Procurement and Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that aims to promote social justice and fair labor practices globally. Established in 1919, the ILO has a mission to ensure that labor standards are upheld and that workers' rights are protected. The organization operates in over 180 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 3,300 employees. The ILO is committed to promoting decent work for all, which includes creating jobs, improving working conditions, and enhancing social protection. The organization also focuses on addressing global challenges such as forced labor, child labor, and discrimination in the workplace, particularly in the context of crises like the Syrian refugee situation in Lebanon.

Job Overview:
The Procurement and Finance Assistant position is crucial for supporting the financial and administrative operations of the ILO's projects in Lebanon, particularly those aimed at addressing the impacts of the Syrian refugee crisis. The role involves maintaining accurate financial records, processing financial transactions, and ensuring compliance with ILO financial rules. The assistant will work closely with the Senior Administration and Finance Officer and the Project Manager, providing essential support in procurement processes and logistical arrangements for project activities. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring that project funds are utilized effectively and that financial reporting meets donor requirements. This position is particularly important as the ILO expands its initiatives in Lebanon to promote durable solutions for refugees and returnees, aligning with the government's reform agenda and the needs of social partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement and Finance Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: maintaining project financial records and monitoring systems; checking and processing financial documentation; preparing correspondence to verify data and address queries; reviewing financial reports from project partners; supporting procurement processes in line with ILO rules; coordinating logistical arrangements for meetings and training; liaising with suppliers and service providers; assisting in the preparation of financial reports; classifying budget codes and processing claims for payment; providing administrative support to project staff; consulting with the Finance Unit on regulations; preparing recurring and special reports; calculating cost estimates; and performing other related duties as assigned. The role requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining high standards of accuracy.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed secondary school education, with formal training in accounting and/or finance being an asset. The role requires at least five years of progressively responsible experience in procurement and finance, with a preference for candidates who have worked on ILO-funded projects or within the United Nations Common System. Strong analytical skills and the ability to prepare reports and administrative statistics are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to provide training and guidance on financial rules and procedures to junior staff and implementing partners.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is the completion of secondary school education. However, candidates with formal training in accounting, finance, or a related administrative field will be viewed favorably. This educational background is crucial for understanding the financial processes and regulations that govern the ILO's operations.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should possess at least five years of progressively responsible experience in procurement and finance. Experience working with ILO-funded projects is considered an asset, and similar experience within the United Nations system or other international organizations is desirable. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the candidate can effectively manage the financial aspects of the projects and navigate the complexities of international financial regulations.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English is mandatory, along with a good working knowledge of Arabic, both written and spoken. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with project staff, partners, and stakeholders in the region, particularly given the multicultural environment in which the ILO operates.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract with a duration until 31 December 202

• The entry-level salary for this position is 43,632 USD per year. The ILO values diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The recruitment process is open to both internal and external candidates, with specific local recruitment criteria applying to external candidates. It is important to note that technical cooperation appointments are not expected to lead to a career within the ILO and do not carry any expectation of renewal or conversion to other types of appointments.