FINANCIAL OFFICER TO IMPLEMENT UNESCO PROJECTS AT CRDP

Under the framework of UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office projects in Lebanon, the Center for Educational Research and Development (CRDP) is deeply involved in a variety of ongoing initiatives closely aligned with UNESCO's overarching mission. These initiatives are carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

CRDP's engagement includes its role as a partner with UNESCO in the implementation of two main components of the Education Cannot Wait funded Multi-year Resilience Program (MYRP):

• Outcome #1: Ensuring that crisis-affected girls and boys have access to inclusive, gender-responsive, and relevant quality learning. This specifically involves the implementation of blended learning solutions for early learners.
• Outcome #2: Focusing on the goal of crisis-affected girls, boys, and adolescents achieving better learning outcomes in education. This involves the development of second-language preparedness for early learners.

CRDP is also actively participating in the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) initiative as UNESCO's partner for the implementation of the UNESCO-led Greening Education Partnership, which encompasses the following components:

• Building the capacity of CRDP trainers in ESD and greening education.
• Developing educational materials on ESD and greening education.
• Raising awareness on climate change education through the green demonstration room.
• Enhancing the capacity of teachers and school principals in ESD and greening education.
• Contributing to the development of a National Policy on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) & Greening Education."

The recruitment of a Financial Officer is needed to support the operationalization of the joint projects (Blended learning, Languages training, Greening Education…) between UNESCO and CRDP. Under the close supervision and guidance of the Head of Accounting Unit at CRDP and the Head of Preservice In Service Training Bureau (PITB), the Financial Officer will provide financial support.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Finance Manager will have specific duties related to:

Budget forecasting and management:

• Prepare the budget needed for each project and follow up on any updates and correct any discrepancy.
• Present budget real vs estimated at the end of the training.
• Manage the Accounting, Procurement and Payroll Functions
• Apply taxes exemption according to policy.
• Prepare payments documents, bank transfers, letters, and compiling documents to be shared for signatures.
• Ensure that all financial transactions are accurate and well documented.
• Prepare all the necessary documents and face form related to trainers’ accommodation
• Provide Reports about the training to PITB and UNESCO;
• Ensure proper filing of paperwork for all financial transactions processed
• Follow up on any updates related to the training;
• Assist in meetings related to the training;
• Prepare and support the documentation during audit
• Assist PITB head and the head of Accounting Unit in administrative matters and tasks;

Money transfers and payments:

• Coordinate with the 33 DENs to get the necessary information about participants for payments transfers, including transaction details, amounts, and recipients.
• Prepare reconciliation file for OMT and bank account and make sure payments are collected,
•  Coordinate with the directors of training centers about complaints related to payment transfers and compile a list to send to UNESCO.
• Follow up with PITB team, Accounting Unit team and UNESCO about complaints status.
• Manage the process of transferring funds for purchases and payments to vendors and staff according to provided information.
• Collect and verify invoices and receipts and share them with UNESCO.

Procurement:

• Oversee the procurement process for goods and services needed for the trainings.
• Collaborate with vendors, suppliers, and service providers to negotiate terms and pricing.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Master degree or equivalent related in Finance or Accounting.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.
• Advanced computer skills and expertise in Excel and spreadsheets.
• High numeracy skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Good communication (verbal and written) and strong interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills and capacity to analyze and prioritize needs
• Team player who takes initiative, problem-solver and able to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing project requirements.
• Written and oral communication skills in Arabic and English (French is a plus).