Senior Accounting and Finance Assistant

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 1ITSC 0950TP

Grade: G-7

Parent Sector: Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Trieste

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 10/08/2026

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

Only candidates who are entitled to work in the EU may apply to this position.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Founded in 1964 by the late Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam and located in Trieste (Italy), the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) seeks to accomplish its mandate by providing scientists from developing countries with the continuing education and skills that they need to enjoy long and productive careers. ICTP has been a major force in stemming the scientific brain drain from the developing world. For more than 50 years, ICTP has been a driving force behind global efforts to advance scientific expertise in the developing world.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Senior Operations Officer and the direct supervision of the Head of Unit, Budget and Finance, the incumbent plays a lead role in performing a variety of specialized tasks in finance and accounting, monitoring and reporting, ensuring compliance with relevant Financial Rules and Regulations, accounting standards and established procedures. The incumbent leads, plans and supervises the work of the Accounting & Treasury, Invoice Control, and Travel Teams to ensure efficiency of financial operations and compliance with UNESCO Rules and Regulations. The incumbent acts as Certifying Officer, is responsible for the preparation of the draft ICTP Financial Statements, and provides certified donor financial reporting. In the absence of the Head of Unit, the incumbent supports the business continuity of the daily operations of the Institute. Essential responsibilities include:

Long Description

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General Management and Coordination:
• Assist the Head of Unit in the overall management of financial resources; manage the work of the Accounting & Treasury, Invoice Control, and Travel Teams.
• Interpret financial and administrative policies; provide guidance and technical training to staff and implementing partners.
• Draft Standard Operating Procedures; monitor internal processes and recommend improvements; prepare statistical and status reports including periodic dashboards.
• Liaise with UNESCO BFM and other stakeholders on financial, administrative and accounting matters; represent the Section in relevant meetings as required.

Finance and Accounting:
• Maintain accurate records of financial transactions; provide expert advice on IPSAS application; manage monthly and yearly financial closure processes including voluntary contribution projects.
• Lead the analysis, follow-up and liquidation of unliquidated obligations (ULOs); carry out reconciliation, investigation and reporting of accounting data; perform bank reconciliation.
• Oversee the processing and monitoring of payments; verify invoices against goods and services provided; certify disbursements and commitments in line with rules and regulations.

Financial Reporting:
• Assist in the preparation of the annual IPSAS-compliant ICTP Financial Statements; coordinate interaction with External Auditors and respond to their inquiries.
• Provide certified donor financial reporting; organise and oversee independent audits and/or certification of project and implementing partner financial reports.
• Provide regular and ad hoc financial information to senior management and other stakeholders.

Asset Management and Additional Activities:
• Oversee the financial recording of assets (creation, transfer, disposal); assist in the verification of work in progress, inventories and assets to ensure they are safeguarded.
• Perform additional activities that may be required to ensure the success of the work team.

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Professionalism (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)
• Building partnerships (M)
• Driving and managing change (M)
• Strategic thinking (M)
• Making quality decisions (M)
• Managing performance (M)
• Leading and empowering others (M)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Completed secondary, technical and/or vocational school.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum ten (10) years of progressive experience in finance, accounting or budget management.
• Expert knowledge of international accounting standards (IPSAS and/or IFRS) and their application in a public-sector or international organisation context.
• Proficiency in SAP or a similar ERP system; experience in financial closure processes and accounts reconciliation.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to interpret financial and administrative standards and resolve complex issues.
• Excellent computer skills including advanced MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); ability to consolidate data and produce financial reports with accuracy.
• High degree of accuracy, discretion and sense of confidentiality; team and service-oriented, with emphasis on quality, efficiency and results.
• Ability to operate independently, prioritize competing demands and deliver under tight deadlines; proven capacity to lead and supervise a team.
• Experience in certified donor financial reporting and in organising or overseeing independent audits and/or certification of project and implementing partner financial reports.
• Knowledge of asset management processes, including financial recording of asset creation, transfer and disposal, and verification of inventories.

LANGUAGES

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

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Professional certification in Finance or Accounting (e.g. CPA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in a UN system organisation or international not-for-profit organisation.
• Knowledge of UNESCO/UN Financial Rules and Regulations.

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 58 391 EUR.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted.

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course.

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• 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 to 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.
• lndividuals 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.
• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.