Vacancy #: 7361 Unit: Global Finance Group Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Location: Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation, Malaga, Spain Reporting to: Finance Manager Work percentage: 100% Grade: P1 Expected start date: 01 October 2025 Type of contract: Fixed-term (12 months) Closing date: 29 August 2025 BACKGROUND The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) was founded in 1948 and brings together over 1,100 members (States, government agencies, NGOs and affiliates) and some 11,000 scientists and experts from 181 countries in a unique worldwide partnership. Its mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. IUCN has approximately 1,000 staff, most of whom are located in its regional and country offices, and at its Headquarters in Gland, Switzerland. IUCN is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from qualified women and men.
The IUCN Center for Mediterranean cooperation, based in Mรกlaga Spain, is looking for a Finance Officer. The selected candidate will work The Finance Officer will support core financial operations and play a key role in the implementation of the Global Travel and Expense System. Responsibilities include daily accounting tasks, reconciliations, year-end closing, and contributing to financial process improvements and project support. JOB DESCRIPTION JOB DESCRIPTION
As a key member of the Global Finance Unit, the Finance Officer will play a critical role in supporting core finance operations and the Global Travel and Expense System Tool project.
Reporting to the Finance Manager and collaborating closely with the Project Manager, IUCN Corporate Projects, as well as other finance stakeholders, the incumbent will ensure the accurate, timely, and compliant execution of assigned financial tasks.
This role combines day-to-day financial accounting responsibilities with project-based contributions. The Finance Officer will be instrumental in strengthening financial controls, optimising processes, and supporting the successful rollout of the Global travel tool.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
a) Global Travel and Expense Project
โข Support the development of the requirements for the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the procurement of a Travel and Expense management tool
โข Participate in the T&E tool selection process, including evaluation and scoring of proposals, and organising demonstrations with selected suppliers
โข Participate in the implementation activities: writing test scripts, quality assurance, and design of access and security, design the reporting and analytics reports
โข Analyse options for improvements and suggest solutions to identified issues. Assess product quality in order to make improvements to achieve better customer satisfaction
โข Plan, organise, and coordinate UAT for the Project Portal: Define test scenarios, prepare the UAT environment, analyse results, and suggest corrective actions
โข Collaborate with the internal and external development teams to ensure consistent project execution
โข Contribute to the redesign and continuous improvement of the staff travel & expense claims process to align with best practices and staff needs
โข Develop training materials and deliver training
โข Support after go-live with the Travel and Expense tool
โข Maintain the project documentation on SharePoint
b)Accounting and reconciliations
1)Travel and expense
โข Assess the current Travel and Expense Policy, associated procedures, and operational processes for alignment with best practices, compliance requirements, and organisational goals
โข Review and analyse a representative sample of submitted expense claims to assess adherence to policy and identify trends or issues.
โข Develop a comprehensive summary of the requirements and key features that the Travel and Expense tool must include, based on internal policies, established processes, and user needs
2) Balance Sheet Reconciliations
โข Sub-ledger Reconciliations: Conduct quarterly reviews of all sub-ledger balance sheet accounts; follow up with relevant stakeholders and address anomalies.
โข General Ledger Reconciliations: Prepare and update general balance sheet account reconciliations; investigate and resolve outstanding entries on time.
c)Year-end closing and consolidation
โข Review the Implementing partner accrual report and coordinate with programme staff to ensure the complete and accurate entry of all HQ implementing partner year-end accruals.
โข Prepare reconciliations for assigned accounts and ensure data integrity to both the trial balance and necessary financial notes (if applicable)
โข Support the external audit process by preparing documentation, analyses, and responding to audit queries
โข Support overall financial consolidation activities as assigned
d) Other Projects
โข Contribute to future projects' design, implementation, support and training of various corporate systems as assigned.
BENEFITS
โข Comprehensive health insurance covering employee, spouse and children.
โข Flexible working hours: 39 hours per week (35 hours during July and August) there is flexibility on check- in and check-out as long as the core central hours from 09:30 to 16:00 are respected.
โข Teleworking Policy: Regular remote work is permitted for up to 50% of contractual hours with the requirement of working in the office for at least two days a week within that timeframe.
โข Opportunities for international travel expanding your global experience.
โข Positive and collaborative work environment. REQUIREMENTS โข Certifications or training in travel and expense management systems (e.g., SAP Concur, Oracle Travel & Expenses, or similar platforms) is an advantage.
โข Bachelorโs degree in accounting, finance, or related field is a must
โข Advanced degree or professional certification in data systems or ERP platforms is desirable
โข Minimum 5โ7 years of experience in accounting or financial management roles
โข Experience working with INGOs or international development organisations
โข Prior involvement in supporting users through change, especially where new systems are introduced, is a plus.
โข Familiarity with various travel and expense management systems and tools.
โข Experience in user acceptance testing, ensuring the tool meets the business requirements and is free from critical bugs, is a plus.
โข Experience conducting user training sessions, post-launch user support, addressing questions, troubleshooting issues, and gathering feedback for continuous improvement
โข Strong understanding of financial processes and international accounting standards
โข Attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and compliance
โข Proficiency in financial systems and Microsoft Excel; experience with ERP systems preferred
โข Experience in project implementation, systems testing, and end-user training
โข Analytical skills and problem-solving mindset
โข Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively build relationships with stakeholders at various levels. Excellent presentation and writing skills.
โข Fluent in both spoken and written English; proficiency in French or Spanish is a plus
โข Dynamic self-starter with a strong ability to learn quickly and work under pressure, delivering results with high accuracy
โข Results-driven, hands-on mentality with the ability to prioritise and organise work in a fast-paced environment
โข Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a diverse, multicultural team environment SALARY The minimum gross annual salary for this position is EUR 40'480. While this is an indicative amount effective as of the current date, changes may occur as per IUCN's compensation practices without prior notice. The same applies to other organisations hosted by IUCN.
APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the \"Apply\" button.
Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
About IUCN
IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.
Created in 1948, IUCN is now the worldโs largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.
IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve peopleโs well-being.
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