Administrative and Finance Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization established within the United Nations System. Its mission is to engage in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination to further the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Over the past fifty years, UNU has been a vital 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 working across 12 countries, UNU's expertise encompasses the full spectrum of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge aimed at fostering positive global change. The organization collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions worldwide, contributing to the resolution of pressing global issues that concern the United Nations and its Member States. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu.

Job Overview:
The Administrative and Finance Officer position at UNU-INWEH, located in Richmond Hill, Canada, is a pivotal role that ensures the effective and transparent delivery of administrative, human resources, and finance services in support of the institute's operations. The incumbent will work under the guidance of the Director and will serve as a strategic advisor, supporting the institutional strategy and the international business model of the institute. This includes the development of UNU hubs and cooperation with partners in the Global South. The role requires leadership of the Administrative and Finance Unit, managing and supervising team members, and ensuring that they have clear objectives and goals. The officer will also contribute to knowledge sharing by synthesizing lessons learned and best practices, and will act as the leader of the Administrative and Finance team, providing strategic advice to the Director. The position demands a proactive approach to financial management, human resources, and general administration, ensuring compliance with UN rules and regulations while enhancing operational efficiency.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Administrative and Finance Officer include:

• Leadership of the Administrative and Finance Unit: Manage, supervise, and train team members, providing clear objectives and guidance. Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and performance goals. Contribute to knowledge sharing by synthesizing lessons learned and best practices. Act as the leader of the Administrative and Finance team and provide strategic advice to the Director.
• Financial Management: Manage day-to-day financial operations in close liaison with UNU-CENTRE. Ensure compliance with UN Rules and Regulations, UNU policies, and internal controls. Lead the budget formulation process, providing guidance and analysis to stakeholders. Guide researchers in drafting project budgets and prepare fund requests and financial reports to donors. Liaise with auditors, donor agencies, and ministries. Manage vendor master files and serve as a designated approving officer for procurement.
• Procurement Management: Coordinate administration of external service providers, oversee procurement activities, ensure compliance with asset management guidelines, and develop internal processes.
• Human Resources Management: Oversee HR operations, implement HR strategies and policies, manage recruitments, and ensure compliance with UN regulations.
• General Administration: Oversee general administrative services, develop and improve administrative systems, and maintain relationships with external stakeholders.
• Key Performance Indicators: Ensure timely and accurate financial and HR transactions, provide accurate advice on UN financial rules, support budget formulations, and maintain up-to-date databases.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Administrative and Finance Officer position include:

• Education: A Master’s degree in business administration, procurement, finance, accounting, or related disciplines. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• Skills and Experience: At least two years of experience in managing administrative, finance, operations, procurement, and HR functions. Experience with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or other international accounting standards is desirable. Knowledge of HR policies, international bank transfers, and procurement practices is essential. Relevant experience within Canada and the United Nations is preferred. A professional qualification from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy and/or procurement is advantageous. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and experience with major integrated ERP systems are required. Strong planning, organization, and time management skills are necessary, along with excellent analytical skills and attention to detail. The ability to work in a multicultural environment and under minimal supervision is also important.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in business administration, procurement, finance, accounting, or related disciplines. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial management and administrative operations within the context of the United Nations.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of professional experience managing administrative, finance, operations, procurement, and HR functions. Candidates should have experience working with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or other international accounting standards, as well as knowledge of HR policies and procurement practices. Relevant experience within Canada and the United Nations is highly desirable, and a professional qualification from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy and/or procurement will be a distinctive advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN official working language is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of one year, subject to satisfactory work 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 expected start date is immediate, and applications must be submitted by midnight EST on the deadline date of 13 August 202

• The United Nations University is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including women and persons living with disabilities. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives.