Finance & Administrative Officer

Position Number: 5PSADM0005RP

Grade:P-3

Parent Sector: Sector For Administration and Management (ADM)

Duty Station: Ramallah

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): 02/11/2026

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

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 Head of the Office with a functional reporting line to the Assistant Director-General for Administration at UNESCO Headquarters (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 Assistant Directors-General on their respective areas of responsibilities. S/he will be assisted in the discharge of his/her duties by the Administrative Support Section.

Under the overall authority of the Head of the UNESCO Office the incumbent provides advice and operational oversight on administration finance human resources logistics premises and security matters for the Office ensuring full compliance with UNESCOs 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 daytoday HR matters provides guidance to staff and ensures alignment with UNESCO and UN system-wide addition s/he oversees procurement asset management and premises liaises with host country authorities contributes to inter-agency coordination through the UN Country Teams 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.

General Accountabilities

• Advise and support the Head 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 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 Head 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.

Financial and Budgetary Accountabilities

• Advise the Head 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 UNESCOs central services on budgetary and financial issues relating to harmonization and alignment within the UN system seeking clearance on those which may affect UNESCOs current rules and procedures.
• Ensure the UNESCO Offices 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 Organizations 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.

Human Resources Management

• Advise the Head 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 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 UNESCOs current rules and procedures.

Safety and Security

• Assist the Head of the UNESCO Office in ensuring compliance with prevailing UN Common security policies procedures and standards.
• Act as the UNESCO Offices 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.

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

For detailed information please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

EDUCATION

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

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 4years of relevant professional experience in administration finance accounting or related areas of which preferablyat least 2 yearsat the international level.
• Experience in supervising guiding and supporting staff fostering teamwork and ensuring continuity of operations in challenging environments.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to assess complex situations and propose practical solution-oriented recommendations in a sensitive operating context.
• Proven ability to manage and prioritize a broad range of administrative financial and human resources functions under tight constraints and evolving operational conditions.
• Sound knowledge and hands-on experience in financial management budgeting procurement and implementation of internal control systems ensuring strict compliance with rules and procedures.
• Demonstrated resilience sound judgement and adaptability with the ability to remain effective whilst managing competing priorities respond to rapidly changing circumstances and support business continuity in a complex security environment.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and to make wellreasoned decisions in situations requiring a high degree of judgement.
• Strong communication skills including the ability to communicate clearly and effectively and to exercise tact and diplomacy when dealing with diverse stakeholders.
• Service-oriented approach with a commitment to providing timely reliable and client-focused support to managers and staff.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and to establish and maintain constructive relationships with internal and external partners including UN system entities and host country authorities.
• Capacity to take initiative and contribute to improving administrative processes efficiency and compliance under constrained conditions.
• Good IT skills including proficiency in ERP systems and administrative financial and human resources management tools.
• Familiarity with UNESCOs mandate and its application in a field office operating in a complex geopolitical context.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.

EDUCATION

• Professionally recognized accountancy qualification.

WORK EXPERIENCE

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

LANGUAGES

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

UNESCOs 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 114 921 USD.

For full information on benefits and entitlements please consult ourGuide to Staff Benefits.

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 addition candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the positions 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).

• 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 UNESCOs 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:
• 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.