Budget and Finance Assistant

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 1ITSC1052VC

Grade : G-5

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Trieste

Job Family: Finances

Type of contract : Fixed Term Field

Duration of contract : 2 years with possibility of renewal

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 17-JUN-2022

 

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

 

This position is only open for candidates who are entitled to work in the E.U.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

 

The World Academy of Science (TWAS) is a UNESCO Programme and has its office at Trieste Italy. TWAS organizes and manages various programmes (fellowships, grants, awards) and conferences/meetings. TWAS hosts the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) and The Inter Academy Partnership (IAP).

The Budget and Finance Office manages all financial, budgetary and contractual aspects of TWAS and the hosted organizations. All instructions as provided by the Administrative Manual are applied and monitored. There is an intense collaboration with the Bureau of Financial Management (BFM), Bureau of Strategic Planning (PSP) and other central offices at UNESCO in Paris.

The Office provides reports regarding budgets, spending and the endowment fund to the TWAS Director, TWAS Steering Committee and TWAS Council. The Office provides support to the Programme Managers and the hosted organizations.

Reporting to the Interim Head, TWAS Budget, Finance and Administration, the incumbent is the focal point within the office for budget matters and monitors the TWAS budget. The incumbent supports the TWAS Programme Specialists and hosted organizations on budget and accounting matters. The incumbent performs accounting tasks and acts as Certifying Officer.

Long Description

The incumbent will represent the Administration Unit and will perform the following duties:

• Be the focal point within the Budget and Finance Office for all TWAS budget matters in collaboration with the Bureau of Strategic Planning (BSP). Monitor and track the TWAS budget and commitments and prepare all documents via BSP and other offices to be presented to the Director TWAS, TWAS Steering Committee and TWAS Council.
• Review draft donor agreements and provide preliminary advice related to UNESCO rules and regulations to the Programme Specialists before presenting the documents to the Science Sector and other offices.
• Collaborate with the Programme Specialists in order to define the detailed budget plans and monitor them at Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) level. Communicate requested budget adjustments to the UNESCO offices and follow them up. Provide support to the Programm Specialists and other key stake holders on accounting and budget related matters.

Long Description

• Perform activities related to the monthly closure in the accounting system and collaborate with BFM related to the annual closure; manage the petty cash account; reconcile the bank statements.
• Receive requests of commitments from Programme Specialists and Administration and create the relevant commitments in the system. Perform verifications and certification of Purchase Orders and prepaid airline tickets. Act as Certifying Officer.
• Perform additional activities that may be required to ensure the success of the work team.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education

• Completed secondary, technical or vocational school

 

Work Experience

• Minimum five (5) years of relevant experience in budget management, finance, accounting or a related area.
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and finance system such as Oracle or SAP.
• Experience with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

Long Description

Skills/Competencies

• Strong emphasis on accuracy and detail.
• Very good analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to identify issues and provide options.
• Experience with data analysis, reconciliations and reporting.
• Knowledge of standard office computer applications (MS Office, SAP, etc.), with proficiency in Power Point and Excel.
• Ability to prioritize, plan and organize own work in order to respect deadlines.

 

Languages

•   Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

 

Work Experience

•   One year of experience in an international environment.

 

Languages

•   Good knowledge of Italian.  
•   Knowledge of another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Only candidates who are entitled to work in the E.U. may apply to this position. Please note that for this position UNESCO will not reimburse expenses such as travel in connection with interviews, tests and relocation.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

 

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

 

For more information in benefits and entitlements, please consult ICSC website.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

 

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.