Finance & Administrative Officer

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 3ARIEP0019PA

Grade: NO-C

Parent Sector: Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Buenos Aires

Job Family: Finances

Contract Type: Project Appointment

Duration of contract: 1 year

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 12/11/2026

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

Duration of contract: 1 year with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Only nationals of Argentina may apply to this position.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

As the only specialized organization with the mandate to support educational policy, planning and management, the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) plays a unique role within the United Nations system. IIEP was established in 1963 as an integral part of UNESCO. It supports ministries of education and their partners around the world to plan and manage education systems through four types of capacity development programs: training, technical assistance, research and development, and knowledge sharing. The Institute launched its new Medium-Term Strategy (2026-2029) in November 2025. IIEP has offices in Paris, Dakar, and Buenos Aires. IIEP draws on voluntary contributions from core donors and project funding to achieve its goals and objectives. Through a well-crafted and targeted capacity development approach, IIEP-UNESCO in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) contributes to diagnostic analyses, sector plans and the development of pedagogical as well as methodological tools. These contribute to more relevant and sustainable educational policies across Latin America and the Caribbean region, and beyond. IIEP-UNESCO in LAC is also actively involved in knowledge creation for the education sector, not just in LAC region but for countries that share similar development profiles.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall supervision of the IIEP Director and the Head of Office, the Finance and Administrative Officer is responsible for providing a range of administrative and support services in various operational areas to ensure application and compliance with the rules, regulation, policies and practices in place, with overall guidance from and a functional reporting line to IIEP Finance and Operations Manager in Paris.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General Accountabilities

• Advise and support the Head of Office or the designate on all administration, budget, financial, human resources, premises related, IT and security matters within the Office. Such support will include discussions with partners in the countries benefiting from IIEP support.
• 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.
• Participate through user feedback in the development of house-wide budget, financial and human resources policies and procedures.
• Draft correspondence and internal procedural directives relating to budgetary, financial, human resources and administration matters.
• Office Focal Point for UNESCO Environmental Management System.
• Upon Request of the IIEP Director, will contribute to IIEP Global General Accountabilities.

Budget Accountabilities

• Assist and advise on planning and budgeting and recommend modifications.
• Advise and guide the Head of Office and technical leads in the preparation of core funding proposals for DIR/IIEP approval.
• Assist and advise the Head of Office and technical leads in the negotiation of donor budget & agreements.
• Prepare/Review budgets, agreements and donor reports under project funding for final approval by the Finance and Operations Manager in Paris, in consultation with the Finance and Accounting Officer, and the Budget Officer.
• Oversee and monitor cost recovery under project funding, to contribute to IIEP overall financial sustainability.
• Upon Request of the IIEP Director, will contribute to IIEP Global Budget Accountabilities.

Long Description

Financial Accountabilities

• Ensure the Office’s financial resources and expenditures are fully and properly accounted for and that internal control systems are adequate and functioning.
• Monitor and advise the Head of Office or the designate on the financial status of projects and programmes (including funds confirmed but not yet available for expenditure; funds available for expenditure and funds already spent).
• Act as Certifying Officer up to the authorized level delegated by the Finance and Operations Manager, ensuring that financial transactions including travel are in compliance with regulations, rules, policies and procedures.
• In line with the Organization’s policies and procedures, set up proper accounting procedures and systems – including inter alia review of payments and disbursement of funds, replenishments, petty cash, segregation of duties – as well as internal controls having regard to specific requirements of the office.
• Supervise the billing and receipt of income from various services.
• Support technical areas in the preparation and finalization of procurement processes. Ensure procurement of services, equipment and supplies are in line with rules and procedures, office staff awareness of proper procedures, and that deliverables are in conformity with the specifications and terms of contracts.
• Ensure the proper management of Fixed Assets in line with UNESCO rules; responsible for ensuring the maintenance of a full office inventory and stock taking at year end.
• Supervise the Finance and Administrative team.
• Upon Request of the IIEP Director, will contribute to IIEP Global Financial Accountabilities.

Human Resources Accountabilities

The following duties will be carried out in consultation with the HR Officer in IIEP Paris, from whom guidance will be sought as necessary:

• Ensures that IIEP in LAC staffing tables and HR data (staff and non-staff) as well as the organizational chart are updated on a monthly basis.
• Provide support to staff members with regards to various HR administrative processes and ensures that they are directed to the proper channels.
• Administer day to day HR issues within the Office and ensure appropriate and timely follow-up with the HR Officer in IIEP Paris, HRM and BFM sections as necessary.
• Issue non-staff contracts.
• Upon Request of the IIEP Director, will contribute to IIEP Global Human Resources Accountabilities.

Long Description

Logistics & Administration Accountabilities

• Supervise the maintenance, upkeep and operation of the technical facilities and installations, keeping risks to a minimum: healthy and safe working environment; effective local area network, individual workstations, printers and photocopying machines, communication facilities; functioning cars; etc.
• Collaborates and supervises local ICT needs in coordination with Paris ICT Officer
• Maintain proper inventory, filing and recording systems.
• Ensure that the assets of the organization are safeguarded at all times.
• Ensure that appropriate insurance coverage for premises and equipment is in place and timely renewed.
• As applicable, assist and advise the Head of Office or the designate in the identification of proper locations and local arrangements for Antennas and in their establishment. Assist and advise the Head of Office or the designate in the negotiation of rental or lease agreements/arrangements.
• Supervise a pool of administrative assistants dedicated to program support.
• Upon Request of the IIEP Director, will contribute to IIEP Global Logistics’ & Administration Accountabilities.

Safety and Security Accountabilities

• Act as the Office’s Focal Point for the safety and security of the IIEP in LAC office personnel and consultants as well as for UNESCO-IIEP premises in the Office’s host country.
• Collaborate with the Designated Official for Security and with the UNDSS Chief Security Advisor on all security-related issues.
• Ensures that all critical security issues/events are escalated on time.
• Assist the Head of Office or designate in ensuring compliance with prevailing UN Common security policies, procedures and standards.
• Ensure compliance of all the personnel of the Office with security travel requirements and monitor completion of mandatory security training.
• Assist UNESCO staff and consultants on mission in the Office’s host country on safety and security issues and facilitate their briefing by UNDSS as necessary.
• Additional activities that may be required to ensure the success of the work team.

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)
• Building partnerships (M)
• Driving and managing change (M)
• Strategic thinking (M)
• Making quality decisions (M)
• Managing performance (M)
• Leading and empowering others (M)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 4 years of relevant professional work experience in finance and administration.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Ability to interpret rules and administrative guidelines and to solve routine and non-routine issues in the field of Human Resources, Finance, and Budgeting.
• Good interpersonal skills as well as managerial skills and the capacity to exercise supervision.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High level of reliability with a responsive and service-minded attitude and behavior.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment and with external and internal partners.
• Discretion, tact and maturity with ability to apply good judgment in the context of given assignments.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, to take initiative, prioritize, plan, coordinate and organize own work in order to respect deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written).
• Ability to work under pressure, paying close attention to detail and quality of work.
• Excellent IT skills, including knowledge of the Microsoft office suite package (Word and Excel).

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English and very good knowledge of Spanish (verbal and written).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Recognized Accountancy Certification.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in the use of an ERP, preferably SAP.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge and understanding of UNESCO operating context in Latin America and the Caribbean Region.

LANGUAGES

• Good/fair knowledge of French.

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 106 718 775 ARS.

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.