Key Stakeholders include: UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH), UNDP North Macedonia, UNDP Montenegro, UNDP Serbia, UNDP Bosnia and Herzegovina, UNDP Albania, and UNDP Moldova, Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) from each jurisdiction, local governments, public procurement institutions, anti-corruption institutions, and civil society.Task descriptionUnder the direct supervision of Programme Specialist, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:• Provide technical guidance on public finance management, local financing, financial controls, and SDG auditing, ensuring alignment with regional objectives and EU standards.• Contribute to capacity-building activities for Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs), anti-corruption bodies, procurement agencies, and local governments, identifying institutional gaps and recommending targeted regional and country-level interventions.• Assist in the co-creation and strategic alignment of the project’s annual work plan, ensuring coherence and complementarity across participating countries and stakeholders.• Draft and review project documentation, including Terms of Reference (TORs), technical briefs, presentations, and summary reports to support strategic decision-making, donor communications, and project implementation.• Facilitate coordination and engagement with key stakeholders, mainly participating UNDP Country Offices.• Support overall project oversight, quality assurance, and adherence to corporate standards, ensuring effective project delivery and monitoring.• Build synergies with other ongoing projects under the Regional Public Finance for Development Initiative and Governance Projects, leveraging lessons learned and maximizing impact across related efforts.• Perform other duties as required to ensure smooth implementation and regional coordination.Qualification RequirementsMaster's degree in public finance/administration, auditing, economics, political science, sustainable development, or a relevant area, e.g., public finance, or areas related to auditing.A first-level university degree or equivalent in combination with relevant training and/or professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.At least 7 years of professional work experience at the national or international level in finance, SDG finance, EU accession related to financial control (Chapter 32) or other relevant areas; experience with sustainability is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization.Fluency in EnglishOther desired/mandatory required technical knowledge:• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;• Sound security awareness;• Have affinity with or interest in public finance and auditing, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.