Associate Grants Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNESCO, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Established in 1945, UNESCO aims to promote peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. The organization has a mission to build peace in the minds of men and women, and it operates in over 190 countries with a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO is dedicated to fostering collaboration among nations and cultures to promote sustainable development and social inclusion.

Job Overview:
The Associate Grants Management Officer position is situated within the Partnerships Division (DPA) of UNESCO, which is responsible for coordinating the organization's public and private partnerships. The incumbent will work under the overall authority of the Director of the Division for Partnerships and will directly report to the Grants Management Officer. The role involves contributing to the review of donor funding agreements and supporting the Agreement Management Unit in guiding implementing units regarding funding agreements. The position requires a proactive approach to ensure proper recording and management of funding agreements, as well as providing advice to Programme Specialists on the setup and negotiation of these agreements. The Associate Grants Management Officer will also be involved in maintaining accurate records and contributing to internal policies and guidance related to grants management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The specific duties of the Associate Grants Management Officer include: 1) Supporting the Grants Management Officer in reviewing funding agreements submitted by Programme Specialists, ensuring compliance with standard templates and providing constructive feedback for decision-making. 2) Assisting in coordinating internal consultations with relevant services such as Legal Affairs and Financial Services. 3) Supporting validation processes for delegation of authorities related to funding agreements. 4) Advising Programme Specialists on the establishment of funding agreements and assisting in negotiations with donors. 5) Overseeing the upload of signed agreements and related documentation into ERP Systems. 6) Maintaining an up-to-date monitoring list of funding agreements to ensure accurate information on agreements in the pipeline. 7) Contributing to the development of internal briefing notes for senior management and updating policies related to grants management.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in finance, business administration, law, economics, accounting, audit, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in these fields combined with two additional years of qualifying professional experience may be accepted. Candidates should possess a strong understanding of Agreements Management processes, particularly in the review of funding agreements, and demonstrate knowledge of the international donor landscape. Good written and oral communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work effectively in a team and maintain relationships in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as finance, business administration, law, economics, accounting, or audit. A first-level university degree in these areas, combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience, may also be considered acceptable in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of relevant professional experience in Agreements Management or a related field, with a preference for candidates who have acquired at least one year of experience at the international level. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of the processes involved in managing funding agreements and the ability to navigate the complexities of international donor relations.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of English or French, both written and spoken, and a very good knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of two years, which is renewable. The role is open to both internal and external candidates. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities. The organization offers a competitive salary, with the approximate annual starting salary for this position being 65,970 US dollars, along with benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. Candidates should be aware that geographical mobility may be required for staff members appointed to international posts, and medical clearance is necessary for appointments.