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 Institute (UNU-WIDER)
UNU-[Institute/Office] is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system.
UNU-WIDER is a leading international development economics think tank. The Institute provides economic analysis and policy advice with the aim of promoting sustainable and equitable development for all. The Institute began operations in 1985 in Helsinki, Finland, as the first research centre of the United Nations University. Today, it is a unique blend of think tank, research institute, and UN agency โ providing a range of services from policy advice to governments, as well as freely available original research. More information on UNU-WIDER and its current work programme are available at www.wider.unu.edu.
Operations Services Unit within UNU-WIDER is responsible for supporting UNU-WIDERโs programmes, projects and counterpart in the areas of financial management, budgeting, human resources management, travel, procurement, administration, information technology, publications and library services. The Finance Associate works in close collaboration with all areas of operations, programme and project support at UNU-WIDER as well as UNU Centre located in Malaysia.
Responsibilities
Under the guidance and supervision of the Operations Manager, the Finance Associate is responsible for provision of financial and budgetary services at UNU-WIDER, supporting effective and transparent utilization of financial resources and integrity of financial services consistent with UN and UNU regulations and rules. The Finance Associate coordinates and oversees the work of the personnel in the Finance team and has the following duties and responsibilities:
1. Accounting / Finance
Serves as Approving Officer (AO) in the Enterprise Resource Systems (e.g. Quantum/Oracle etc.).
Reviews source documents for completeness, accuracy and validity of charges.
Prepares payments for final disbursement by Cashier.
Investigates erroneous charges and takes appropriate corrective accounting actions.
Reconciles and reviews suspense accounts and ensures proper clearance procedures have been followed.
Extracts details of income, expenditure, assets and liability from accounting system to analyze and verify accuracy and validity.
Assists with monitoring expenditures to ensure they remain within authorized levels.
Drafts/prepares memoranda and/or financial cables to UNDP, other UN Agencies and overseas offices.
Ensures timely Value Added Tax (VAT) reporting to and claiming from the Finnish authorities.
Coordinates UNU-WIDER monthly, quarterly and biannual closing and the annual closing of accounts.
Together with HOO and the Operations Manager leads the timely closure of accounts and year end activities.
Contributes to the preparation and review annual financial statements under IPSAS.
Prepares comprehensive and accurate draft replies to audit queries in the area of finance.
Acts as the UNU-WIDER ERP system (Quantum) focal point.
2. Budget and Fund Management
Provides finance support to UNU-WIDERโs Partnerships and Programme Support Unit (PPSU) in project budget preparations, analyses, monitoring and fund management activities in the ERP system.
Assists in preparation of budget planning and performance submissions and finalization of budget performance reports, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures, as well as prepares adjustments (including labour distribution) as necessary.
Verifies accuracy of input data, ensuring consistency of data in previous allotments to new allotments issued.
Analyzes accounts, identifies deviations and ensures corrective actions are taken.
3. Cash management
Ensures cash management and investment oversight, including review of cash position, cash flow analysis and forecasts.
Prepares disbursement vouchers to transfer funds between accounts as well as investment to the UNU cash pool.
Monitors bank balances globally and identifies and annotates bank account movements including identifying contributions.
Answers queries and investigates any complaints of non-receipt and liaises with banks regarding outstanding items and payment instructions.
Assists personnel and Certifying Officers and partners regarding queries on payment and deposit-related issues.
Responsible for any cash payments and related arrangements with the bank and the cash delivery company.
4. Oversight and Coordination
Executes financial operations in accordance with UN Financial Regulations and Rules, UNUโs policies, and established UNU operational practices and ensures compliance with internal control requirements.
Prepares results-oriented workplans for the Finance team in consultation with the Operations Manager.
Oversees and coordinates the work of the finance team.
Provides guidance and training to more junior personnel in UNU-WIDER and cooperates with colleagues across the UNU.
Maintains and keeps up-to-date files on documents/reports/guidelines/policies related to the area of work.
Drafts or prepares correspondence to respond to enquiries in respect to relevant financial and budget matters.
Assists with the collection and analysis of financial data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
Identifies and implements initiatives to improve workflows; streamlines financial reporting processes to enhance efficiency and productivity; participates in the development and implementation of new financial policies and procedures; assesses the impact of changes and makes recommendations on follow-up activities.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Key performance indicators
Timely, complete and accurate financial transactions/activities/documentation
Timely and accurate advice on UN financial rules and regulations
Timely and regular monitoring of financial resources management system and timely expenditure of financial resources
Timely and accurate support to budget formulation and audits
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
Completion of secondary education OR Bachelorโs or Masterโs degree in finance, accounting or related disciplines
2) Required skills and experience
A minimum of two (2) years (with masterโs degree), four (4) years (with bachelorโs degree), or six (6) years (with secondary education) of relevant working experience in finance or accounting is required.
A technical certificate or diploma in accounting, finance or related fields is desirable.
Working knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or other international accounting standards is desirable.
Good Excel spreadsheet skills (advanced level), including the use of functions and formulas.
Ability to conduct analysis on data and ability to use relevant data analytics tools.
Experience in the handling of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems or other web-based management systems, such as SAP or Oracle etc., is required.
Experience of using Quantum or Umoja is an asset.
Ability to work under minimal supervision and with high level of resilience.
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
As soon as possible
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
16 November 2025
Submissions must be received by [23:59, UTC+2] 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
This is a locally recruited position and no relocation expenses or allowance apply. The position is limited to persons who have (1) Finnish nationality or the necessary residence/work permits for Finland, OR (2) have right of residence in Finland as an EU/EFTA citizen.
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.
or