United Nations 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
United Nations University Vice-Rectorate in Europe (UNU-ViE)
The United Nations University Vice-Rectorate in Europe (UNU-VIE), established in 2007 in Bonn, Germany, is one of two UNU Vice-Rectorates and the only one located in Europe. It supports the institutional development of UNU, facilitates collaboration across UNU and the UN, as well as fosters strategic partnerships - particularly with the Global South - and shares knowledge and expertise through the development of joint activities and projects. In addition, UNU-VIE conducts frontier research reinforcing existing UNU programming and supporting the implementation of key UN priorities. More information about UNU-VIE can be found here: .
United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS):
The United Nations University’s Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) was established in 2003 in Bonn, Germany. The institute conducts research work focusing on advancing human security and well-being by addressing present and future risks arising from environmental hazards and climate change. Its main areas of work are risk & adaptation and transformation. In addition to its research work, UNU-EHS offers education opportunities at the master’s level and hosts a number of international PhD projects and capacity-development courses on global issues of environmental risks and sustainable development. More information about UNU-EHS can be found here: https://unu.edu/ehs.
Responsibilities
Under the authority of the Vice-Rector in Europe, guidance of the Finance and Administrative Officer and the direct supervision of the Operation Associate (Focal Point), the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:
1. Assist in travel planning and coordination
* Support travel management processes at Travel Arranger and ensure that all travel is expeditiously processed and fully compliant with corporate travel guidelines and requirements;
* Work closely with the contracted travel agent to ensure provision of high-quality professional service and compliance with UNU travel policy in terms of air ticket procurement, hotel reservation, logistical, visa, insurance, and other arrangements, if any;
* Correspond with UNU travelers (UNU Personnel and meeting participants) on travel routes, entitlements. costs and requirements;
* Process travel authorizations in line with travel entitlement for UNU personnel travelling on official travel;
2. Assist in the administration process associated with travel request processing
* Process Travel Requests, Travel Claims and Expense Report of Travel and Expense module in UNAll and ERP financial management system;
* Submit request to create or update travel profile;
* Process Requisitions and Purchase Orders for travel in ERP financial management system, and payments for travel-related and non-travel related invoices;
* Assist UNU travelers in Visa (monitor “Note Verbale” log, review and file the documents);
* Contribute to initiatives to review workflows and streamline financial processes to enhance efficiency and productivity during the implementation stage of ERP system (Quantum);
3. Provide support in procurement activities
* Provide support in the process of acquiring goods and services for UNU-ViE/EHS by liaising with requesters and vendors;
* Assist in the preparation of procurement plans;
* Act as supplier maintenance focal point in the ERP system;
4. Provide support in administrative and asset management activities
* Provide general office support services (incl. office move, office setting, office supply, mails and logistics) to help ensure the smooth functioning of UNU-ViE/EHS;
* Assist in the asset management for UNU-ViE/EHS
* Assist in the reconciliation of the year-end physical verification results to the AM asset register and resolve discrepancy items;
5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Key Performance Indicators
* Timely and proper solicitation processes
* Timely and quality asset management
* Timely and quality travel management (Process Travel Request (TR), Travel Claim (TC) and Expense Report (ER))
* Prompt and effective resolution to UNU personnel’s queries
Competencies
Values:
* Inclusion — 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 — 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 — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
* Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet
Behaviours:
* Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
* Analyse and plan — 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 — 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 — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
* Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
1) Education and certification
* Completed secondary education.
* A first (or higher) level university degree in business administration, or a related field will be considered an asset.
2) Required skills and experience
* Minimum three (3) years of working experience, ideally touching the functions of Travel and or Operations support
* Familiarity with UN rules and regulation concerning administration, Travel, finance, procurement, would be a distinct advantage;
* Experience in administrative and or procurement roles at the national or international level;
* Proficient in the use of MS Office applications;
* Experience in using Oracle PeopleSoft (ATLAS, Quantum) or any other ERP system is highly desirable;
* Good communication and interpersonal skills, Excellent time management skills, forward planning, with the ability to work under pressure and with minimal supervision;
* Conscientious and efficient in establishing work priorities and able to complete tasks within the timelines
* Reflected team player with strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
3) Language Requirements:
* Fluency in English is required
* Fluency in German is an asset
Remuneration
The successful candidate will be employed under a national PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.
UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of PSA holders.
Duration of contract
The duration of the initial contract is 1 year. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years. This post is open to applicants from all countries and UNU will aid the
successful applicant in securing a work visa for Germany, as necessary. It is, however, a locally recruited post and no relocation allowances
apply. The duty station will be Bonn, Germany.
Starting date
Immediate
How to Apply
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
* 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);
* provide a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
* 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
3 March 2025
Submissions must be received by [time, timezone] 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
PSA holders are neither “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations nor “officials” for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations (1946). They are subject to the Rector's authority and 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 at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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.