Programme Assistant

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars, engaged in research, postgraduate teaching and capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu.

The United Nations University Vice-Rectorate in Europe (UNU-ViE):

UNU-ViE concentrates on relationships between advancing science and technology for human security. In addition to its scientific core mandate, it administers the central units providing service to five UNU entities in Bonn (http://www.bonn.unu.edu/). The central administration units include Finance, Human Resources, Information Communication Technology, Communication Services, Procurement and General Administration. These units also assist with the administration of new UNU initiatives in Europe and Africa. For more information on the organization, please visit the following websites: www.vie.unu.edu

United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS)

UNU-EHS, established in December 2003, is part of the UNU system, a worldwide network of Research and Training Institutes. Its mission is to advance human security through knowledge-based approaches to reducing vulnerability and environmental risks. For more information, please visit www.ehs.unu.edu.

Responsibilities:

Under the authority of the Vice Rector in Europe/Director of UNU EHS and the supervision of EHS section head(s) as well as in close coordination with Finance and Administration Section, the specific tasks for the Programme Assistant shall encompass:

Assist Academic Section Head(s) and project owners on all financial matters as related to third party funded academic research projects. The specific tasks would include:

Project Finance Management

• Maintain budgetary and financial overview on given project portfolios and advice Section Heads and project staff on all matters as related to project budgetary and financial status,
• Process project expenditure transactions such as processing payment vouchers in UNU ERP system for project related expenditures;
• Prepare financial reporting to donors (EC, NGOs, Funding Organizations…) in observance to donor’s conditions and deadlines and initiate timely actions for cost recoveries with project donors,
• Liaise and coordinate with project donors on matters related to project finances and financial reporting,
• Monitor project financial and budgetary status; maintain overview of availability of project funds;
• Liaise with UNU Bonn Finance and UNU Centre (KL) teams concerning any financial matters and perform month end and year-end financial closure tasks;
• Take charge in operational and financial closure of projects
• Contribute to initiatives to improve workflow and streamline financial processes to enhance efficiency and productivity, including implementation of the new International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and any other accounting and finance related projects and initiatives;
• Any other duties as may be assigned or required

Programme and Project Support

• Provide general advice and administrative/financial assistance to project staff /project teams at all stages of project life cycle,
• Maintain records of key project documents including: project agreements, budgets agreements and revisions, financial reports.
• Assist project managers in the coordination of HR (eg, staff, consultants…) and Procurement actions (vendors and service providers) with UNU Bonn Administration team in accordance with established UN rules and UNU policies,
• Provide administrative and financial support for the planning, budgeting, organization and preparation of events such as meetings, workshops, etc.;
• Coordinate/process mission travels, including the review of travelers’ Duty Travel Plans (DTPs) prior to submission to Certifying Officer (CO); input and process travel requisitions, including payment of travel advances and process post mission travel claims;
• Any other duties as may be assigned or required

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Preferably first level university degree in accounting, finance or a closely related field,
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible working experience in accounting, financial reporting, budget management;
• Previous experience in submitting financial reports to the European Union, German ministries and similar international entities is highly desirable;
• Familiarity with UN rules and regulation concerning Finance, HR, administration, procurement would be an advantage;
• Previous experience in working with the German Public Administration Travel Expense Regulations (Bundesreisekostengesetz); other German public sector accounting practices would be an asset;
• Fluency in both oral and written English is required. Knowledge of the local language of the duty station (German) would be a distinct asset.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office applications, ideally with at advanced level in MS Excel. Experience using ATLAS or any other ERP system is highly desirable;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including good networking ability;
• Excellent time management skills, forward planning, with the ability to work under pressure and with minimal supervision;
• A good team player with strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated by the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Remuneration:

Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Duration of Contract:

This is a full-time employment on a one (1) year Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance, with the combined duration of appointments not exceeding six (6) years.

This is a locally recruited post and no relocation allowances apply. The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil servant status nor is he/she a “staff member” as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations.

Applications from suitably qualified women candidates are particularly encouraged.

Starting Date: As soon as possible

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested applicants should submit their applications by e-mail (to hrbonn@vie.unu.edu), and must include the following:

• a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
• a curriculum vitae and a completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) form downloadable from the UNU website. Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations;
• an indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2014/UNU/EHS/PSA/PA/71).