Programme Management Senior Associate (Finance), Colombo, Sri Lanka

General Information

Position Title: Programme Management Senior Associate (Finance)

Job Category: Finance

Duty Station(s): Colombo

Seniority Level: Associate

ICS Level: ICS 07

Contract Type: ICA - LICA - Support - Regular

Contract Level: LICA 7

Posting Start Date: 17-Aug-2026

Posting End Date: 31-Aug-2026

Duration: 03 Years

Job Highlight

Empower finance operations with compliance, strategic budgeting, and robust financial controls.

This is a key opportunity to contribute to sustainable development initiatives in South Asia by ensuring robust financial management and effective project delivery. The role offers significant exposure to UNOPS project management methodologies, financial regulations, and cross-functional collaboration, providing excellent professional growth in a dynamic international environment. It further offers direct exposure to donor-funded infrastructure delivery, grant administration and financial and procurement compliance requirements.

About the Region

The Asia Pacific Regional Office, based in Bangkok, Thailand, provides strategic leadership and oversight for UNOPS operations across 17 countries, ensuring high performance, operational excellence, and alignment with organizational goals. Operations currently span Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands. Across these countries, we work closely with key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and maximize impact through five main operating units: Afghanistan (AFCO), Myanmar (MMCO), South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO), East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), and the Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC). Through these entities, we provide agile, client-focused service delivery across diverse sectors - including infrastructure, health, procurement, and project management - supporting the implementation of sustainable development solutions across the region.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

The South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO) supports UNOPS operations across six countries: Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. SAMCO delivers a broad range of services and technical expertise in climate change, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), infrastructure, procurement, human resource management, and fund management. Each country office is staffed with local technical experts and maintains strong partnerships with national governments, ensuring context-specific solutions and effective project implementation.

Job Specific Context

The position operates within the South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO) in Colombo, Sri Lanka, providing essential financial and project management support. This role is critical for ensuring the efficient and compliant execution of project activities, financial oversight, and accurate reporting in line with UNOPS rules and regulations. It involves integrating various administrative and financial processes to support project implementation and delivery across diverse sectors.

The position supports a biodiversity protection and waste management project implemented in the Central and Uva Provinces, in partnership with a co-implementing agency and national and sub-national counterparts. The portfolio combines construction works, procurement of goods and services, and grant disbursement.

The incumbent provides combined project management and financial support across the portfolio. This includes supporting work plan preparation and revision, tracking milestones, risks and deliverables, coordinating procurement and contracting processes, servicing meetings and missions, and maintaining project records and correspondence; and, on the financial side, budget monitoring against approved workplans, verification of contractor, supplier and grantee payment claims, maintenance of financial records and audit files, and preparation of financial and progress reporting inputs. The role requires accuracy under field-based operating conditions and close coordination with project, finance, procurement and counterpart teams.

Role Purpose

The Programme Management Senior Associate (Finance) manages and integrates several related processes within the finance and project support service area. S/he applies professional principles to ensure the integrity, quality, and timeliness of financial transactions, project monitoring, and administrative support, contributing to the effective delivery of UNOPS operations.

S/he participates in day-to-day finance operations, ensures compliance with UNOPS and donor/partner financial rules and regulations, and assists with strengthening internal controls, budgeting, treasury, accounting and reporting.

Functions / Key Results Expected

III. Functions / Key Results Expected: 1. Finance Operations and Internal Control

III. Functions / Key Results Expected: Support day-to-day finance operations and compliance with UNOPS and donor financial rules.Ensure compliance with UNOPS rules, policies, audit recommendations, and support an effective internal control framework.Contribute to drafting and updating Finance Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and propose cost-saving and efficiency measures.Apply donor eligibility, verification and reporting rules alongside UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations.Promote a client-focused financial services culture across the project and support units.

III. Functions / Key Results Expected: 2. Budgetary and Monitoring Control

III. Functions / Key Results Expected: Support budget setup, control and monitoring from agreement to closure.Set up accounts from project agreements and maintain budget structures aligned to agreed outputs and milestones.Compile data for budget estimates and revisions, and approve budgets (as delegated)Monitor allotments, commitments and expenditures; analyse variances and agree corrective actions.Maintain budget controls within approved limits and support project closure.Track works, goods, grants and technical assistance separately against output-level ceilings.

III. Functions / Key Results Expected: 3. Treasury, Accounting and Financial Reporting

III. Functions / Key Results Expected: Maintain treasury, accounting and reporting processes in line with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations and donor requirements.TreasuryMonitor cash positions, prepare cash-flow forecasts and initiate transfers.Review and clear payment requests, verifying funding availability, coding and supporting documents; process payroll, travel and vendor disbursements.Manage petty cash and operational advances, maintain cashbooks and perform account reconciliations.AccountingMaintain ledgers and accounting records; ensure accurate ERP posting and period-end close.Review vouchers, goods receipt/invoice receipt (GR/IR) entries and accruals; resolve unposted items, match exceptions and coding errors.Prepare bank reconciliations, segregated from payment operations, and respond to audit queries.Financial Reporting and ControlPrepare expenditure schedules, interim financial reports (IFRs), donor statements and management reports.Reconcile balance-sheet accounts, investigate discrepancies and post general ledger (GL) adjustments.Coordinate with region and headquarters on data quality, audit readiness and reporting deadlines.

III. Functions / Key Results Expected: 4. Project Monitoring and Reporting

III. Functions / Key Results Expected: Support the supervisor in managing project implementation and financial performance to ensure compliance with UNOPS rules, regulations, and reporting standards. Prepare and maintain financial disbursement reports and progress updates in coordination with Finance and relevant units. Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including financial records, audit files, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) entries (oneUNOPS), ensuring accuracy and completeness. Track project budgets, cash flow, and expenditures. Identify variances, propose budget revisions, and initiate corrective actions when necessary. Record project data and updates in relevant logs and registers, ensuring information accuracy for reporting and audits. Take minutes of meetings, track action points, and assist in compiling periodic project performance reports and completion reports.Prepare financial inputs to donor progress and completion reports, ensuring delivery and expenditure are consistent.Maintain the audit trail for grant disbursements, including verification of milestone-based claims.

III. Functions / Key Results Expected: 5. Project Implementation and Delivery Support

III. Functions / Key Results Expected: Assist in day-to-day project execution, ensuring adherence to UNOPS project management methodologies, financial regulations, and quality standards. Support the preparation, amendment, and monitoring of project work plans, agreements, and budget revisions. Facilitate communication between partners, service providers, and internal teams to ensure the timely delivery of project activities. Track project milestones, risks, and issues, maintaining updated records and assisting with mitigation planning. Support preparation and review of contractors' invoices, verification of supporting documents, and coordination of deliverables.Contribute to identifying operational or administrative bottlenecks and propose practical solutions to enhance project efficiency.Support financial administration of contracts. Support reconciliation of jointly reported figures and cost-sharing arrangements

III. Functions / Key Results Expected: 6. Operational and Administrative Support

III. Functions / Key Results Expected: Provide administrative assistance in project operations, including HR coordination, procurement planning, and logistical arrangements.Support the preparation of Terms of Reference (ToRs), contracts, and purchase orders. Review supporting documentation before submission for approval. Coordinate and organize workshops, trainings, meetings, and missions, ensuring timely logistical, financial, and travel arrangements. Liaise with Finance, HR, and Procurement units to process payments, monitor commitments, and ensure compliance with internal control systems. Maintain project correspondence, records, and filing systems in accordance with UNOPS document management policies. Support onboarding, induction, and contract management processes for project personnel and consultants.Support financial and logistical arrangements for field-based activities.

III. Functions / Key Results Expected: 7. Financial and Procurement Management

III. Functions / Key Results Expected: Assist in the preparation of project budgets, forecasts, and expenditure reports, ensuring accuracy and timely submission. Monitor financial transactions, disbursements, and vendor payments in alignment with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations. Review and reconcile project accounts, ensuring that expenditures align with approved budgets and work plans. Coordinate procurement processes, including requisition preparation, evaluation support, and tracking of contracts and purchase orders. Facilitate communication with vendors, manage documentation for procurement and financial activities, and ensure timely service delivery. Support project audits by maintaining complete financial documentation and assisting in implementing audit recommendations.

III. Functions / Key Results Expected: 8. Knowledge Building and Sharing

III. Functions / Key Results Expected: Support the organization, facilitation, and delivery of training and learning sessions on project management. Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities of Practice (CoPs), contributing insights and lessons learned. Conduct research on project management-related topics and contribute to the drafting of reports, summaries, and briefing notes.Provide guidance to project and counterpart staff on budget management, payment documentation and eligibility requirements.

Skills

Budget Management, Cash Management, Compliance Management, Data Analysis, Procurement, Project Accounting, Project Management, Reporting, Finance Management

Competencies

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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

• Masters degree or equivalent with 1 year of relevant experience in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Project/ Programme Management or other relevant discipline, or
• Bachelors degree or equivalent with 3 years of relevant experience, or
• Technical/Professional Diploma with 5 years of relevant experience, or
• High School Diploma with 7 years of relevant experience

Desired

• Certification in Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP)
• Certification in Finance or Accounting

Experience Requirements

• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., oneUNOPS).
• Experience in an international organization or a complex project environment.
• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organisations in a developing country is desired.
• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts, including post-disaster recovery and early recovery operations, is desired.
• Experience supporting grant or small-grants facilities, including disbursement and verification, is desired.

Language Requirements

Language: English

• Proficiency Level: Fluent
• Requirement: Required

Language: Sinhala

• Proficiency Level: Fluent
• Requirement: Desirable

Language: Tamil

Additional Information

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.