Finance Assistant

UNESCO; Paris; Sur place; EUR 44 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

An international organization based in Paris is seeking a Finance Assistant to support loan and savings operations. The successful candidate will manage member accounts, provide advice on loans, and ensure compliance with financial regulations. Ideal candidates will have a background in finance, experience in a similar role, and strong skills in Excel. Competitive benefits are included.

Prestations

30 days annual leave

Medical insurance

Pension plan

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of professional experience in a financial institution or similar role.
• Ability to calculate figures related to loans and banking.

Responsabilités

• Provide loan advice and simulations, review applications for compliance.
• Administer member savings accounts and daily savings operations.
• Assist in system interfaces and prepare internal reports.

Connaissances

Banking regulations

Accounting

Mortgage and personal loans

Data processing

Communication skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Formation

Completed secondary or vocational school degree in banking or business administration

Outils

Excel

Banking IT systems

Description du poste

Overview

Post Number: FIN 980

Grade: G-5

Parent Sector: Bureau of Financial Management

Duty Station: Paris, France

Classification of duty station: Europe & North America

Standard Duration of Assignment: 2 years, renewable

Job Family: Finances

Type of contract: Fixed-Term

Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 02-OCT-2025

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

Overview of the functions of the post

USLS is the UNESCO Staff Savings and Loan Service. USLS is established in the form of a trust fund operated in accordance with the financial rules of the Organization under the authority of the Director General. The object of the USLS is to provide the possibility to its members on a mutualist basis of investing their savings and of borrowing money for suitable purposes.

Under the authority of the Director of Finance, overall supervision of the General Manager and the direct supervision of the Finance Officers and in conformity with the guidelines and instructions of the Board of Management, the incumbent mainly provides administrative and support services in relation to loans and savings activities but will also be requested to build reports, tables & statistics work in USLS IT tools or Excel under the instructions of the supervisors.

The work encompasses delivery of specialized support in a range of areas, especially finance, administration of members' personal data, bank accounts, electronic banking platforms and other banking services.

The incumbent reports to different supervisors depending on the nature of tasks. The responsibilities are therefore structured as follows:

1. Under the supervision of the Finance Officer (Loans):

   • Provide loan advice and simulations to members, review applications for compliance, and recommend appropriate financing solutions.
   • Prepare loan files, liaise with notaries, disburse funds, and ensure accurate documentation for audit purposes.
   • Monitor member repayments, process reimbursements, and follow up on overdue accounts.

2. Under the supervision of the Finance Officer (Savings):

   • Open and manage members’ savings accounts, update personal/banking data, and verify required documentation.
   • Administer daily savings operations (deposits, withdrawals, transfers, FX conversions, vendor-related transactions) and ensure compliance for special accounts.
   • Input and control data in USLS systems, archive documents, and produce standard member reports, letters, or attestations.

3. Under the supervision of the General Manager or Finance Officers (IT, reporting, committees, projects):

   • Act as IT reference point for reporting, troubleshooting, and supporting colleagues; assist in system interfaces and draft/update procedures.
   • Maintain USLS communication channels (intranet, internet) and prepare internal reports/tables as per templates.
   • Organize logistics for committee meetings and the General Assembly, record decisions and monitor follow-up actions.
   • Contribute to projects, working groups, and system testing, performing other delegated tasks as required.

Competencies (Core / Managerial)

• Accountability
• Communication
• Innovation
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
• Planning and organizing
• Results focus
• Teamwork
• Professionalism

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

Required qualifications

Education:

• Completed secondary, technical or vocational school degree in banking or business administration.

Work experience:

• Minimum five (5) years of relevant professional experience in a similar role in a financial institution, financial service of a company, loan broker or insurance company is mandatory.

Skills/Competencies:

• General knowledge required: banking regulations, accounting and mortgage & personal loans granting rules and related calculations, skilled knowledge of bank payments processing, ability to calculate figures and amounts such as interest, commissions, proportions and percentages.
• Proficiency in banking or credit union IT systems, Office software, especially Excel and bank payment platforms.
• Ability to work with several currencies and perform accurate currency conversions.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to work with Excel tables, formulas and compile figures and data.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and customer service skills
• Results-driven with attention to detail, rigor, and risk awareness
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and database processing tools
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage shifting priorities
• Committed to procedural compliance and accurate follow-up on outstanding items
• Reliable, adaptable, and able to work independently or in a team
• Ethical, trustworthy, and committed to confidentiality and data privacy
• Dedicated to delivering consistent, high-quality work under varying conditions

Languages:

• Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of English or French and good knowledge of the other.

Desirable qualifications

Education:

• University degree in banking or business administration.

Skills/Competencies:

• Knowledge of specialised loan simulations software is an asset.
• Knowledge of UNESCO and USLS policy and practices, in particular USLS Rules and Regulations and the USLS General conditions for the granting of loans is an asset.

Languages:

• Knowledge (oral and written) of another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish).

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 43 734 Euro €.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our guide to staff benefits.

Selection and recruitment process

Please note that all candidates must complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as an interview.

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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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 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 are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals 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. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.