FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Under the overall authority of DIR/BFM and direct supervision of the Head of Administrative Unit (BFM/AO Platform), the Finance and Administrative Officer  will be responsible for a range of administrative support activities of assigned Sectors/Bureaus. S/he will  facilitate the execution of programs and activities in the field of Finance, Budget, Human Resources and Office Management. S/he will perform functions with technical guidance from the Bureau of Financial Management and the Bureau of Human Resources Management. In particurlar, the incumbent will\:

General Accountabilities

• Advise and support the Head of  the Administrative Unit on all administration, budget, financial and human resources matters.
• Ensure compliance with UNESCO policies, rules, regulations and procedures in terms of budget, financial and human resources.
• Provide regular  and  ad hoc budget, financial and human resources information, analysis and explanations and propose alternative solutions to the Head of Unit and ADGs/DIRs of the assigned Sectors/Bureaus to support informed decision-making.
• Supervise a team of support staff responsible for the assigned Sectors/Bureaus;identify development needs and provide on the job coaching of the supervised staff.

Budget and Finance Accountabilities

• Participate in the planning and preparation of the budget (C/4, C/5) and provide technical inputs in the preparation of work plans.
• Provide technical information, analysis and explanations to the Head of Unit and ADGs/DIRs of the assigned Sectors/Bureaus in budget execution and assess progress versus approved work plans. Identify problem areas and propose corrective actions.
• Ensure timely and accurate maintenance of budget data in the appropriate management systems and compliance of budget transactions with regulations, rules, policies and procedures; interpret and apply rules and regulations and make recommendations for action.
• Ensure assigned Sector/Bureau's financial resources are fully and properly accounted for and that internal control systems are adequate and functioning.
• Monitor the financial status of projects and programmes and identify shortfalls and alert Sectors/Bureaus concerned and propose alternative solutions.
• Act as Certifying Officer ensuring that financial transactions are in compliance with regulations, rules, policies and procedures.
• Support managers for operational planning for contracting, travel, meeting and conferences in accordance with work plan requirements.

Human Resources Accountabilities

• Certify HR actions in full alignment with UNESCO's Staff Rules and Regulations and HR Manual.
• Coordinate the provision of information to the Head of Unit and ADGs/DIRs of the assigned Sectors/Bureaux on all staff related matters.
• Provide regular updates of the organizational charts of the assigned Sectors/Bureaus, HR data and dashboards.
• Coordinate the administration of day to day HR issues within the assigned Sectors/Bureaus and ensure appropriate and timely follow-up with HRM sections.

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, accounting, or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in administration, finance, accounting, or related area, of which at least 1 year acquired at the international level.
• Experience in using an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, preferably SAP.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Very good communication skills (oral and written).
• Ability to interpret rules and administrative guidelines and to solve routine and non-routine issues in the field of Human Resources, Finance, and Budget.
• Ability to identify priority activities and assignments and foresee risks.
• Ability to organize and monitor own work plan.
• Ability to identify clients’ needs and match them to appropriate solutions.
• Strong conceptual and analytical skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to supervise and manage staff and teams.
• Excellent IT skills, including knowledge of MS software (Word, Excel etc.)

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English or French and good knowledge of the other language.

EDUCATION

• Professionally recognized Accountancy Certification.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Relevant experience within the United Nations System and the application of administrative and financial rules and regulations.