Finance Assistant

United Nations University Objectives:

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 visithttp://unu.edu.

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

UNU-ViE is an integral part of the Rector's office and the first Vice Rectorate of UNU outside the headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Established in May 2007 in Bonn, UNU-ViE aims at strengthening institutional growth of UNU in the world with particular emphasis on Europe and Africa. A further task is dedicated to capacity development in developing and emerging countries and to assist the establishment of UNU “Twin” institutes. For more information please visit 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 visitwww.ehs.unu.edu.

Responsibilities:

Under the authority of the Vice Rector in Europe, the supervision of the Finance and Administrative Officer and working in close collaboration with Finance team in UNU Centre (Headquarters), the key responsibilities of Finance Assistant shall encompass:

• Support financial operations in accordance with UNU's policies, United Nations Financial Rules and Regulation (UNFRR) and established operational procedures, and ensure that proper and accurate accounting records are well-maintained;
• Support the day-to day operations in the full spectrum of accounting services, including accounts payable, accounts receivables, accounts reconciliation, billing, monthly closing of accounts, preparation of management reports, consolidation, forecasting, year-end closing of accounts;
• Support to prepare financial reports in accordance with the terms and conditions of donor contracts to national and international donors in the public sector, notably German ministries and agencies, the European Union, and donors in the private sector and the UNU Headquarters;
• Act as the focal point for Bonn receivables
• Act as Travel focal point this would include,  review of Travel requisition prepared by program support;
• Act as Program support for Core Admin project this would include,  input and process travel requisitions, including payment of travel advances and process post mission travel claims; provide administrative and financial support for the planning and budgeting
• Serve as deputy Approving Officer;
• Maintain monthly statements of accounts to allow the monitoring of availability of funds and budget performance;
• Prepare journal entries and review journals prepared by Program Assistants;
• Review payable vouchers prepared by Program Assistants and Administrative assistants;
• Act as vendor approver when it comes to UNU ERP system;
• Assist in liaising with auditors, donor agencies/ministries, financial services of partner institutes and vendors, as well as with the UNU Centre and other UNU Institutes;
• Contribute to initiatives to improve workflow and streamline financial processes to enhance efficiency and productivity;

• Support in review, administer and manages the cash position of bank accounts which includes cash-flow forecasting and the determination of funding requirements in relation to budget execution;
• Perform month end bank reconciliations
• Periodically review balance sheet accounts and follow up with the reversal entry
• Keep up-to-date documents, reports and guidelines related to programme, finance, budget, etc.,
• ensuring compliance with intergovernmental recommendations and decisions as well as with UNU’s
• and UN’s policies and guidelines;
• Maintain overview of accounting charges for the Common Services Unit (CSU);
• Draft correspondences to respond to enquiries of financial or budgetary matters;
• May be responsible for providing guidance, training and supervision to Junior assistants; and
• 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;
• Minimum of five (5)  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;
• Fluency in both oral and written English is required. Knowledge of the local language of the duty station (German) would be ideal and 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;
• Able to work under minimal supervision with high level of resilience;
• 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.  

Starting Date: As soon as possible.

Remuneration:

We offer a competitive net salary at GS-5 level of the General Service salary scale (for Bonn, Germany) of the United Nations Common System, plus benefits. For more information, please visithttp://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salaries/germany.htm

Duration of Contract:

This is a full-time employment. Initial appointment will be on a fixed-term appointment of one (1) year with the possibility of renewal and on a rolling fixed-term appointment basis, subject to satisfactory work performance.  The mandatory age of retirement for new United Nations staff is 65 years

This is a locally recruited post; no relocation allowances apply. UNU is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.

Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Rector and may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the University. Rector reserves the right to appoint the candidate to a level below that which is advertised.

Starting date:  As soon as possible

Application Procedure:

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 completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) formdownloadable from UNU Bonn website. Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations;
• an indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2016/UNU/ViE/FTA/FA/72)

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8)