Associate Project Officer (Budget and Finance)

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women. The organization operates with a diverse workforce of approximately 2,000 employees, dedicated to fostering sustainable development and cultural understanding across the globe. UNESCO's core values include commitment to the organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism, which guide its operations and interactions.

Job Overview:
The Associate Project Officer (Budget and Finance) will play a crucial role in supporting the financial management and budget administration for UNESCO's projects, specifically 'Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future (O3)' and 'O3 PLUS'. This position requires close collaboration with the Senior Operations Officer and involves providing comprehensive financial support, ensuring compliance with UNESCO's financial regulations, and assisting in budget planning and monitoring. The officer will be responsible for ensuring that financial transactions adhere to established policies and procedures, and will act as a certifying officer for financial transactions. The role demands a proactive approach to budget management, including the preparation, monitoring, and analysis of project budgets, as well as providing guidance to project officers on financial matters. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the overall financial health of the projects and ensure that resources are utilized effectively and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in the preparation and review of project budgets, ensuring alignment with donor agreements and compliance with UNESCO regulations.
• Provide support to programme/project responsible officers in developing resource requirements and finalizing budget proposals.
• Monitor and analyze project budgets, ensuring timely and accurate entry of budget data into management systems.
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders, including donors and internal departments, to ensure effective budget planning and execution.
• Act as Certifying Officer, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and policies during financial transactions.
• Review and reconcile financial accounts, investigate discrepancies, and implement corrective actions as necessary.
• Provide advice on financial interpretations and assist in donor reporting, ensuring timely submission of reports in accordance with funding agreements.
• Ensure project closure actions are performed in compliance with UNESCO's rules and project agreements.
• Collaborate with the Senior Operations Officer to provide substantive advice on budget revisions and corrective actions as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in administration, finance, accounting, or related areas.
• Demonstrated analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to identify issues and propose solutions.
• Experience in implementing internal control systems and managing financial transactions.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information effectively.
• Proven ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish good working relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in fields such as Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or closely related disciplines. Additional technical training in accounting or finance (such as CPA, ACCA) is desirable and will be considered an asset.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in areas such as administration, finance, or accounting. Experience in international organizations or United Nations agencies is highly desirable and will enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a project appointment with a duration of 1 year, and it is open to both internal and external candidates. The role is specifically available to Zimbabwean nationals. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 49,862 USD, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. Candidates are required to complete an online application by the specified deadline, and the selection process may include interviews, assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from individuals from under-represented groups.