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 International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH)
UNU-International Institute for Global Health is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-IIGH was established in 2005 with the mission to advance evidence-based policy on key issues related to sustainable development and global health. UNU-IIGH aims to build knowledge and capacity for decision-making by UN agencies, UN programmes and Member States towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Leveraging its position within the UN, UNU-IIGH works with a network of academic, policy and civil society experts to serve as a platform for critical thinking and exchange of knowledge and tools for policy influence and consensus-building. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu/iigh.
Responsibilities
Under the guidance and supervision of the Head of Operations (HOO), the Operations & Finance Associate (OFA) ensures effective execution of financial services and processes at UNU-IIGH and transparent utilization of financial resources. The OFA promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UN and UNU rules and regulations.
The OFA works in close collaboration with the operations team, work package lead, and project staff at UNU-IIGH and UNU-Centre to resolve finance-related issues and ensure consistent service delivery and information exchange.
Support the implementation of UNU-IIGH operational and financial management strategies, focusing on achievement of the following results:
Assist in the implementation of operational and financial management strategies, ensuring compliance with UN/UNU rules and regulations of financial processes, records and reports (monthly and year-end closing), and audit follow-up, under the guidance of the HOO.
Contribute to the application and improvement of the UNU internal control framework, identifying and escalating risks to the HOO as appropriate.
Provide input into UNU-IIGH finance business processes mapping and support the implementation of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance in consultation with HOO and Director
Support the preparation and monitoring of Finance team results-oriented workplans; ensuring alignment with established objectives and direction from the HOO.
2. Provide accounts payable and financial transaction support to the Finance Unit, focusing on achievement of the following results:
Process accounts payable transactions, ensuring proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports, preparation of all types of vouchers, and payments execution.
Maintain accurate accruals internal expenditures control system, ensuring vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Quantum.
Process travel claims, and other entitlements as required.
Facilitate timely closure of accounts (requisitions, purchase orders and contracts) at month-end and year-end, and take corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, and unapproved vouchers.
Respond to UNU HQ requests to resolve financial data issues, including follow-up of vouchers with banking errors, and escalating issues as needed.
3. Provide accounting, reporting and administrative support to the Finance Unit, focusing on achievement of the following results:
Prepare Accounts Receivable group entries, deposit entries and creates payment applications, ensure accuracy and compliance.
Compile supporting documents for the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, and prepare General Ledger journal (ZDI) entries.
Prepare and submit timely VAT reports for the Malaysian authorities and other statutory financial reports as required.
Act as the asset manager in all transactions related to the subject, such as but not limited to receipting, yearly physical checks, asset registration (tagging & monitoring of movements) and reconciliation.
4. Support systems, compliance and process improvement initiatives:
Serve as key user for ERP system (e.g., Quantum), supporting data integrity, user training, and system enhancement as directed.
Support audit preparation and the implementation of audit recommendation, ensuring compliance with established requirements, based on the guidance from UNU HQ.
Contribute to process improvements to streamline workflows and enhance service delivery, in alignment with guidance from the HOO.
Assist in the development and updating of standard operating procedures and training materials for easy references based on UNU HQโs guidance.
5. Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor, but not limited to:
Support the training and onboarding of finance and non-finance staff and personnel on financial procedures and best practices, as directed by the HOO.
Support the HOO in representing the finance functions in internal meetings and working groups as assigned.
Liaise with UNU HQ and external parties to facilitate effective financial collaboration and compliance, referring strategic matters to the HOO.
Provide administrative office support services to help ensure the smooth functioning of the institute.
Key performance indicators
Timely, complete, and accurate financial transactions and 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.
Prompt and effective resolution of finance-related queries from internal and external stakeholders.
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
A bachelorโs degree in Finance, Accounting or related discipline; OR High School Diploma with a specialized certification in Accounting and Finance, with two years of additional experience in lieu of a bachelorโs degree.
Part-qualified accountants from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage
2) Required skills and experience
High School Diploma with six (6) years of progressively responsible finance and accounting experience; OR Bachelorโs Degree with four (4) years of relevant progressively responsible finance and accounting experience.
Working knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) is preferred;
Advanced knowledge and experience in the use of MS Office such as Excel spreadsheets and Word.
Strong ability to support the planning, monitoring, and implementation of travel, administrative and event logistic arrangements.
Strong ability to work under minimal supervision and with a high level of resilience.
Ability to establish priorities, multitask, and work within tight timelines.
Experience in the handling of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems or other web-based management systems.
Knowledge of UN systems is an advantage.
Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
3) Language Requirements
Fluency in English is required.
Knowledge of the national language of the duty station is desirable.
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.
Applicant must be a Malaysian resident holding a valid passport and /or identity card, or a valid Resident Permit to work and live in the country
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
Submissions must be received by 22 December 2025 at 11.59 PM (MYT) 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
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.
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