ASSOCIATE FINANCE AND ADMININISTRATIVE OFFICER

Paris

Organization: UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Location: Paris
Grade: Junior level - P-2, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Banking and Finance
- Finances
Closing Date: Closed

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Senior Finance Officer and overall guidance from the Chief Finance Officer, the Associate Finance and Administrative Officer within the limits of delegated authority, will assist in providing a range of financial and administrative management support activities to Field Offices, developing and maintaining Human Resources (HR) management information systems in support of decision making in field offices administrative staff; ensuring and improving communications with clients. S/he will participate in Finance and HR operational activities with a view to developing knowledge and expertise in various finance and HR areas of expertise. In particular, the incumbent shall\:

Advise and support Field Administrative staff on all administration, budget, financial, human resources, premises-related matters.
Participate in the development of house-wide budget, financial and human resources policies and procedures.
Advise field Administrative Officers (AOs) in budget preparation (work plans, extra budgetary programmes and related project documents).
Monitor execution of field operating costs and advise the Senior Finance officer accordingly on their revisions.
Ensure the Offices' internal control systems are adequate and functioning and highlight risk areas if any.
Act as Certifying Officer for offices ensuring that financial transactions are in compliance with regulations, rules, policies and procedures.
Design reports for field financial dashboard and improve the reporting mechanisms through user feedback.
Participate in the monitoring of Field Offices fixed assets.
Coordinate with related services at Headquarters the clearance of lease agreements of the Field Offices.
Review organizational change proposais and job descriptions to ensure coherence and quality; participate in the recruitment of vacant posts.
Monitor the implementation of the HR activities linked to job classification, staffing (recruitment and mobility), staff development and performance management.
Cordinate the management of service contracts in field and monthly payroll cycle, liase with field and relevant sectors/services.
Identify training need areas and organize/provide training on financial tools for AOs in the field as well as provide/facilitate related training on UNESCO human resources management information systems when required.
Liaise with related services on issues relating to local UN harmonization and alignment of financial management and human resources management, seeking clearance on those which may affect UNESCO's current rules and procedures.

It is to be noted that when initially appointed at Headquarters, staff members at P-1/P-2 grade shall be considered for reassignment to the field after 3 years service at Headquarters.

EDUCATION

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum 2 years relevant work experience in financial and administrative positions, with exposure to financial management control duties, of which preferably 1 year acquired at international level.
Experience in advising and guiding staff/managers.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

Problem-solving, creativity and analytical thinking skills, particularly for the area of financial management and control as well as interpretation of organizational rules and processes.
Ability to interpret rules and administrative guidelines and to solve routine and non-routine issues in the field of Human Resources, Finance, and Budget.
Excellent communication skills (oral and written).
Good understanding of general administrative services.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in multicultural environment with external and internal partners.
Ability to take initiative, establish priorities, coordinate and monitor own work plan.
Discretion and maturity of judgement.
Good organizational and multi-tasking abilities.
Good IT skills, including advanced knowledge with Microsoft or other software packages.
Practical knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and financial, HR and administrative management tools.