Head of Unit

OVERVIEW

Post Number : BSP 965

Grade : P-4

Parent Sector : Bureau of Strategic Planning (BSP)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Programme Coordination

Type of contract : Fixed Term

Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 10-MAY-2024

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The post is situated in the Partnership Division within the Bureau of Strategic Planning. The Partnership Division coordinates UNESCO's public and private partners and provides strategic direction, backstopping and guidance to UNESCO Programme Sectors, Field Offices and Institutes in support of UNESCO's efforts to engage and mobilize resources.

The incumbent, under the overall authority of the Director of the Bureau of Strategic Planning, the authority of the Director of the Partnership Division and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Grants Management Section, will lead the Funding Agreement Management and Donor Reporting Unit. The incumbent will work closely with Programme Sectors/Field Offices and Institutes, Legal Affairs, the Bureau of Financial Management and other services to support the management of voluntary contributions in line with UNESCO's regulations and rules.

Within this context, specific duties of the incumbent will include:

Long Description

Centralized Agreement Management Function

• Leads/participates in negotiations for voluntary contributions (all types of agreements) and partnership agreements and ensures an effective system is in place for the review of funding agreements.
• Provides advice and backstopping to project officers, at Headquarters and Field Offices, in the preparation of project proposals and funding agreements.
• Provides advice on risks that the Organization can take with regards to non-standard agreements and any other risks arising from the funding agreements.
• Oversees the work of the agreement management specialists and assistants, ensuring clear objectives are set, and manages the day-to-day operations of the Unit.
• Develops and updates policies in the area of grants management. Ensures UNESCO Funding Agreement Templates are regularly updated and participates in the UN system-wide on matters relating to Fiduciary Funds Management.

Long Description

Management Reporting

• Prepares consolidated management reports on voluntary contributions, in particular on signed funding agreements, the voluntary contribution projects portfolio and cash received on voluntary contributions.
• Participates in meetings of relevant governing bodies to present reports and other information relating to voluntary contributions.

Long Description

Donor Reporting and Audits

• Oversees the effective functioning of the donor financial reporting mechanism. Ensures that donor financial reports are prepared in a timely manner in line with UNESCO's reporting obligations to donors.
• Presents donor financial reports in donor meetings and other relevant meetings. Provides advice to Programme Sectors and other stakeholders on all aspects of donor reporting.
• Coordinates requests from the external auditors on voluntary contributions in the context of the annual audits of UNESCO as well as the internal auditor on matters relating to grants management. The incumbent ensures the timely provision of information, drafts management responses and leads the implementation of relevant audit recommendations.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Communication (C)Accountability (C)Innovation (C)Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)Planning and organizing (C)Results focus (C)Teamwork (C)Professionalism (C)Building partnerships (M)Driving and managing change (M)Making quality decisions (M)Managing performance (M)Strategic thinking (M)Leading and empowering others (M)-
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in accounting, finance, economics, business administration or a closely related discipline(s). A first-level university degree in the aforementioned fields, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in the area of accounting, finance or closely related fields, of which preferably three (3) years acquired at international level.
• Demonstrated experience in grants management, partnerships, financial reporting, especially in relation to reporting to various stakeholders.
• Experience in managing cross functional teams.

Skills/Competencies

• Excellent understanding of grants management processes.
• Expert knowledge in developing funding agreements.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain effective partnerships and participate in negotiations with various stakeholders.
• Excellent drafting skills and proven ability to produce high quality and analytical management reports.
• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English or French and good knowledge of the other language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Skills/Competencies

• Knowledge of ERP Systems and reporting tools.
• Good understanding of the United Nations system funding structure.

Languages

• Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and/or Spanish).

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 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.

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