Operations & Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. Established to engage in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination, UNU aims to further the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Over the past fifty years, UNU has been a source of impartial research focused on sustainability, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers operating in 12 countries, UNU's expertise encompasses the full spectrum of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to foster positive global change. The organization collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions worldwide, making significant contributions to solving pressing global issues. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu.

Job Overview:
The Operations & Finance Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the administrative and financial operations of UNU-MERIT, which is part of the United Nations University system. This position involves comprehensive office support to ensure the smooth functioning of daily operations, including drafting and maintaining internal documentation, assisting in financial transactions, and managing travel-related documents. The assistant will also be responsible for administering various programs such as internships and fellowships, ensuring compliance with UN regulations, and providing support in human resources activities. The role requires a proactive individual who can manage multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining high standards of accuracy and timeliness in all operations. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Chief of Administrative and Programme Services, contributing to the overall mission of UNU-MERIT to drive sustainable socio-economic development through research and training.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Operations & Finance Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to:

• Operations & Administrative Support: Providing comprehensive office support to ensure smooth daily operations, drafting and reviewing internal documentation, assisting in vendor account setups, verifying the accuracy of supporting documents, and maintaining organized electronic records.
• Finance and Travel Management: Performing daily financial operations in accordance with UN/UNU rules, maintaining accurate accounting records, processing financial transactions in the ERP system, managing travel-related documents, and assisting in project finance management.
• Procurement and Facilities Management Support: Acting as a liaison for procurement requests, developing terms of reference for administrative contracts, and maintaining balanced records of commitments and receipts.
• Human Resources and Protocol Support: Ensuring compliance with HR policies, supporting recruitment processes, assisting with leave management, and providing guidance on visa and protocol matters.
• Other Duties: Performing additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor or the Director, ensuring timely and quality delivery of services and maintaining effective relationships with stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess post-secondary education or a diploma with specialization in administration, finance, or human resources, or a bachelor's degree in equivalent disciplines. Alternatively, candidates with a post-secondary education/diploma and five years of relevant working experience in program support or administrative work, or a bachelor's degree with three years of relevant experience will also be considered. Experience in an international environment, academic/research institutions, or non-profit organizations is desirable. Knowledge of United Nations administrative processes and procedures is highly desirable, along with a high level of computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office and project management software. Familiarity with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is required, and candidates should be result-oriented, self-motivated, and capable of prioritizing work effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a post-secondary education or diploma with a specialization in administration, finance, or human resources. Alternatively, candidates may hold a bachelor's degree in equivalent disciplines. Those with a post-secondary education/diploma and five years of relevant working experience in program support or administrative work, or a bachelor's degree with three years of relevant experience are also eligible.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have experience in an international environment, preferably within academic or research institutions or non-profit organizations. Familiarity with United Nations administrative processes and procedures is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a high level of computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office and project management software, as well as experience with ERP systems. The ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple responsibilities is essential, along with strong interpersonal skills to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required for this position. Knowledge of Dutch is highly desirable, and familiarity with another UN official working language is considered an asset. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages will enhance collaboration and support within the diverse environment of UNU.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of one year, subject to satisfactory performance and the possibility of renewal. The position offers an attractive, tax-exempt compensation package, including an annual net salary, 30 days of annual leave, dependency benefits, a pension plan, and health insurance. The starting date for the position is immediate, and candidates are encouraged to apply without needing an account. Applications must be submitted by the deadline of 28 February 2026, and late entries will not be accepted. UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including women and individuals from developing countries.