Finance & Administrative Officer

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 4WSADM0006RP

Grade: P-3

Parent Sector: Sector For Administration and Management (ADM)

Duty Station: Apia

Job Family: Administration

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 12/10/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Office, the incumbent provides advice and operational oversight on administration, finance, human resources, logistics, premises and security matters for the Office and its Antennas, ensuring full compliance with UNESCO’s rules, regulations and the Host Country Agreement. S/he contributes to the effective budget planning and monitoring, sound financial management, robust internal controls and proper accounting of resources, while advising managers on budgetary policies and supporting capacity development. The incumbent manages day‑to‑day HR matters, provides guidance to staff, and ensures alignment with UNESCO and UN system-wide frameworks. In addition, s/he oversees procurement, asset management and premises, liaises with host country authorities, contributes to inter-agency coordination through the UN Country Team’s Organizational Management Team, and serves as the focal point for safety and security, ensuring compliance with UN security policies and close coordination with relevant officials.

Long Description

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General Accountabilities

• Advise and support the Director of the UNESCO Office on all administration, budget, financial, human resources, logistics, 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 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 the negotiation of lease agreements as applicable.
• Ensure procurement of equipment and supplies are in line with rules and procedures.

Long Description

Financial and Budgetary Accountabilities

• Advise the Director of the UNESCO Office in budget preparation.
• Monitor execution of Regular Budget and voluntary contributions and ensure appropriate budgetary control.
• Ensure that managers within the UNESCO Office 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 and financial 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 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.

Long Description

Human Resources Management

• Advise the Director of the UNESCO Office 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 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 ensuring compliance with prevailing UN Common security policies, procedures and standards.
• Act as the UNESCO Office'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.

Long Description

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

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 years at the international level.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to identify issues and propose practical, solution-oriented recommendations.
• Proven ability to manage and prioritize a wide range of administrative, financial and human resources functions, with attention to detail and quality of outputs.
• Experience in supervising and guiding staff and coordinating workflows in a multicultural and resource-constrained environment.
• Sound knowledge and practical experience in financial management, budgeting, procurement and implementation of internal control systems.
• Demonstrated resilience and adaptability, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain continuity of operations in a challenging contexts.
• Ability to address both routine and non-routine issues in human resources, finance and administration with initiative and sound judgement.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and effectively and to apply tact and diplomacy in dealing with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Service-oriented approach, with the ability to provide timely and reliable support to managers and staff.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and to build and maintain constructive working relationships with internal and external partners, including within the UN system and with host country authorities.
• Capacity to take initiative and contribute to improving administrative processes and systems.
• Good IT skills, including proficiency in ERP systems and administrative, financial and human resources management tools.
• Awareness of UNESCO’s mandate and its application in a field office context.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of English.

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.

Long Description

LANGUAGES

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

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 97 943 USD

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted.

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course.

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.