DUTY STATION
Geneva, Switzerland
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY
To be determined NATURE OF APPOINTMENT
Fixed-term - 1 year
Organizational Unit
Group on Earth Observations Secretariat WMO is committed to achieving diversity and a balanced workforce. Applications are welcome from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. The statutory retirement age after 1 January 2014 is 65. Pursuant to WMO Standing Instructions, the minimum age to be eligible for consideration for vacant positions is 18, and the maximum age must enable the candidate to serve for at least the term of the contract before reaching mandatory age of separation. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) is an intergovernmental partnership whose mission is to make Earth Intelligence a public good, ensuring that governments, businesses, and society have the data and insights they need to drive informed, impactful decisions for people, planet, and nature.
The GEO Secretariat is responsible for facilitating and supporting GEO activities. The Secretariat's Operations Team provides essential day-to-day support to the GEO community, donors and governance bodies. The Finance Officer position, within the Operations Team, is being established to assist the Chief of Staff in the development, implementation and continuous improvement of financial planning, management and execution, contributing to the Secretariat's efficiency, donor trust, and resource mobilization outcomes.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Staff, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:
- Assist the GEO Secretariat Chief of Staff in coordinating and supporting the annual financial cycle for the GEO Secretariat, including budget preparation, expenditure forecasting and monitoring, and financial reporting.
- Provide analytical and substantive recommendations on financial systems, budgeting frameworks, and contribution management, supporting the strengthening of GEO's financial governance.
- Contribute to the development, maintenance and refinement of reporting tools and workflows to enhance financial compliance, oversight and transparency.
- Under guidance from the Chief of Staff, represent the GEO Secretariat in technical and operational discussions with WMO Finance, Legal, Procurement and HR departments to secure relevant financial approvals and ensure compliance with applicable WMO regulations.
- Coordinate financial planning, monitoring, and donor reporting for assigned GEO extra-budgetary initiatives, ensuring effective use of resources and compliance with donor agreements, and the preparation of required reports for review and approval by the Chief of Staff.
- Maintain and administer the contribution management system, ensuring proactive follow-up with donors regarding annual contributions and related reporting.
- Coordinate and execute procurement processes, including engagement with suppliers, in accordance with applicable WMO regulations and delegated authorities.
- Contribute to the preparation and technical review of Letters of Agreement and other financial agreements and contracts in support of GEO Work Programme activities.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor, contributing to the overall success of the Secretariat.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Master's degree in business, finance, public administration, international relations, environmental sciences, economics, law, or related field. A bachelor's degree or equivalent in combination with two years of additional directly relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the master's degree.
Experience
A minimum of five (5) years' experience in finance and administration. Experience within the UN system and/or international or national non-profit organizations is an advantage.
Other requirements
- Excellent financial and administrative skills, with strong attention to detail.
- Strong writing and editing skills, with a proven ability to produce high-quality written materials, including reports, memos, and other official correspondence.
- Proven proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
- Proven proficiency in at least one major ERP system.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage professionally and diplomatically while handling sensitive matters with discretion and confidentiality.
- Proven track record in introducing new organisational tools and workflows to enhance productivity.
- Proactive approach to problem-solving and sound judgment in setting priorities.
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong commitment to shared goals and mutual support.
- Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple workloads effectively, even under pressure and in dynamic work environments.
- Ability to work in a multicultural setting and to foster diversity and team spirit.
COMPETENCIES
The Finance officer must demonstrate individual-level proficiency in the following competencies:
- Communication & Influence
- Collaboration & Team Dynamics
- Inclusive Mindset & Cultural Awareness
- Decision Making & Problem Solving
- Integrity & Accountability
- Innovation & Digital Agility
- Stakeholder Understanding & Engagement
Languages
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN language is an asset. Note: The working language of the GEO Secretariat is English.
(Note: The official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.) SALARY AND ALLOWANCES
Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$ 71335
Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 61919 (in addition to the net base salary) Additional Information:
Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system at https://erecruit.wmo.int/public.
Do not send your application via multiple routes. Only applicants in whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview. Date of issue of vacancy notice: 12 February 2026