OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The Finance and Administrative Officer is responsible for providing a range of administrative management support activities to the UNESCO Office in Kingston. He/She reports directly to the Director of Office with a functional reporting line to the ADG/ADM. On matters of financial internal control, he/she receives a delegated authority from the Chief Finance Officer as certifying officer. He/She will receive policy guidance/ instructions from Bureau of Financial Management, Human Resources Management, Bureau of Strategic Planning and Programme Sector ADGs on their respective areas of responsibilities. He/She will be assisted in the discharge of his/her duties by the Administrative Support Section.

Long Description

General Accountabilities

• Advise and support the Director of the UNESCO office in Kingston on all administration, budget, financial, human resources, premises-related and security matters.
• Ensure compliance with UNESCO policies, rules, regulations and procedures in terms of financial and human resources, as well as with provisions of Host Country Agreement.
• Maintain proper inventory, filing and recording systems.
• Ensure that the assets of the organization are safeguarded at all times, ensure supervision and insurance of premises, equipment, furniture and vehicles and its maintenance.
• Represent the UNESCO office in Kingston and its Antennas in the Organizational Management Team (OMT) set by the UN Country Team (UNCT) to advise on administration, budget, financial, human resources (HR), premises-related and security matters.
• Liaise with the host country authorities on logistical matters and contributions to operations as per Host Country Agreement.
• Assist and advise the Director of the UNESCO office in Kingston in the negotiation of lease agreements as applicable.

Financial and Budgetary Accountabilities

• Advise the Director of the UNESCO office in Kingston in budget preparation.
• Monitor execution of Regular Budget and extra-budgetary resources and ensure appropriate budgetary control.
• Ensure that managers within the UNESCO office in Kingston and its Antennas are aware of budgetary principles, methodologies, rules and procedures and facilitate their training when required.
• Liaise with UNESCO’s central services on budgetary issues relating to harmonization and alignment within the UN system, seeking clearance on those which may affect UNESCO’s current rules and procedures.
• Ensure the UNESCO office in Kingston and Antennas’ financial resources and expenditures are fully and properly accounted for and that internal control systems are adequate and functioning.
• Act as Certifying Officer ensuring that financial transactions are in compliance with regulations, rules, policies and procedures.
• ln line with the Organization’s policies and procedures, set up proper accounting procedures and internal control systems.
• Ensure efficient local banking arrangements and compliance with local financial and banking regulations and UNESCO policy.
• Ensure procurement of equipment and supplies are in line with rules and procedures.

Human Resources Management

• Advise the Director of the UNESCO office in Kingston on staff related matters.
• Provide explanations to staff on their rights and duties, related administrative steps and procedures, and assist them in matters involving personnel management problems.
• Administer day to day HR issues within the UNESCO office in Kingston and its Antennas and ensure appropriate and timely follow-up with the relevant Programme Sectors and central services.
• Liaise with HRM on all issues relating to local UN harmonization and alignment of human resources management, seeking clearance on those which may affect UNESCO’s current rules and procedures.

Safety and Security

• Assist the he Director of the UNESCO office in Kingston in ensuring compliance with prevailing UN Common security policies, procedures and standards.
• Act as the UNESCO office in Kingston’s Focal Point for the safety and security of the UNESCO personnel and the UNESCO premises in the host country.
• Collaborate with the Designated Official for Security and with the UNDSS Chief Security Advisor on all security ­related issues.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or closely related field(s).

Work Experience

• Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience in administration, finance, accounting or related areas, of which preferably at least 2 year at the international level.

Skills and competencies

• Demonstrated analytical and organizational skills, ability to identify issues and formulate options/recommendations.
• Knowledge and understanding of institutional UNESCO mandates in the region.
• Experience in supervising and leading teams
• Ability to communicate effectively, persuasively and use tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to solve routine and non-routine issues in the field of Human Resources, finance and budget.
• Ability to provide quality and timely support and services.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to establish good working relationships with external and internal partners.
• Ability to take initiative and seek innovative ways to improve results.
• Good IT skills, knowledge of ERP and financial, human resources or administrative management tools.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of English and a basic knowledge of French.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Professionally recognized accountancy qualification.

Work Experience

• Experience in international organizations or United Nations agencies.
• Experience working in the field.
• Experience in the use of SAP.

Languages

• Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (French, Arabic, Chinese, and Spanish).