National Associate Finance and Administrative Officer

OVERVIEW

Post Number: 4KIADM0001PA

Grade: NO-A 

Parent Sector: Sector for Administration and Management (ADM)

Duty Station: Tarawa, Kiribati

Job Family: Education 

Type of contract: Project Appointment 

Duration of contract: 1 year, renewable 

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates 

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time):

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

Kiribati is designated as the duty station for this post, subject to clearance by the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS).

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

(Only Candidates who are nationals of Kiribati may apply to this position)

（Initial duration of contract 12 months, renewable subject to performance and availability of funds)

BACKGROUND

The Kiribati System Transformation Grant (STG) is a USD $2.5M program (2024–2028) designed to address critical challenges within the Kiribati education system. These challenges—identified through extensive consultations and outlined in the Partnership Compact—include infrastructure limitations, resource constraints, and high dropout rates, particularly among boys. The program, developed by the Ministry of Education (MoE) in partnership with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), aims to expand access to quality learning and enhance teaching practices through a strategic focus on Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Aligned with Kiribati’s Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP 2024-2027) and the ICT in Education Master Plan (2021-2025), the STG takes a phased approach, initially focusing on establishing model schools. These selected schools will serve as testing grounds for ICT infrastructure and teaching innovations, enabling evidence-based learning and systematic adaptation. ICT integration will directly support student learning by expanding access to digital resources, with inclusive digital lesson plans, projectable diagrams and tools for student assessments. The STG programme activities are structured around three interconnected components:

• Access: Expanding access to quality learning through ICT infrastructure and inclusive pedagogies.
• Teaching Quality: Improving teaching quality and inclusion through access to digital resources and training on using ICTs.
• Systems Reform: Strengthening the collection and use of data to support programme implementation, inclusivity, and system improvements.

Long Description

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST 

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific States and the direct supervision of the Finance and Administrative Officer of the Regional Office, the Associate Finance and Administrative Project Officer is responsible for providing a range of administrative and financial management support activities to UNESCO, who serves as the Grant Agent of the Kiribati Global Partnership for Education System Transformation Grant (STG).

Specifically, the incumbent will undertake the following functions: 

1.  GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

• Assist the Finance and Administrative Officer of the Regional Office by providing regular updates, analysis, and guidance on budget, finance, HR, logistics, premises, and security matters.
• Analyze operational requirements and practices, recommending solutions to support effective programme implementation.
• Supervise Administrative Unit staff, providing guidance to ensure consistent application of rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Oversee proper maintenance of inventory, filing, and record-keeping systems.
• Participate in OMT meetings to stay updated on administrative matters and report relevant findings.
• Ensure full compliance with UNESCO’s rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and accounting standards, including IPSAS.

2. FINANCE & BUDGET

• Assist the Finance and Administrative Officer in managing the Antenna’s financial resources, ensuring proper accounting, internal controls, and compliance with UNESCO regulations.
• Act as Certifying Officer, ensuring financial transactions adhere to rules, policies, and procedures.
• Support accurate recording, monitoring, transfer, and disposal of property, plant, and equipment in line with UNESCO rules and project agreements.
• Monitor commitments, payments, and clearing accounts; investigate discrepancies and take corrective actions.
• Perform monthly and yearly financial closures in coordination with the Regional Office, Antenna staff, and Central Services.
• Provide guidance to staff on financial rules, policies, and procedures.
• Support project/programme officers with donor reporting and coordinate with Headquarters to ensure timely compliance with funding agreements.
• Contribute to regional budget preparation (C/5 documents and workplans) and ensure timely, accurate budget data entry.
• Assist programme/project officers in preparing resource requirements, cost estimates, and project budgets; monitor and analyze budget implementation, taking corrective action as needed.
• Ensure timely project closure in accordance with UNESCO regulations and project agreements.

3. HUMAN RESOURCES 

• Assist the Finance and Administrative Officer in processing personnel actions (recruitment, contract extensions/conversions, job description updates) in line with UNESCO Rules and Regulations; analyze cases and recommend appropriate actions.

• Maintain up-to-date organizational charts and staff/dependent lists.

• Interpret and apply HR policies, rules, and regulations.

• Respond to routine staff queries on rights, duties, conditions of service, and administrative procedures, referring complex matters to HR specialists.

• Manage day-to-day HR matters within the Antenna, ensuring timely follow-up with Central Services.

• Ensure accurate and timely data entry in HR management systems and provide staff training as needed.

4. LOGISTICS, ASSET MANAGEMENT AND SECURITY

• Oversee maintenance and operation of technical facilities, vehicles, and equipment, ensuring a safe and functional work environment.

• Safeguard organizational assets and ensure timely renewal of insurance coverage.

• Liaise with host country authorities on logistical matters and assist in lease negotiations.

• Support procurement planning for well-defined contracts and ensure compliance with specifications.

• Serve as focal point for staff safety and security, ensuring adherence to UN security policies and UNDSS recommendations.

• Monitor staff compliance with security travel requirements and mandatory trainings.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in the field of Finance, Business Administration or a related discipline or 

• A first-level university degree in the aforementioned fields with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience in administration, finance, accounting or related areas.
• Experience in budgeting, contracting, and monitoring.
• Experience in identifying solutions and making recommendations within the framework of internal guidelines and procedures.
• Experience in ensuring compliance with rules & regulations and administrative processes and providing advice to others.

Skills and competencies:

• Ability to oversee, coordinate and monitor work plans.
• Ability to provide quality and timely support and services.
• Ability to provide guidance in the financial and administrative management of extra budgetary projects.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to establish good working relationships with external and internal partners.
• Ability to lead, manage and motivate staff and teams.
• Ability to take initiative and seek innovative ways to improve results.
• Good IT skills, knowledge of ERP and financial, human resources or administrative management tools.
• Capacity to analyse operations, identify risks and opportunities, propose mitigation measures and toestablish adequate monitoring framework in line with office implementation capacity.

Languages:

• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.
• Excellent knowledge of Kiribati.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Skills and Competencies

• Familiarity with UNESCO institutional mandates in the country.

Work Experience:

• Relevant experience within an international organisation and/or the United Nations.
  
• Experience in financial and administrative management of projects financed by voluntary contributions.

Languages:

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

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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