Operations Officer

OVERVIEW

Post Number : IOC/PA 034

Grade : P-3

Parent Sector : Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Administration

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and funds availability

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 19-FEB-2024

 

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

 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Working within Operational Support Unit of the Executive Office of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC/EO/AO) under the direct supervision of the Head of Unit, the Operations Officer is responsible for providing a range of administrative management support activities to IOC Sections at HQ and decentralized units, including acting as certifying officer and providing guidance to the two Administrative Assistants.

Long Description

In particular, the incumbent will: 

• Advise and support IOC, on all administration, budget and financial matters.
• Ensure compliance with UNESCO policies, rules, regulations and procedures in terms of budget, financial and human resources.
• Provide regular and ad hoc budget and financial information to the Head of Unit to support informed decision-making.
• Participate, through user feedbacks, in the development of budget, financial and human resources policies and procedures.
• Draft correspondence and internal procedural directives relating to budgetary, financial and administration matters. 
• Ensure Sector’s financial resources are fully and properly accounted for and that internal control systems are adequate and functioning.
• Monitor and advise the Head of Unit 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). 
• Ensure that UNESCO procurement policy is strictly adhered to and train staff in the procurement procedures and ensure contract work is performed according to the specifications and terms of contracts.
• Act as Certifying Officer ensuring that financial transactions 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, internal controls having regard to specific requirements of the Sector.
• May suggest changes in accounting procedures, when appropriate, and implement them once approved by central services.
   

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Building partnerships (M) Teamwork (C) Communication (C) Professionalism (C) Results focus (C) Leading and empowering others (M) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Planning and organizing (C) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master degree or equivalent) in finance, business administration, accounting, or related field. A university degree with at least two years of relevant professional experience and advanced training/courses in one or more of the following disciplines: accounting, public administration, business administration or other related areas or membership in a recognized professional accountancy body, may be taken into consideration in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• Procurement certification and experience in procurement would be an asset.

 

Work experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in management, finance and administration or related field areas of which preferably 2 years at international level.

 

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical, problem solving, organizational and coordination skills.
• Ability to provide policy advice and assistance to decision makers.
• Capacity to diagnose and resolve multiple and concurrent problems.
• Demonstrated capacity to interpret strategy into priorities and actions.
• Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the UN System.
   

Languages:

• Excellent knowledge of English. Knowledge of French or another UNESCO official language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) would be an asset.

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 99 452 US $.

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

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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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 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. Individuals 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. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.