Finance and Administrative Assistant
OVERVIEW
Post Number : 4WSADM0002PA
Grade : G5
Parent Sector : Sector for Administration and Management
Duty Station: Apia
Job Family: Administration
Type of contract : Project Appointment
Duration of contract : 1 year
Recruitment open to : Internal and External Candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 11-SEP-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
(Only candidates entitled to work in Samoa may apply to this position)
(Initial duration of contract 12 months, renewable subject to performance and availability of funds)
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Under the overall authority of the Director of the Regional Office and the direct supervision of the Education Programme Specialist, and working closely with the Samoa Global Partnership for Education System Transformation Grant Project Coordinator, the Finance and Administrative Assistant is responsible for providing a range of administrative and financial management support activities to ensure the seamless and timely implementation of the Samoa Global Partnership for Education System Transformation Grant Project within its four-year period.
On matters of financial internal control, the Administrative and Finance Assistant receives a delegated authority from the UNESCO Administrative Officer as a certifying officer.
The Finance and Administrative Assistant will undertake the following functions:
Project Administration and Coordination
- Provide administrative and programmatic support to the implementation of the Samoa Global Partnership for Education System Transformation Grant Project, ensuring alignment with programme objectives, expected outputs, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and national priorities.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Financial Oversight
- Assist project officers in monitoring and evaluating project activities, including preparing financial statements and tracking budget expenditures and allocations
- Contribute to quality achievement in line with UNESCO qualitative standards and the project results framework.
- Assist in preparing progress reports and briefings required by the UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific States and/or UNESCO Headquarters, particularly for donor reporting.
Procurement and Financial Management
- Assist in procurement activities, including preparing supportive documentation and following up on service delivery and payments.
- Prepare and manage international and in-country travel requests, including Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) payments and liquidations of outstanding advances.
- Review and follow up on purchase order requests submitted by implementing partners.
Data Collection and Information Management
- Collect and distribute relevant data and materials needed for project implementation to project officers, counterparts, and implementing partners.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Completed secondary level education required.
Work experience
- At least five (5) years of relevant professional work experience in administration/financial management at the national or sub-regional level.
- Experience of working to support the implementation of nationa and/or sub-regional development projects or programmes.
Skills and competencies
- Ability to interpret rules and regulations.
- Ability to provide solutions in the field of Human Resources, finance and budget.
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to establish good working relationships.
- Excellent IT skills with proficiency in the use of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and ERP systems.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of English.
- Excellent knowledge of Samoan.
Long Description
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- First level university degree in public administration, development studies, economics, finance, or social sciences.
work experience
- Experience in the field of Human Resources.
- Relevant work experience within an international organisation and/or the UN System.
Skills and competencies
- Knowledge of SAP.
- Knowledge of contract management.
- General knowledge of accounting principles and internal control systems.
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 31, 457 WS$.
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 an 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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