Finance and Administrative Officer

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. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO's core values include commitment to the organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism, which guide its operations and interactions.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Administrative Officer plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive administrative management support to the UNESCO Office in Ramallah. This position involves direct reporting to the Head of the Office and functional reporting to the director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General for Administration at UNESCO Headquarters. The officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with UNESCO's rules and regulations, managing financial resources, and providing operational oversight on various administrative functions. This includes budget planning, financial management, human resources, logistics, and security matters. The incumbent will also be involved in capacity development and advising managers on budgetary policies, ensuring that the office operates efficiently and effectively within the framework of UNESCO's policies and the Host Country Agreement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Administrative Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including advising the Head of the UNESCO Office on administration, budget, financial, human resources, logistics, and security matters. The officer will ensure compliance with UNESCO policies and procedures, maintain proper inventory and filing systems, and safeguard the organization's assets. Responsibilities also include representing the UNESCO Office in the Organizational Management Team, liaising with host country authorities, assisting in lease negotiations, and ensuring procurement processes align with established rules. Financially, the officer will advise on budget preparation, monitor budget execution, ensure proper accounting of financial resources, and act as a Certifying Officer for financial transactions. In terms of human resources, the officer will manage day-to-day HR issues, provide guidance to staff, and ensure alignment with UN harmonization efforts. Additionally, the officer will assist in ensuring compliance with UN security policies and act as the focal point for safety and security matters.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or a closely related field. A professionally recognized accountancy qualification is desirable. The position requires strong analytical and organizational skills, the ability to manage a broad range of administrative functions, and sound knowledge of financial management and budgeting. Candidates should demonstrate resilience, sound judgment, and adaptability in managing competing priorities and complex situations. Strong communication skills and a service-oriented approach are essential, as well as the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and establish constructive relationships with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or closely related fields is required for this position. Additionally, a professionally recognized accountancy qualification is considered a desirable asset that can enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
A minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in administration, finance, accounting, or related areas is required, with at least 2 years of experience at the international level preferred. Experience in supervising and guiding staff, fostering teamwork, and ensuring continuity of operations in challenging environments is also essential for this role.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of French is desirable, and familiarity with another UNESCO official language such as Arabic, Russian, Chinese, or Spanish is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is fixed-term for a duration of 2 years, with the possibility of renewal. The position is open to both internal and external candidates. UNESCO offers a competitive salary, with the approximate annual starting salary for this post being 114,921 USD. 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 is committed to diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, including individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities.