Job description
About UN University (UNU)
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.
For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU's expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu
About UNU Centre
UNU Centre Administration is responsible for developing and implementing administrative policies governing the UNU and its global network of institutes and programmes. In addition, UNU Centre Administration provide services to internal clients in the areas of financial management, budgeting, human resources management, travel and procurement. UNU Centre Administration is located in Tokyo, Japan, with a global services centre based in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Senior Finance Manager, the Finance Associate is responsible for providing budgetary and reporting services, supporting the financial closing process and contributing to accurate voluntary contributions recording.
1. Provide budgetary and reporting services for UNU offices while ensuring compliance with the applicable rules and regulations
Provides support with respect to the review and analysis of the biennial budget formulation and budget revisions from UNU offices;
Prepares management reports, such as budget department reports, investigate variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
2. Support the implementation of effective financial closing and reporting
Prepares a variety of monthly financial reports, annual financial statements and other external reports;
Analyzes accounts, identifies deviations and ensures corrective actions are taken;
Prepares information required to respond to audit findings and recommendations.
3. Support the recording of voluntary contributions in UNU
Supports application of IPSAS for revenue recognition and serves as point of contact for technical guidance;
Coordinates the overall UNU pre-close and year-end closing activities for voluntary contributions;
Prepares the monthly and year-end recording of all contribution related entries;
Analyzes the ageing and collectability of revenue receivable, and assesses the expected credit losses (ECL);
Prepares and updates the standard operating procedure for voluntary contributions.
4. Actively participate and contribute in finance initiatives and improvements
Serves as the backup focal point for Project Portfolio Management (PPM) module in the ERP system.
Actively participate in the implementation of ERP enhancements, complete user acceptance testing and training on a timely basis
Identify and implement initiatives to improve workflow; streamline financial reporting processes to enhance efficiency and productivity;
Provides guidance and training to personnel concerning the application of the UNU policies, UN Financial Regulations and Rules and established operational practices and the interpretation of requirements for handling financial and budgetary transactions.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Provide administrative office support services to help ensure the smooth functioning of the Finance Unit.
Key performance indicators
Timely, accurate and complete recording of transactions
Timely and high quality of reports and schedules
Prompt and effective resolution to institutesโ queries
Competencies
Values:
Inclusion โ take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity
Integrity โ act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards
Humility โ demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
Humanity โ act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet
Behaviours:
Connect and collaborate โ build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
Analyse and plan โ seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
Deliver results with positive impact โ hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
Learn and develop โ pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
Adapt and innovate โ demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
Qualifications
1) Education and certification
High School Diploma or a Bachelorโs Degree from a recognized university in finance, accounting or related disciplines;
2) Required skills and experience
High School Diploma six (6) years of relevant working experience, OR Bachelorโs degree with four (4) years of relevant working experience;
Working knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) is preferred;
Experience with MS office software packages, particularly good with Excel spreadsheets and handling of ERP systems;
Ability to work under minimal supervision and with high level of resilience;
Result-oriented, self-motivated and hands on, with the strong ability to establish priorities, multi-task and work within tight timelines;
Dynamic, has strong attention to details, focused, and flexible.
3) Language Requirements
Fluency in English is required
Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
Remuneration
UNU offers an attractive, tax exempt compensation package including an annual net salary (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. For more information please see: https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=SAL
Duration of contract
This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment. The initial appointment will be for one (1) year with the possibility of renewal on a fixed-term appointment basis, subject to satisfactory work performance.
For academic positions, the combined duration of fixed-term appointments with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for United Nations staff is 65 years.
Expected start date
Immediate
How to Apply
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
Apply via the apply link;
fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and
answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.
You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.
Application Deadline
9 July 2025
Submissions must be received by 11.59 MYT time-zone on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks and references.
Special notice
Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the Rector's authority. They may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised.
UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organisation. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply.
UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
If you have supervisory function you need to have awareness on gender related issues.
Information about UNU rosters
UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU.
Scam warning
UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
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