Administration and Finance Officer

BUDGET AND FINANCE OFFICE – Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Contractual Arrangement: Fixed-term appointment

Contract Duration: 1 year renewable subject to availability of funds, satisfactory performance and continuing need for the post

Location: France-Lyon

Office: Budget and Finance Office

Employment Type: Full-time

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), is the cancer research agency of the World Health Organization (WHO) and is based in Lyon, France. Under the general direction and supervision of the Director, Administration and Finance Officer (SSR/DAF), the incumbent is responsible for coordinating and developing the Agency’s biennial programme budget, supervising the Budget and Finance Office and regularly analysing and revising work procedures to stimulate new approaches and methods of work. The incumbent also has responsibility to identify and support development of new funding sources and opportunities for cost savings in order for the Agency to fully achieve its potential.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Effective leadership, management and oversight of the Budget and Finance Office to ensure efficiency of services according to applicable rules and regulations. Fosters a service-oriented approach among the team, encouraging initiative towards new modalities to reach management targets. Identifies and monitors performance targets.
2. Lead and manage the preparation of IARC’s biennial programme and budget. Prepare budget scenarios and draft the Agency’s programme budget for review by DAF and approval by the Director. Facilitate the financing dialogues with Participating States.
3. Manage budget allocations and monitor the implementation of the financial side of the Agency’s programme budget. Prepare the Agency’s Financial Report, including IPSAS compliant Financial Statements and Notes to the Financial Statements. Be responsible for maintaining the information on IARC Internet related to the Agency’s funding. Report IARC financial statistic data to the UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB).
4. Provide periodic financial status reports and forward projections of financial position to the Director to permit timely decisions on programme and management activities. Provide strategic advice on funding options.
5. Provide management review and advice, as required, on budget and finance policy matters and processes in the Agency, and provision of implementation support. Develop the administrative policies, and budgetary and financial control guidelines and procedures for the Agency. Coordinate the annual Internal Control Self-Assessment.
6. Under the supervision of Director, Administration and Finance (DAF), proactively develop the business model for the Agency including identification of new funding streams, cost savings and cost recovery across the Organization.
7. Provide senior operational support to the Director, Administration and Finance (DAF), and Branch/Deputy Branch Heads in attracting new Participating States and estimating, negotiating, and finalizing contracts for extra budgetary resources. Monitor status of collection of assessed contributions from Participating States. Monitor accounts receivable aging and ensure timely follow-up of payment from donors. Be responsible for managing all financial and management reporting requirements imposed by donors, within the strict timeframes required. Maintain updated funder intelligence, advising on potential opportunities for new extra budgetary resources accordingly.
8. Coordination of external, internal, Joint Inspection Unit and related audit visits to the Agency. Coordinate overall responses to audit reports and management letters, prepare specific responses related areas of responsibility and monitor overall implementation of audit recommendations which result.
9. Be responsible for the comprehensive and effective management of the Travels that includes identification of the strategic issues, development and application of relevant administrative policies and procedures.
10. Within authority delegated by the Director, Administration and Finance (DAF), attend consultative and coordination meetings with other international organizations on administrative matters of common interest; represent IARC in consultations/negotiations with national authorities and non-governmental organizations. Represent the Agency in Global WHO meetings on budget and finance or other general administrative issues. Provide information to Participating States in relation to IARC administrative matters, including presentations at Governing and Scientific Council meetings.
11. Support the DAF and other SSR units in the implementation of an ERP system, working closely with the IT team to ensure that the BFO IT environment and systems are responsive to the organization’s needs.
12. Serve as Deputy Head of SSR, member of the Senior Advisory Team (SAT) and member of various committees within and outside the Agency. Act as DAF, as well as other SSR unit heads during absences.
13. Perform any other specific tasks as may be designated from time to time by the Director, Administration and Finance (DAF) or by the Director of the Agency.

WHO COMPETENCIES

1. Creating an empowering and motivating environment.
2. Ensure the effective use of resources.
3. Moving forward in a changing environment.
4. Fostering integration and teamwork.
5. Communicating in a credible and effective way.
6. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

1. Demonstrated understanding of financial markets/products and familiarity with innovative finance as it relates to the international development field. Knowledge of resource mobilization strategies as well as analytical methods.
2. Evidence of substantial application and knowledge of IPSAS principles.
3. Ability to organize and supervise staff and their activities which are of a complex nature.
4. Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle or Workday.
5. Practical knowledge of Microsoft Office software with excellent Excel skills.
6. Through knowledge of WHO or UN structure, programmes, policies and procedures.
7. Ability to stimulate active participation and initiative among the staff under supervision; accessible for discussion of and positive approach to problem solving.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Essential: Advanced university degree in public or business administration, economics, law, accountancy, or a related subject with specialization in budget and finance from a WHED accredited /recognized institution.

Desirable: Professional qualification in accountancy and/or audit.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Essential: At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in resource planning, budget formulation and presentation, financial monitoring, analysis and interpretation of results, or related areas in a complex organization of which at least 5 years’ experience at the international level in the public or private sector including IPSAS/IFRS accounting experience. Experience in application of result-based budgeting and/or management methodologies.

Working experience in a scientific research environment.

Experience in ERP implementation projects.

UN experience particularly in administration and finance.

Experience in formulation of new strategies and approaches to financial resource management issues.

Demonstrated success in designing and implementing resource mobilization initiatives.

USE OF LANGUAGE SKILLS

Excellent knowledge of English is essential and working knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of other WHO official language would be an asset.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 package.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 92,731 (subject to applicable deductions), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 4,582 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level or lower. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted. A written test and/or presentation/seminar may be used as a form of screening. If your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. IARC/WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules, and Manual noting that the first year of fixed term contracts is a probationary period which may be extended subject to performance evaluation.

IARC/WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The IARC/WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics. IARC/WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Participating States are strongly encouraged to apply for IARC/WHO jobs. Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to .

An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. IARC/WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the IARC/WHO Values Charter into practice.

IARC/WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the IARC/WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to IARC/WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment, and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, IARC/WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

IARC/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

IARC/WHO also offers a wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to fully express and develop their talents.

The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with IARC/WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to an international post with IARC/WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.