Description of assignment title

Project Finance Assistant

Assignment country

Marshall Islands

Duty stations

Majuro

Work location

On UN premises

Expected start date

11/01/2026

Duration

3 months
(with possibility of extension)

Sustainable Development Goal

Clean water and sanitation

Host entity

UNDP MHL

Modality

Onsite

Type

National

Volunteer category

Specialist UCoS from Apr2026

Work schedule

Full-time

Number of Assignments

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Development Programme supports the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands in advancing sustainable development, climate resilience and inclusive governance. Its work focuses on strengthening national and institutional capacities and supporting communities to address key development challenges, including the impacts of climate change. Through partnerships with the Government, communities and development partners, the United Nations Development Programme supports locally led solutions that contribute to resilient and sustainable development.

Context

The Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA) project aims to strengthen the resilience of water resources and water supply systems to the impacts of climate change. Implemented by the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, the project focuses on improving water security through enhanced rainwater harvesting and storage, protecting groundwater resources from climate-related seawater contamination, and strengthening institutional capacity to integrate climate risks into water management and planning. The project seeks to support sustainable, equitable and climate-resilient water management across the Marshall Islands.

Task description

Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Finance Assistant will:

Coordinate the closure and liquidation of travel claims in accordance with UNDP policies and procedures.
Serve as custodian of petty cash, ensuring proper accountability, reconciliation, and compliance with financial controls.
Request and monitor monthly customer statements to facilitate timely reconciliations.
Request customer invoices and ensure completeness of supporting documentation for financial processing.
Manage day-to-day ACWA RMI operational support within the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI).
Liaise with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) on operational and financial requests, ensuring timely follow-up and resolution.
Conduct scanning and document quality assurance checks to ensure complete and accurate financial records.
Prepare and share EPA General Ledger (GL) reports to support advance liquidation and financial reconciliations.
Process and monitor monthly payment transactions in Quantum, ensuring accuracy and timely execution.

Age

18 - 80

Required experience

3 years

Nationality

Candidate must be a national, legal resident or hold refugee status in the country of assignment.

Relevant experience

3 years

Languages

English, Level: Working knowledge, Required

Required education level

Secondary education

Competencies and values

Accountability Planning and Organizing Teamwork Communication Results Orientation Attention to Detail Adaptability Respect for Diversity

Skills and experience

Completion of secondary education with relevant experience in finance, accounting, administration, project support or operations.
An associate degree or bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, project administration or a related field is an advantage but not required.
Practical experience in financial administration, including payment processing, reconciliations, petty cash management or travel claims.
Experience maintaining financial records and checking supporting documentation for completeness and accuracy.
Basic experience using financial or accounting systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
Good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks, follow up on requests and meet deadlines.
Experience working with government institutions, development partners or international organizations is an advantage.
Good written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of the Marshallese language is an advantage.
Ability to work respectfully and effectively with colleagues, government counterparts and other stakeholders.
Demonstrated integrity, attention to detail and commitment to following financial procedures and internal controls.

Area(s) of expertise

Administration, Finance, accounting

Driving license

Living conditions and remarks

The National UN Volunteer will be based in Majuro, the capital and main administrative and economic centre of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Majuro has access to essential services, including government institutions, health services, shops, restaurants, telecommunications and other basic amenities. Electricity access is widespread, although the country remains highly dependent on imported fuel and is exposed to fluctuations in energy and transport costs. Living conditions in Majuro are generally urban but constrained by the small size and geographic isolation of the atoll. Housing and other infrastructure can be limited, and population concentration places pressure on available services and resources. Climate-related risks, including coastal flooding, drought and extreme weather, are an important consideration in daily life. As a national volunteer, the volunteer is expected to be familiar with the local environment, customs and community context. Travel to outer islands may be required as part of project activities and can involve additional logistical planning due to the geographic dispersion of the country.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy

Scam warning

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