United Nations University Finance and Administrative Officer (P-3)

Dresden, Germany

Reference Number : 2012/UNU/FLORES/FTA/FAO/25

Applications to:

By Post:
Director, United Nations University – International Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNUFLORES)
13th Floor, World Trade Centre,
Dresden, 01067 Germany

By E-mail: hrFLORES@UNU.EDU

Closing Date : 14 September 2012

United Nations University Objectives:

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in research, postgraduate training and dissemination of knowledge in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations, its member states and peoples. It serves as an academic arm for the United Nations System, contributes to capacity building particularly in developing countries, and serves as a platform for new and creative ideas and dialogue. In addition to the UN University Centre (Headquarters) located in Tokyo, UN University has already established thirteen Research and Training Centres/Programmes worldwide. For more information please visit www.unu.edu.

United Nations University - International Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES)

The primary purpose of UNU-FLORES will be to contribute to the resolution of crucial challenges in the area of sustainable use and integrated management of the environmental resources water, soil and waste that are of concern to the United Nations and its Member States, particularly developing and transitional countries. For more information please visit http://unu-flores-mozambique.blogspot.com.

Responsibilities:

Under the technical guidance of the Chief Finance Officer of the UNU Centre and reporting directly to the Director of UNU-FLORES on an operational level, the key responsibilities of the Finance and Administrative Officer include:

• Support the founding director of the Institute in the establishment phase of UNU-FLORES;
• Supervise and review the work of subordinates performing financial operations at UNU-FLORES;
• Liaise and coordinate with the UNU Center on finance;
• Manage the day-to-day operations in the full spectrum of accounting services, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, application of cash receipts, accounts reconciliation, billing, monthly closing of accounts, bank reconciliation, preparation of management reports, consolidation, forecasting, year-end closing of accounts;
• Plan and execute financial operations in accordance with UNU's policies, United Nations Financial Rules and Regulation (UNFRR) and established operational procedures, and ensure that proper and accurate accounting records are maintained;
• Prepare the budget for UNU-FLORES;
• Monitor and report on the implementation of the budget;
• Forecast income and expenditures;
• Maintain monthly statements of account to allow the personnel responsible for the respective budgets to easily monitor work in progress and availability of funds;
• Oversee the preparation of financial reports in accordance with the terms and conditions of donor contracts to national and international donors in the public sector, notably German ministries and agencies, the European Union, donors in the private sector and the UNU Headquarters;
• Manage the cash position of bank accounts and Imprest account which includes cash-flow forecasting and the determination of funding requirements in relation to budget execution;
• Oversee the reconciliation of balance sheet accounts, review monthly journal entries and the general ledger;
• Liaise with auditors, donor agencies/ministries, financial services of partner institutes and vendors;
• Administer UNU contracts (excluding UN Staff) and monthly payroll;
• Coordinate the monthly and annual closing of accounts;
• Review/approve employee travel documents for adherence to UN Rules and Regulations;
• Supervise petty cash process;
• Coordinate with administrative personnel and with the Director of UNU-FLORES on operational finance, personnel, accounting, and other administrative matters;
• Ensure adequate maintenance of office space and facilities services;
• Exercise control over non-expendable property, supplies and materials;
• Supervise the communication with host country authorities on administrative matters;
• Support employees of UNU-FLORES on administrative matters;
• Oversee participation in the Atlas (PeopleSoft) transition and implementation;
• Drive initiatives to improve workflow and streamline the internal processes to enhance efficiency and productivity;
• Any other duties as may be assigned or required.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Degree in Accounting/Finance or a related field and a professional accounting qualification such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), Wirtschaftsprüfer, Steuerberater, or Bilanzbuchhalter is required;
• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in financial accounting, preferably in an international environment;
• Experience in Big 4 audit/accounting firms a definite plus;
• Previous experience in submitting financial reports to the European Union, German Ministries and similar international entities would be an asset;
• Proficient in the use of MS Office applications, particularly advanced level in MS Excel is required;
• Experience in using PeopleSoft Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Financials system or another ERP system is highly desirable;
• Strong ability to establish priorities, work within tight timelines and multi-task;
• Able to work under minimal supervision with high level of resilience;
• Good team player with strong inter-personal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
• Fluency in both oral and written English and good knowledge in German is essential. Knowledge of other United Nations official languages would be an asset;
• The successful candidate is required to spend at least two weeks in the UNU Centre, Finance Services, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for training at the commencement of appointment and is expected to undertake occasional missions during the course of the assignment.

Remuneration:

We offer competitive net salary (tax-exempted) at P-3 level commensurate to level of experience and allowances including post adjustment. Post adjustment is subject to change.

The post carries the standard set of United Nations benefits and entitlements for international positions in the UN Common Systems, including participation in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund, the possibility of participation in a health insurance programme, education grant, removal expenses and home leave. For more information, please visit www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salary.htm.

Duration of contract:

This is a full time fixed-term appointment. The period of initial appointment will be for a period of two (2) years with the possibility of renewal on a rolling fixed-term appointment basis, subject to satisfactory work performance. The mandatory age of retirement for United Nations staff is 62 years.

Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Rector and may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that is advertised.

Applications from suitably qualified women candidates and those from developing countries are particularly encouraged.

Starting Date: As soon as possible.

Application Procedure:

Interested applicants should submit their applications, preferably by email (to hrFLORES@UNU.EDU), and must include the following:

• A cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
• A completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) form downloadable from United Nations University website at http://unu.edu/about/hr. Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations;
• A full contact information of three (3) referees; and
• The application must also indicate the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2012/UNU/FLORES/FTA/FAO/25).