Finance Officer (Savings)

UNESCO; Paris; Sur place; EUR 89 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

An international organization in Paris is seeking a Finance Manager responsible for cash management and investments. The role includes supervising the Savings Section and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate must have an advanced degree in finance, at least 4 years of experience in a related field, and strong analytical skills. A range of benefits including annual leave and medical insurance is offered.

Prestations

30 days annual leave

Family allowance

Medical insurance

Pension plan

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of experience in cash management.
• Proven experience in managing finance in a corporate or banking environment.
• Excellent communication skills in English or French.

Responsabilités

• Manage cash management activities and investments.
• Supervise the Savings Section and its operations.
• Ensure compliance with internal regulations.

Connaissances

Cash management

Financial analysis

Problem-solving

Team management

Strong communication

Formation

Advanced university degree in Finance, Accounting or Management

Professional financial qualification (CFA, FRM, etc.)

Outils

Treasury management software

Spreadsheets

Description du poste

Overview

Post Number: FIN 978

Grade: P-3

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

The UNESCO Staff and Savings and Loan Service (USLS) is an integral part of UNESCO and has been set as a Fund-in-trust of the Organization. Its mission is to offer staff members savings and loan options in a mutualist spirit. The USLS has approximately 3,600 members who have the possibility to hold a savings account in euros and US dollars. The Savings Section handles the opening / closing of savings accounts and the daily operations of deposits / withdrawals by bank transfers.

Under the overall authority of the Chief Financial Officer and the direct supervision of the General Manager, in compliance with the guidelines and decisions of the Board of Management, the incumbent will be responsible for managing cash management activities, investments, continuing the post-implementation monitoring of the new IT system and supervising the Savings Section (3 supervised staffs).

Main tasks

1. Investment & treasury management

• Monitor bank accounts balances and anticipate cash needs in relation to members’ transactions and investments.
• Update the cash flow forecasts according to activity trends and exchange rates.
• Optimize daily cash flow management and invest the surpluses in monetary and fixed income products (EUR, USD) in accordance with the investment policy and the counterparty and country limits set.
• Monitor the performance of internal / external portfolios, propose arbitrage transactions, ensure the update and accuracy of data inputted in the treasury management software.
• Participate in the review of investment policy and monitor related risks (interest rate, market, liquidity, credit).
• Prepare cash flow projections and adjust investment decisions accordingly.

2. Supervision of members’ operations

• Control and validate withdrawals and foreign exchange operations, contact members for verification if necessary, resolve transactions related issues and payment rejections.
• Improve procedures, optimize processes and risk controls.

3. Supervision of the Savings Unit

• Approve the opening of members' accounts, validate payments, ensure compliance of operations with internal regulations and procedures and compliance of payments with banking standards and internal processes.
• Manage the risks of the Unit’s activities and operations and implement risk improvement and mitigation measures.
• Ensure the daily management of the team

4. Focal point for the treasury management system

• Focal point for information / general briefing on the treasury software for USLS team.
• Produce / supervise the creation of personalized reports in the treasury software, monitor the correct settings of the payments and investments in collaboration with the Middle-office of FIN Division, coordinate system changes and updates impacting USLS.
• Produce / supervise the production of specific reports for the Notes to financial statements.

5. Focal point for the new USLS IT system

• Coordinate information to members and the follow-up of potential remaining deliverables and expected corrections during the post-implementation phase of the new system (compile the list of potential anomalies / bugs, their corrections, report definitions & requested improvements, training, etc.).
• Supervise the update of the technical documentation and procedures manual.

Competencies

Core / Managerial competencies include: Communication, Accountability, Innovation, Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement, Planning and organizing, Results focus, Teamwork, Professionalism, Building partnerships, Driving and managing change, Leading and empowering others, Making quality decisions, Managing performance, Strategic thinking.

For detailed information, please consult the relevant UNESCO guidelines.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Finance, Accounting or Management with majors in financial management.
• A professional financial qualification such as CFA / FRM / CA / CPA / ACCA or equivalent.

Work Experience:

• At least 4 years of experience in a bank and/or corporate treasury department with proven experience in cash management and fixed-income, bond investments (front-office position), cash flow management, of which preferably 2 years at an international level.

Skills and Competencies:

• In-depth knowledge and practical experience of the operating rules of financial markets and classic financial instruments.
• Good knowledge of IPSAS or IFRS accounting standards applicable to financial instruments and basic accounting posting for simple financial transactions.
• Good knowledge of specialized software in cash management (TMS) and classic office software, notably spreadsheets and data analysis capabilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, numerical aptitude with ability to identify problems and propose improvements.
• Demonstrated organizational and coordination skills with ability to take initiative and manage priorities efficiently.
• Ability to comply with rules, regulations and administrative guidelines.
• Ability to manage efficiently and maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment.
• Excellent ability to draft clearly and concisely and to present in English and/or French.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including ability to interact with colleagues and USLS members and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage heavy workload, work under pressure, and meet tight deadlines with attention to detail and quality.

Languages:

• Excellent level in English or French and a good level of the other language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience:

• Experience in an international organization / institution or in the United Nations system.
• Experience in managing a small team.

Skills and Competencies:

• Knowledge of UNESCO’s general related policies and practices and USLS Rules and Regulations.
• Good knowledge of bank payment systems functioning and international payment formats (XML ISO 20022).

Languages:

• Good knowledge of another working language of the United Nations (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish).

Benefits and entitlements

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include, where applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan, etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 103 684 US$.