Finance Assistant

OVERVIEW
Post Number: 1

ITSC 0989TP

Grade: G-5

Parent Sector:
Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station:
Trieste

Job Family:
Natural Sciences

Type of contract:
Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years renewable

Recruitment open to:
Internal and external candidates

Final date to receive applications: 10‑DEC‑2025 (EXTENDED)

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

Only candidates who are entitled to work in the European Union (EU) may apply to this position.

Founded in 1964 by the late Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam and located in Trieste (Italy) the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) seeks to accomplish its mandate by providing scientists from developing countries with the continuing education and skills that they need to enjoy long and productive careers. ICTP has been a major force in stemming the scientific brain drain from the developing world.

For more than 50 years ICTP has been a driving force behind global efforts to advance scientific expertise in the developing world.

REQUIRED RESPONSIBILITIES

Receives all invoices issued to the order of ICTP.

Examines invoices to verify correctness and correspondence with Purchase Orders issued by the competent administrative offices, ensuring conformity with ICTP’s financial rules and procedures.

Submits invoices to Allotment Holders to collect their certification that goods have been supplied and/or services have been rendered in accordance with the terms of the contract/purchase order and to obtain or verify the correct budget code.

Interacts with Allotment Holders, the Procurement Office and various firms and suppliers to eliminate discrepancies and solve related issues.

Certifies invoices within the delegated authority (within the applicable threshold) after verification with Allotment Holders.

Maintains archives of the Invoice Control and prepares reports and statements on the above activities as required.

Examines Requests for Debit Notes, verifies documentation appropriateness, issues ICTP Debit Notes for reimbursement of costs of services rendered by ICTP or its administrative infrastructure to external organizations/institutions, and prepares credit notes when adjustments or corrections are needed.

Prepares transmission letters and dunning letters for collection of outstanding amounts receivable on request from the Supervisor and for his/her signature.

Verifies Purchase Orders, ensures procurement rules adherence, documentation completeness, and budget/accounting information correctness.

Verifies undelivered orders periodically and takes action to close them where possible.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Accountability

Communication

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Planning and organizing

Results focus

Teamwork

Professionalism

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education

Completed secondary technical and/or vocational school.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of experience in Finance, Accounting, Budget or related field.

Good knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping procedures.

Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc).

Skills / Competencies

Excellent analytical skill.

Ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure.

High level of reliability with a responsive and service‑minded attitude and behaviour.

Ability to prioritize, plan and organize own work in order to respect deadlines.

Languages

Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English and/or Italian and good knowledge of the other.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education

Relevant post‑secondary education and professional certification in Finance or related field.

Work Experience

Experience in a scientific organization or educational institute at international level.

Knowledge of invoice control process.

Skills / Competencies

Ability to interpret and use policies related to Finance and Budgeting.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
UNESCO 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 €43,792. For full information on benefits and entitlements please consult our Guide to…