Mission and objectivesThe primary role of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is to support country-led efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The work of UNDP in 170 countries around the world is anchored in diverse and effective partnerships, which are vital to our two critical roles at country level: (a) as an integrator across policy, programmatic and organizational silos; and (b) as an operational backbone for the United Nations and other partners. Saudi Arabia is witnessing economic prosperity and progress in all domains of socio-economic development which produced tangible improvement in all human development indicators such as standard of living, health and education services, environmental conditions as well as potentials of comprehensive development. In April 2016, the Government of Saudi Arabia announced its Saudi Vision 2030 – an ambitious long-term development programme. Saudi Vision 2030 represents an ambitious blueprint with long-term goals and expectations. It is expressed in three themes of a vibrant society; a thriving economy and an ambitious nation. A review of the three themes and their underlying issues of national concern reveal a holistic approach to development that encompasses the three dimensions of sustainable development: the social, the economic and the environment. The partnership between UNDP and Saudi Arabia is covering vital sectors and areas which contributes to address the needs of Saudi society, including enhancement of the local capacity of different government institutions and support to policy making and reporting. A wide set of under the scope of technical assistance is provided in order to assist the KSA departments in their reform processes. This UNV assignment is part of UNDP’s Saudi Arabia efforts to promote volunteerism and ultimately increase the capacity to respond to the various technical assistance demands from the counterparts.
ContextThe United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) operates in Saudi Arabia as part of its global mission to support sustainable development, institutional capacity building, and inclusive growth. As an international organization, UNDP is eligible to claim refunds on Value Added Tax (VAT) paid on specific project and operational expenditures, in accordance with national tax regulations. To facilitate this process, the UNDP Country Office needs to prepare comprehensive documentation that clearly demonstrates the VAT-exempt nature of these expenses. This requires careful compilation and verification of invoices, contracts, payment vouchers, and related financial records to ensure compliance with the requirements of the national tax authority. Due to the time-bound nature of VAT refund cycles and the volume of documentation involved, the finance and operations team is seeking online volunteer support. By assisting in organizing and reviewing these files, the volunteer will help UNDP secure refunds efficiently. The funds reclaimed through this process are then reinvested into local programmes and projects that address development priorities, promote sustainability, and improve the wellbeing of communities across the country. This assignment provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute to UNDP’s operational effectiveness and to support its broader development mandate.
Task DescriptionThe UNDP Country Office is seeking two online volunteers to support the finance and operations team in preparing documentation for a VAT refund over the course of one month. The main objective of this assignment is to organize, review, and compile financial and procurement documents related to VAT-exempt expenditures, ensuring that they meet the requirements set by the national tax authority. The volunteers will assist by collecting and structuring digital copies of invoices, contracts, and payment vouchers; verifying the completeness and accuracy of each file; and updating summary spreadsheets to track eligible VAT amounts. The volunteer will also help create a well-organized electronic filing system to simplify internal review and final submission. The volunteers will work remotely and coordinate closely with the UNDP operations team, following clear guidance on VAT documentation standards and submission timelines. Attention to detail, good file management skills, and basic knowledge of Excel and financial records are essential for this role. By supporting this task, the volunteer will play an important part in helping UNDP recover funds that can be reinvested in critical development projects and community initiatives. The estimated time commitment is approximately 5–8 hours per week over four weeks.
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